The marula tree … the subject of so many UTube videos, showing elephants and monkeys feasting on the little green fruit that it drops, and then appearing completely intoxicated.

Unfortunately, this is just a myth … whilst the videos are immensely amusing to watch, they are actually just the by-product of some clever editing.

The green fruit are actually completely harmless to animals, and it is not actually chemically possible for the fruit to contain alcohol … it is only the processing afterwards that turns the fruit into the delicious, creamy Amarula liqueur.

And, did you know that the marula tree can be either male or female, and it is only the female tree that has the fruit ?

So next time you are out on a game drive in the African bush, you can amaze your fellow guests with your outstanding knowledge about marula trees. And on the subject of game drives … when you stop for your morning coffee break ask for a shot of Amarula in with your coffee or hot chocolate … it is simply delicious !!!

Number 5 in the folklore series !

Why the Snake can Shed his Skin

In The Beginning, Man struck a deal with The Creator that he would not die. Instead, when he got old, The Creator would send down a new skin for Man to put on, which would make him young again.

One day, Man asked The Creator to prepare him a lot of new skins, so that he could give them to all his friends and family. The Creator worked very hard, but Man was very impatient and kept demanding that The Creator worked quicker to complete his task.

At last The Creator finished the skins, and put them in a basket and asked Jackal to deliver it to Man.

On the way to the village, Jackal stopped for a meal. He ate so much he felt very tired afterwards, so lay down to rest a while before continuing on his journey.

After a short while, Snake slithered past. Snake stopped and asked Jackal what was in the basket. Jackal told him about delivering the new skins to Man.

Snake liked the idea of living forever, and wanted the skins for himself. He offered to look after the basket while Jackal had a little sleep. Jackal thanked Snake, and promptly fell asleep.

When Snake was sure that Jackal was sleeping soundly, he took the basket of skins and disappeared into the bush.

When Jackal awoke, he was distraught to realise that he had been betrayed. He rushed to the village and told Man what had happened.

Man was annoyed with Jackal for being so careless, but was not duly concerned as he thought The Creator would simply make him some more skins.

However, The Creator was angry at the way Man had treated him, so refused to make any more skins. Man therefore had to die when he became old. Man blamed Jackal for this, and chased him away from the village.

The Creator was also angry with Snake for being so cunning, so took away the magic power from the skins, leaving them just as ordinary skins with no ability to prolong life.

To this day, Man still hates Jackals and Snakes, but Snakes still have the basket of skins so that they can change their old skins for new ones whenever they want.

The new Summit Lounge at the top of Table Mountain has recently opened, and just in time to welcome the warm summer months.

And can you think of a better way to enjoy a summer sunset other than at the top of such a fantastic place, with a cocktail in your hand ? Especially if the price to get you up to the top of the mountain is half price ?

The Table Mountain Cableway are running a Sunset Special, starting on Monday November 1. Visitors pay just R90 per person return every day after 6pm. Children under 18 years pay R45 per person return after 6pm only.

The offer runs until the end of February 2011.

The Cableway operates weather permitting. For information call (021) 424 8181 or visit http://tablemountain.net/

For families or friends travelling together, why not consider booking the IsiGodlo Private Villa at AmaKhosi Safari Lodge.

AmaKhosi Safari Lodge is situated in the 12,000 hectare Amazulu Private Game Reserve, just 3 hours north of Durban. The reserve is made up of a varied ecosystem which includes savanna, mountains and wetlands – making it the ideal home to the Big 5 as well as giraffe, warthog and hyena, hippopotamus and crocodile. There are also no less than 400 bird species.

The private villa overlooks the Mkuze River and is perfectly positioned to capture every African sunset in this beautiful Zululand wilderness.

Exclusive and extremely private, the lodge caters for up to 4 guests. The spacious lounge has large leather sofas around a central fireplace, and the en-suite bedrooms all open onto a large wooden viewing deck, giving sweeping views of the valleys and wildlife below. The splash pool provides a cool relief on warm summer days and quality time spent here is the perfect way to relax and take in nature’s peaceful surroundings.

Your own ranger , tracker and private game vehicle will ensure that the game viewing experience is one you will remember for a lifetime - with each guest having their own ‘window’ seat to nature’s showpiece. Your qualified and knowledgeable ranger and tracker can also take you on foot to explore the intricacies of the African bush.

A fare of culinary aromas will heighten your senses with each dining experience being unique. Take in a true South African ‘braai’ , prepared and served by your ranger; or join other guests in the lodge dining room for an a la carte dining experience or for something truly authentic served outside under the open African sky.

For rates and availability, contact Travel Butlers today.

Safari lodges are one of the most popular places for overseas guests to get married in, and these really are ideal for couples wishing to combine romance, luxury and exclusivity with a safari adventure. The African bushveld forms a breathtaking backdrop for a wedding and safari lodges are, in themselves, immensely romantic locations.

A truly wonderful spot to say your vows can be found on the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, which forms part of the Sabi Sand Reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park.

“Fig Tree Crossing” is a dry, sandy river bank next to a huge rock, behind which grows an enormous sycamore fig tree, which during the day spreads its dappled shade across the top of the rock, making it a perfect shady spot. A wedding table is set up in the riverbed, covered in a crisp white linen cloth that contrasts beautifully against the natural colours of the bush, and decorated simply with some driftwood, pods and wild flowers. Champagne is put on ice, and chairs are set for the guests and the priest.

The bride and groom exchange their vows in front of their guests, and their new wedding rings are blessed on a porcupine quill. After the ceremony, the couple move slightly off to have their unforgettable wedding day photos taken around the rock, the tree and on the sandy river bed before celebrating with their family and friends with the now very chilled champagne.

Everyone then travels back to the lodge on an open game viewing vehicle for the wedding breakfast.

On returning to the lodge the festivities kick off with singing and dancing with members from the local Shangaan community. All guests are actively encouraged to participate in the dancing and celebrating. When the evening eventually winds down, the newly weds will retire to their “honeymoon” suite, which will have been decorated with rose petals, candles and champagne - the perfect ending to a perfect day.

Another folklore story for you to enjoy !

Why the Hippo Scatters his Dung

When The Creator made all the animals, he forgot about the Hippo, so had to make the Hippo out of all the remaining animal parts. Hippo hated the way he looked, and was too embarrassed to live on the land.

He begged The Creator to let him live in the water, where he could hide away.

The Creator refused, because he thought that Hippo, with his large mouth and teeth, would eat all the fish.

Hippo promised that he would not eat any fish, and would only eat grass, but would only come out of the water at night to eat because he didn’t want the other animals to see him.

Again, The Creator refused permission for Hippo to live in the water, because he still did not believe that Hippo would not eat the fish.

Hippo was very upset, and determined to have his way. Every day, he bombarded The Creator with the same request, until finally The Creator was tired of hearing from Hippo.

The Creator gave Hippo permission to live in the water, but on the condition that every day, when the Hippo came out of the water to feed, he scattered his dung on the land, so that The Creator could examine it to make sure that it contained no fish bones.

To this day, Hippos still live in water, and come out onto the land at night to graze and scatter their dung.

Families who want to enjoy a family safari with their children can now book a tailormade safari adventure at Phinda.

Both educational and fun-filled, this safari includes a private safari vehicle, as well as a dedicated ranger specialised in guiding trips with children.

The ranger will spend time with the family on arrival, helping them to plan each thrilling day according to the children’s ages, their interests and the season. Just some of the exciting adventures on offer include:

• Animal tracking walks during which children make plaster casts of animal tracks

• Insect hunts with ultraviolet lights to learn about nocturnal insects

• Treasure hunts through the bush

• Specially planned game drives during which youngsters are given the opportunity to feel, smell, listen and see their environment

• Making animals out of clay, tree bark rubbings, painting with sand, palm frond weaving and traditional beading

• Basic astronomy

• Canoeing, boating and fishing

The cost for the family safari is currently R6,120 for a maximum of 6 guests, excluding accommodation. In addition to the dedicated family safaris, Phinda will continue to run an exciting programme of children’s activities at their child-friendly lodges.

For the epitome in luxury travel, why not consider taking a classic train journey across South Africa’s beautiful countryside as part of your holiday plans.

For a limited period only (ie selected dates in September), we are offering a 7 night package that includes 2 nights at the St James in False Bay, followed by 2 nights on the exclusive Rovos Rail up to Pretoria, then one night in Pretoria itself, and ending with 2 nights on safari at the malaria-free Entabeni Private Game Reserve.

For more information, click on this link :

Cape Town, Rovos Rail and a Safari

Please contact us immediately to check availability and make a booking.

We have just listed this great property on our database / website :

Jewel on 32 - situated in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg.

The 6 beautiful guest rooms all have a “gem theme” , and each has its own en-suite bathroom, desk and chair and appropriately-coloured décor options. Each room comes standard with a flat screen television with satellite (cable) channels, air conditioning / heating, tea / coffee facilities, a safe for your valuables and a hair dryer.

The 4* guest house is located in Jukskei Park, just minutes away from Monte Casino with its bird park and excellent shopping and dining attractions. The guest house is also close to the Fourways shopping centre and the Coca Cola Dome (for musical events / concerts). The Cradle of Humankind, which offers heritage sites of cultural, historical and geological interest, is about 45 minutes away. Sun City and the world-famous Pilanesberg National Park (a Big Five and malaria-free zone) is a drive of about 90 minutes.

Transfers from either OR Tambo International or Lanseria airports can be easily arranged.

The rates are fantastic … just R1,450 per double or single room per night, including a full English breakfast.

Contact us today to check availability and to make a booking !

Number 3 in the folklore series … hope you are enjoying them !

Why the Rhino is Bad-Tempered

In the Beginning, the Giraffe had a normal neck, and looked a bit like a large Antelope.

One year, there was a terrible drought. All the waterholes dried up, and all the grass became very parched and bitter tasting. All the animals were extremely hungry.

Giraffe realised that the leaves on the tree tops were still fresh and tasty, and he tried to stretch his neck upwards to reach them, but couldn’t.

His friend, Rhino, seeing his friend try this, laughed at how silly he looked.

Giraffe was annoyed at being laughed at, and stormed off into the bush. He passed an old man who asked why Giraffe was so angry. Giraffe told him.

“Never mind,” said the old man. “I am a witchdoctor, and I have a special herb here which will make your friend Rhino regret laughing at you.”

He gave the herb to Giraffe, who ate it quickly.

Suddenly, Giraffe had the strangest feeling. His neck was getting longer!

He felt very dizzy as the ground started to get further and further away, and closed his eyes.

When he reopened them, he could see the lucious leaves at the top of the trees were level with his head, and he eagerly began to eat them.

When Rhino heard what had happened to his friend, he became very bad-tempered, and to this day, the Rhino is still in a bad mood.