Menu
Quick search
CTRL+K
Quick search
CTRL+K
Kruger National Park Pafuri Camp is situated in the largest private concession of the the well-known Kruger National Park in South Africa. It lies in the northern section of southern Africa’s Premier Trans frontier Area where three countries converge, namely South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
Pafuri nestles in the triangle between the Limpopo and Luvuvhu rivers in, what is certainly, the wildest and most remote part of Kruger. Ancient civilisations with a rich history of folklore had its origin in this pristine wilderness area. Comprising many varied habitats, it provides for great wildlife viewing, especially as its boundary to the neighbouring Zimbabwe is unfenced, allowing for the migration of animals. It also offers the best birding opportunities in the whole of the Kruger National Park.
A mix of botanically rich sandveld, mopane woodland and scrub, combretum woodland, baobab-dotted hillsides, spectacular koppies and hidden freshwater springs makes this wilderness area a haven for indigenous wildlife. Its ecological value was recognized when it was declared a Ramsar site in 2007.
Sightings of species like nyala, eland, bush pig and Sharpe’s grysbok, occur side by side with that of zebra, impala, wildebeest and warthog. Large elephant herds enjoy the luxury of seasonal migration across the unfenced boundary with Zimbabwe.
Resident buffalo and white rhino, and a full complement of large predators, complete the offering, which can be viewed from open game drive vehicles or on foot.
This safari operation is rooted in more than two decades of friendship with the Makulekes, who lost their home under apartheid. The land has since been returned to them, and they are now the landlords, business partners and guides of Pafuri.
Huge herds of African elephant, buffalo and other game congregate here, especially when the surrounding bush lies parched before the rains. Predators and scavengers, ranging from the great cats and hyenas to servals, genets, civets, caracals, amongst many others, find shelter here.
The remote 24 000-hectare concession is the largest and most biodiverse in Kruger with many species reaching the southernmost extent of their range here. As much as 75% of Kruger’s total biodiversity occurs here.
Pafuri SafariCamp is located in Makuleke Contract Park in the iconic Kruger National Park in South African. This pristine safari camp offers guests accommodation in 19 luxury tents with en-suite bathrooms – all with breathtaking views of the Luvuvhu River.
Of these tents, 7 have been designed for families – sleeping up to 4 guests. These family tents each has a separate walk-through, children’s bedroom with twin beds and mosquito nets.
All the suites boast exquisite decor and modern amenities, creating a luxurious Kruger safari destination in the African wilderness.
A total of 52 guests can be accommodated at Kruger Park Pafuri Camp.
The main camp area has a swimming pool with an expansive deck with beautiful views of the natural surrounds. Here guests can laze the time away on comfy reclines while sipping refreshing drinks from the bush bar and admiring the spectacular landscape. Avid bird lovers can delight in the wide variety of species through the lenses of their binoculars.
Pafuri is a full-service camp and three meals per day are provided.
Pafuri Camp Tent Amenities
• Fan
• Safe
• King-size bed with mosquito netting
• En suite bathroom with outdoor shower
• Bathroom amenities
• Bush bar
• Lounge
• Dining area
• Pool with deck
• Boma
• Free Wi-Fi.
* Pafuri Camp welcomes children of all ages, who will be accommodated with their parents or caregivers in the comfortable family tents. Children under the age of 6, however, are not permitted on game activities, and children under the age of 12 are not eligible for walking safaris.
PAFURI KRUGER CUISINE
Scrumptious cuisine prepared from the freshest ingredients is presented by the talented chefs. From scrumptious breakfasts to light and delectable lunches and stellar three-course dinners, served in the dining room or boma, meals at Pafuri are a culinary feast of the senses.
Freshly baked delicacies are served with the afternoon High Tea.
Guests can indulge in traditional dishes and flavours that will tantalise the taste buds.
Activities
Pafuri Camp offers a range of diverse game-viewing activities in the Makuleke Contract Park in Kruger National Park South Africa.
Game drives
The Makuleke concession in the Kruger National Park is one of the few true wilderness areas left in South Africa. Home to the iconic Big Five, large herds of elephant and buffalo are resident most of the year round. The concession is remote and inaccessible to the public.
Twice-daily game drives in open safari vehicles create the perfect opportunity to explore the uniquely diverse scenery of northern Kruger and its iconic wildlife. With thousands of hectares of untouched wilderness to traverse, each drive is unique. Knowledgeable field guides and expert trackers will share the secrets of animal behaviour in an informative manner. Expect thrilling sighting such as hippo, crocodile, eland, grysbok, lion, elephant, and even leopard! The trackers will reveal the secrets of the animal world by explaining the different kinds of spoor, revelations that are sure to leave you in awe of nature and its wonders.
An early wake-up call will sound for the morning game drive. After a hot cup of coffee and some rusks, you will delight in watching the bush come alive from your seat in the 4×4 vehicle.
After some thrilling sightings, a hearty breakfast will await you back at camp.
The late afternoon/early evening game drive will offer another perspective on the bush and its inhabitants. Watching the sun set while sipping on a cocktail at a scenic spot in the bush is a priceless experience.
Dusk is the wake-up call to Africa’s nocturnal creatures. Catching a glimpse of a pair of eyes in the spotlight is a thrill like no other. Creatures such as the lesser bush baby, genets, civets, and even an elusive leopard high up in a tree, will provide the evening’s entertainment. Encountering a pride of lion feasting on a kill is, of course, the ultimate reward.
Upon your return to camp you can exchange your experiences of the day in the African bush around the campfire in the boma, while enjoying a scrumptious supper complimented by fine vintages.
The duration of game drives is approximately 3 hours.
Guided Bush Walks
The more adventurous can opt to explore the bush on foot in the company of an armed and experienced game ranger. A bush walk offers a totally unique perspective of the bush as nature will reveal its intricacies in a surprising manner. The thrill of a possible sighting of one of the Big Five up close and personal, will get the adrenalin pumping.
Feeling the rhythm of Africa under your feet will leave lasting memories as your senses awaken to the sounds and smells of this pristine environment. Comfortable walking shoes is an absolute necessity for this exercise.
Bird-watching Safaris
Makuleke Contract Park boasts more than350 recorded bird species, guaranteed to delight bird lovers.
Lesser-seen species such as Pel’s fishing owl, the wattle-eyed flycatcher, the three-banded courser, African crowned eagles and racket-tailed rollers abound here.
Birding game drives and bush walks in the company of a knowledgeable bird guide can easily be arranged upon request. Remember to pack those binoculars!
Fishing
Those who love to cast their lines can do so in the Luvuvhu River. They can also indulge in some tiger-fishing in Makuya Park.
Pafuri Camp Kruger Walking Trails
Pafuri Walking Trails
Pafuri in the wild north of the Kruger National Park is unrivalled walking country. Trails, open from April to October annually, are renowned for offering true bush lovers an opportunity to experience one of Kruger’s remotest corners on foot.
Led by experienced field guides, you will explore a place that is as vast as it is varied and wild. The trail offers you a chance to focus on nature’s intricacies, but you will also experience the rush of adrenaline when you happen to stumble upon members of the Big Five.
Home base is a seasonal bush camp near the banks of the Luvuvhu in the wildest part of the Kruger National Park. At Baobab Hill Bush House you can enjoy hearty food and drink in a setting that allows you a close-up experience of untamed Africa. And, for the truly adventurous, we occasionally offer minimalist trails when we camp under the stars or foray across the border into the transfrontier park.
You’ll notice how the landscape changes from woodland to riverine forests, mountains, floodplains and pans where animals roam freely. It is here that you will find forests of fever trees, groves of baobabs and vast herds of wildlife. Highlights of the experience include traversing Crook’s Corner, where the Luvuvhu and Limpopo Rivers meet, Lanner Gorge and the Luvuvhu fever tree forest.
Pafuri Walking Trials Quick Facts
• Maximum 8 guests per trail
• The trail is a minimum two-night stay
• Duration: Tailor-made to suit your needs. (We recommend 3 nights)
• Dress in comfortable safari gear and walking boots
• Remember cameras, hats, sunscreen and binoculars!
Baobab Hill Bush House
Baobab Hill Bush House is the old ranger’s accommodation for a total of eight guests at any one time. It is an exclusive-use house situated on a small hill just north of the Luvuvhu River, with excellent views of the surrounding area.
This rustic homestead offers ideal accommodation for families or friends seeking privacy and comfort in the bush. It consists of four bedrooms and sleeps up to eight people, with a home kitchen, open plan dining room and lounge, a swimming pool, and an Out of Africa veranda, perfect for sundowners or dinners in the early evenings. The property is fenced and child-friendly. The house comes with a cook, housekeeper, a professional guide and an open safari vehicle. Although it is self-catering, if you choose not to provide for yourself, the restaurant and bar at Pafuri Camp are at your disposal. Please enquire about our catered option.
Please note that Baobab Hill Bush House abides by SANParks gate entry and exit times. To view these times please visit SANParks.org
Baobab Hill Bush House Highlights
• Exclusive use
• Kitchen assistant and housekeeper
• Perfect for a family or small group
• Private game viewing vehicle and guide
• Private swimming pool
• Catering option available.
Cultural outings
Apart from the spectacular fauna and flora, the area has many historical attractions with remains of Iron and Stone Age human settlements, rock art and hand tools. Spend a morning seeking out Stone Age tools or see what structures remain. These are similar to those found at Great Zimbabwe.
Guests can also visit a Makuleke village where they can experience the local culture, cuisine and dancing and visit a sangoma (traditional healer).
LOCATION
The camp can be reached from the Punda Maria Gate of the Kruger National Park in about 1 hour 30 minutes. From Pafuri Gate the journey takes 45 minutes. Guests have to be in camp by the Kruger Gate closing times and no vehicles are allowed on the roads after gate closing times.
Air and Road Transfers
Daily road transfers from Johannesburg to Pafuri Camp can be arranged, as well as transfers from Polokwane and Phalaborwa Airport.
Charter
Pafuri Airstrip enjoy weekly flights on Mondays and Fridays to the Pafuri Airstrip and charter flights can be arranged.
Directions by Road
Pafuri Camp is 640 km/ 7-hour drive from Johannesburg in the Gauteng Province of South Africa.
• Take the N1 North to Louis Trichardt (Makhado)
• Continue on the N1 over Soutpansberg and turn right onto the R525 towards Tshipise
• Continue past Tshipise to Pafuri Gate.
Detour: Take the detour to the left of the road where the bridge has been washed away.
• Look out of Pafuri Camp signage on the left of the road
GPS Coordinates
22℃25’15.81”S
31℃13’45.81”E
* Please note that Pafuri Camp abides by SANParks gate entry and exit times. To view these times please visit SANParks.org
Pafuri Camp Corporate Retreats
Corporate Retreat
Stretching along the north bank of the Luvuvhu River, Pafuri Camp is one of the Kruger National Park’s flagship lodges. This comfortable camp has 19 luxury tents, sheltered under thatch, the en-suite luxury tents all have sweeping views over the Luvuvhu River. The communal area offers al-fresco dining, a bush bar, a swimming pool and plenty of space to laze about in the shade of the giant trees that overhang the camp. Breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner are served on decks above the river.
Pafuri Camp has something to offer every corporate group. With views of the Luvuvhu River, the conference centre is equipped with a projector, screen and seating, perfect for morning meetings, presentations and group discussions. Itineraries can be structured around the needs of the group – speak to us about custom-designed team-building activities and programmes. Regular options include either relaxing around the pool, going on game drives to learn about the diverse history, ecology, birdlife and wildlife of Pafuri, or challenging the group on foot with our bush walks. These activities allow the group to experience nature at its best and off the beaten track.
Pafuri Camp can accommodate corporate groups from a minimum of 6 up to 52 people. Larger groups can be accommodated across a variety of accommodation options in the area.
Necessities to pack
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Neutral coloured clothing / safari gear
• Warm jacket
• Hat and sunblock
• Binoculars and camera
• Bird book
• Insect repellent
• Torch
• Backpack
• Water bottle (1.5 litre).
Kruger National Park Pafuri Highlights
• Private game viewing
• Luxury tented camp
• Abundant biodiversity
• A variety of activities on offer
• Over 350 different species of birds
Copyright © MoAfrika Tours 2024
MoAfrika tours and the Kruger Safari Co. are destination management companies (DMC) and are not entities of the South African National Parks Board (SANparks).