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.

We always say that a trip to Namibia is not only an adventure, but it is also offers some superb game viewing opportunites … for these guests travelling with Springbok Atlas, this was certainly true !

I wonder if the giraffe was just lost and asking for directions to the nearest waterhole though ?

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/

The male Black Breasted Korhaan (or Choir Bird as it is also known as) has a truly bizarre mating ritual / dance designed to 100% impress the ladies.

Firstly, he will call loudly to entice a female to come nearer. When she is close enough to fully observe, he launches himself high into the sky (as they tend to favour open grasslands there is no danger of him colliding with an overhanging tree branch thankfully). He then literally plummets down towards the ground, almost as if he has forgotten how to flap his wings and fly … and at the very last minute will ‘break’ using his wings to stop an embarrassing crash landing in front of his new lady friend.

It is a very fine judgement, and the male has to work it just right … using his wings too early will mean the female will think he is weak and not a good mate … using his wings too late and he is no good for anything really.

Makes being asked out for a drink and dinner pretty boring really ….

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.

The Winchester Mansions Hotel in Sea Point, Cape Town, embodies the charm and gracious hospitality of a bygone era. Each of the luxury guest rooms have been exquisitely furnished by one of Cape Town’s leading interior designers. The beautiful courtyard, built in the style of an Italian piazza, is a tranquil oasis from the pace of city life. Encircled by palm trees and water fountains, it makes the perfect setting for relaxing or dinner. Every Sunday is Jazz day, where a magnificent brunch is served to accompany the jazz music.

Last night, the hotel hosted a Grapes, Gourmet and Gallery Evening, where art lovers with a passion for wining and dining enjoyed the finest South African signature wines from De Grendal, paired with an exclusively designed 5 course meal that was designed to complement the wines.

During the course of the evening guests marvelled at art pieces by South African artist, Derrick Bosch from the Patrice Boussekey Eclectic Art Gallery. Derrick studied film make-up in London and now lives and paints in Germany. He is inspired by the film industry thus his work consists of portraits of actors and film sets. He is a realist painter and works with oil-based glazes to obtain the realistic colors of the landscapes.

The evening ended with an auction of gifts donated by De Grendelm and all funds raised through the auction were donated to StreetSmart South Africa, a conduit fundraising initiative that contributes directly towards enabling street children to live a viable life in society.

For guests staying at either Vumbura Plains, Little Vumbura or Duba Plains, they can now enjoy and take part in a village tour from the camps.

The tour involves travelling by helicopter on a 15 minute scenic flight each way to the local village of Gunotsoga, which is a small community village with a population of about 750 people.

The tour will include being met by the chief, seeing the primary school and local clinic and visiting the local ironmonger and see how various implements are forged. The approximate 3 hour trip is designed to enhance guests’ understanding of local Setswana life and culture.