Providing welcome shade over the boma, the Seringa tree can be most enjoyed in autumn when its red, orange and yellow colours rival those of the setting sun – visible from every deck. But in all seasons, however, this astounding tree delights – with whorls of luminous green leaves in summer, mysterious bending shapes of branches in winter and the softness of budding leaves in spring. The Seringa stores water in its roots, enabling it to survive short periods of drought and the fibre obtained from the bark, young shoots and roots is strong enough to be used for weaving. Browsers, apart from elephant, do not particularly like the leaves.

This stunning site is named for the Lillie cycads which grow in the magical GaMashishimale hills that dominate the skyline from the deck. Some call these plants living fossils, others describe them as the most exotically beautiful plants the world has ever seen. This is the only known colony of Encephalartos Dyerianus on the planet – and is a critically endangered ancient and delicate plant, protected by armed guards to ensure their survival.

Archaeological evidence shows that marulas have been a source of nutrition for as long as 12,000 years. They are dioecious, which means they have a specific gender – only the female trees bear the juicy, aromatic fruit. This is rich in minerals and vitamin C and can also be cooked to produce jam, juices and alcoholic beverages. Inside the flesh are one or two very small, tasty nuts which are rich in protein. Various species of wildlife eat the fruit and leaves of the tree, especially Bushveld Bivouac’s two resident eland, Brutus and Cleopatra, who you may find nibbling in your garden on any given night! Traditional medicinal uses of marula also include the use of the leaves for relief of heartburn. The bark contains antihistamines and is also used for the treatment of dysentery, diarrhoea and as a malaria prophylactic. The wood is soft and used for carving and the inner bark can be used to make rope.