The Amarula Lapa is the hospitality centre for the now world-famous Spirit of Africa. Made from thatch, stone and wood, it is a simply constructed but luxurious and welcoming spot created from traditional materials.

Here, just 12km south west of Phalaborwa, guests can sample Amarula in a variety of ways, learn about the origins of the world-famous drink and buy Amarula memorabilia.

Close by is the processing plant where the fresh marula fruit is brought during the harvesting season but the Lapa itself is open all year round to give visitors the chance to experience Amarula at its source

So, when you are next planning a visit to see Africa’s Big Five and are on your way to the Kruger National Park, come and stretch your legs at the Amarula Lapa. You’ll be glad you did.

The  Marula Tree (Sclerocarya birrea), sometimes called the Elephant Tree, is an African botanical treasure steeped in culture, romance and legend. It grows only in sub-equatorial Africa and can be found nowhere else.

At the height of the African summer, from mid-January to mid-March, a sweet and enticingly tropical fragrance fills the air of the sub-Saharan plains. It’s not just humans who relish the delicious wafts of sun-ripened fruit but many of the animals of the veld: elephants, rhino, warthog, kudu, baboons, vervet monkeys, zebra and porcupine. For that is when the marula fruits, heavy with goodness and flavour, drop to the ground and nature’s bounty is there for all to share.

The size of small plums but oval in shape, they are like no other fruit. Although they resemble loquats, their skins are a lighter shade of golden-yellow. Their white flesh is more like a litchi in texture but not as dense. Succulent, with a citrus tang and a creamy, nutty taste, they are loved by everyone who knows them.

Amarula has captured the heart of the marula’s uniquely exotic aromas and flavours by first fermenting the hand-harvested fruit to create a wine that is double-distilled into a clear spirit, aged in oak for 24 months. Wood spice characters of vanilla and toast are naturally imparted. Another important ingredient is fresh dairy cream. It gives Amarula its rich and velvety smooth consistency.

Available in more than 100 countries across the world, Amarula is known as the Spirit of Africa

"Amarula has captured the heart of the marula’s uniquely exotic aromas and flavours 

Phone Number:          +27 (0) 15 781 7766

Alternative :                  +27 74 496 6447

Website:                      www.amarula.com

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On a Kruger Walking Safari you are out there with the African wildlife, sharing their paths and waterholes, the daily dramas of their lives, sharing their space. Follow their tracks, feel the tingle of your own senses and hear the beating of your heart as you edge closer to a herd of elephant resting in the shade. At night, sleep in an unfenced camp with only the canvas or wooden wall between you and the African bush. Breathe Africa!

Location

The Kruger Walking Safaris operation is based in Balule section of the Greater Kruger - prime Big 5 territory! Transfers to and from Johannesburg are included in the rates. There are no fences between the Kruger National Park and Balule Reserve and the big advantage of this exclusive wilderness area is its privacy - no sharing sightings or the camp with other tourists.

People

Kruger Walking Safaris appeal to adventurous minds, keen on a learning experience. Every walk is a book on its own, with the emphasis on information relating to all the wonders of nature, big and small. Because of the dangerous aspects of a walking safari, the minimum age is 16. Although there is no maximum age, the walks can last up to 6 hours and tracking might lead the trail through thick bush, riverbeds and gullies. Therefore an average fitness level is required, especially in the hotter summer months (Nov - March). A maximum of 8 people makes up a trail, no minimum.

Departures

The scheduled safaris run every Monday-Friday (5 day / 4 night) and every Friday-Monday (4 day / 3 night).  We operate throughout the year and all departures are guaranteed but bookings need to be made in advance.

Camp

The unfenced camp is private and secluded and not open to day visitors.  The camp can sleep up to 8 people in large (walk-in) twin-bedded safari tents under thatch and large stilted air-conditioned A-Frame chalets under thatch. All accommodation units have en-suite bathrooms with hot/cold showers and flush toilets. Linen and towels are provided. The camp has been carefully designed to integrate with the natural environment and is unfenced thereby enhancing the wilderness ambiance. Recreational amenities include a remote lounge, traditional dinner Boma and viewing deck, splash pool, Jacuzzi and cosy bar.

Catering is an integral part of the walking safari and traditional meals are prepared on an open-fire in conversation with guests.  Each safari is accompanied by experienced and armed Trail Rangers and each camp is serviced by a cook and camp attendants.

Activities

The combination of walks and drives in the open 4x4 safari vehicle are dependent on weather and animal movements and are conducted from camp in the early mornings, late afternoons and at night at the sole discretion of the Trail Ranger. Each safari is basic and designed to experience the bush the way one should - on foot. Although in Big Five areas, there are no guarantees on sightings – what you see is what you get.  Kruger Walking Safaris however guarantee to be a real bush experience!

Daily Itinerary 4 or 5 Day Walking Safari (subject to change)

You will be collected on the day of departure from Johannesburg and transferred to the Greater Kruger National Park. The journey takes approximately 5.5 hours with 2 comfort stops along the way. You will get together with your rangers in Hoedspruit and sign the indemnity forms. From here, you transfer to the bush camp in the Balule Nature Reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park, making sure that you spend the maximum time out in the bush! Lunch will be served on arrival, followed by an afternoon introductory walk/drive combination, a night drive and dinner.

In the mornings we set off at first light after a snack breakfast of rusks and coffee or tea.  Enjoying the cool morning air we may walk directly from camp or else use a vehicle to get further out.  Your ranger will decipher the tracks and signs left by the passing animals during the night.  The thrill of walking, tracking and getting up close to one of the creatures of the bush is an unforgettable experience.  On the walks there is a lot of emphasis on all the interesting things seen such as trees, plants, insects and birds.  A big breakfast is prepared back in camp and then there is time to unwind and siesta during the heat of the day.  After lunch is served it is time to head out again.

The afternoon activity is a walk/ drive combination, looking for tracks and activity in other areas.  After the walk we drive to a beautiful spot in the Reserve, where we’ll have sundowners while waiting for a stunning African Sunset.  As the diurnal animals and birds anxiously get ready for bed, the stage and sounds change and a whole new world awakens. Back in camp a hearty supper and a warm campfire will be waiting for you.  After a long day in the bush there is nothing more rewarding then to sneak off to bed and listen to the sounds of the night under a blanket of the overwhelming African stars!

On the last day you will still go out for one last walk.  Sniffing the typical scents of the bush you’ll realise how much you’ve learned already!  After breakfast it’s time to pack up and pay the Conservation Fee and any extra drinks you’ve consumed in our camp. Then we reluctantly say our goodbyes and transfer you back to town to meet your transfer which takes you back to OR Tambo International.

Contact :                  Irmgard Saayman 

Phone Number:     +27 74 496 6447

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Marakele Predator Centre - situated 9km outside Thabazimbi on the R511 road to Marakele National Park, is one of the latestst tourist attractions in this  this part of the bushveld.

You can view these magnificent animals which include mainly  White lions, Tawny Lios , Bengal tigers as well as a mini zoo with Pot Bellied pigs, Marmoset monkeys and Meerkats.

Join the lions on their own premises in the drive through camp.  You are welcome to bring your own cooler with refreshments (no alcohol allowed).....and spend time with us.

Feeding times:

Sundays and Wednesdays at 12pm

Open 7 days a week : 9am to 4pm  

You can also interact with cubs, if available, at no extra cost.

Contact no     +27 71 597 7752

                         +27 82 323 2456 

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StarGazing in the Soutpansberg - Limpopo:  Experience a 'night sky safari' in the unpolluted light-free splendour of the Soutpansberg Mountains in Limpopo.

Join Kos Coronaios, chairman of Soutpansberg Astronomy Club and look at some of the deep sky object and constellations that are not visible from north of the equator  such as Crux (Southern Cross) and Mensa (The Table in reference to Table Mountain), the only constellation in the sky named after a feature on Earth.

Kos is a member of the Astronomical Society of Southern Africa and the founder of Soutpansberg Astronomy. 

So grab the kids, bring a cooler and some snacks and join Kos for an enlightening astronomy presentation and stargazing evening in the northern part of South Africa.

Booking is essential.

Contact Person:            Kos Coronaios

Phone Number:             +27 (0) 79 148 4934

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