TERMS & CONDITIONS: PAFURI BIRDING CHALLENGE
Overview
Any guest visiting the Makuleke Contract Park may participate in the Pafuri Birding Challenge by logging sightings to the public Pafuri board on BirdLasser. To be eligible for tiered rewards, participants must complete at least one qualifying stay at any RETURN Africa – Pafuri Collection property within the active challenge period and register via the RETURN Africa website.
The leaderboard is visible on this page and via a dedicated BirdLasser link: birdlasser.com/private/events/rabc2025. Registration is required to appear under your name or alias.
- Inaugural Challenge: 1 November 2025 to 31 December 2026
- Annual cycle thereafter: 1 January to 31 December
- Sightings: Only sightings logged within the Makuleke Contract Park and during the relevant challenge window count toward the leaderboard.
Eligibility to Participate
- Any guest visiting the Makuleke Contract Park may log sightings to the Pafuri Birding Challenge BirdLasser board.
- To qualify for tiered rewards, participants must complete at least one qualifying stay at a RETURN Africa – Pafuri Collection property during the active challenge period and register via the RETURN Africa website.
- RETURN Africa staff and immediate family members are not eligible to receive rewards.
- Participants must be 18 or older to claim rewards.
Registration and Logging
- Registration: Complete the RETURN Africa registration form, including name (or alias), BirdLasser email and country of residence. Only registered participants are added to the official Pafuri BirdLasser board.
- Logging: Log sightings on BirdLasser at the time of observation when possible. Where connectivity prevents live uploads, retrospective logging is permitted provided the record’s date, time and location are accurate and the sighting occurred inside Makuleke Contract Park within the active challenge window.
- Verification: RETURN Africa reserves the right to review rare or unusual records and request clarification.
- Qualification: BirdLasser records are the primary basis for qualification. RETURN Africa may review records and resolve disputes internally.
Retrospective Logging
- Retrospective logging is permitted provided the record’s date, time and location are accurate and the sighting occurred inside Makuleke Contract Park within the active challenge window. We rely on an honesty system for all bird logging.
Species Counting
- Species count refers to the number of unique species logged within the Makuleke Contract Park during the active challenge period.
- Multiple sightings of the same species, such as a Yellow‑billed Hornbill, count as one.
Use of Aliases
- Participants may choose to use an alias on the BirdLasser board and in published materials.
- RETURN Africa reserves the right to publish full names of prize winners for verification and recognition purposes.
Tier System and Rewards
Participants may earn any tier reward(s) for which they meet the qualifying species thresholds in a given year. The Annual Leader recognition is separate and may be awarded in addition to any tier reward(s) earned during the same year.
| Tier Name | Species Logged | Reward |
|---|---|---|
| Böhm’s Spinetail | 150+ | RETURN Africa Cap or Water Bottle |
| Three-banded Courser | 225+ | RETURN Africa Fleece Jumper or branded clothing |
| Racket-tailed Roller | 300+ | Two nights for two people at RETURN Africa – Pafuri Camp |
| Pel’s Fishing Owl | Annual Leader | 50% off accommodation for two at Pafuri Camp |
Reward Fulfilment
- Verification: Rewards are issued only after RETURN Africa verifies both the species total and the qualifying stay.
- Claim window: Rewards must be claimed within 365 days of qualification.
- Collection and delivery: Physical merchandise may be collected in camp or delivered within South Africa. Delivery fees apply.
- Curio credit: If offered, curio credit is redeemable only in person at Pafuri Camp during a qualifying stay. It is not transferable and not redeemable for cash.
- Accommodation rewards: Valid for one booking only. Must be used within 365 days of qualification and are subject to standard booking conditions, availability and blackout dates. Not combinable with other specials.
- Non-transferability: Rewards are not transferable and not redeemable for cash.
- Peak periods: Blackout dates include South African public holidays, long weekends and the festive season (15 December – 10 January). Specific blackout dates may be updated annually and will be confirmed at the time of booking.
Guest Recognition and Privacy
RETURN Africa may publish guest names, surnames and birding achievements on its website, newsletters and social media channels. All published data will comply with South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). Participants may opt out of publication or request an alias at registration.
Ongoing Participation
Participants remain part of the BirdLasser board throughout the year. RETURN’ing guests may renew participation annually by completing a qualifying stay. Species counts reset annually. Lifetime records may be retained for guest enjoyment and future recognition or special awards.
Programme Amendments
RETURN Africa reserves the right to modify, suspend or terminate the Pafuri Birding Challenge at any time, with or without prior notice. Any changes will be communicated via the RETURN Africa website or direct email to registered participants.
Technical Limitations
RETURN Africa is not responsible for technical issues related to BirdLasser, including app errors, data loss or connectivity failures. Participants are encouraged to ensure their app is updated and functioning correctly during their stay.
Guest Conduct
Participants are expected to follow ethical birding practices, including minimising disturbance and respecting habitat boundaries. RETURN Africa reserves the right to disqualify participants who engage in unethical or disruptive behaviour.
Dispute Resolution
Disputes regarding sightings, tier eligibility or reward claims will be handled internally by RETURN Africa in consultation with the participant. Final decisions rest with RETURN Africa’s verification panel or management team.
Force Majeure
RETURN Africa is not liable for delays, cancellations or changes to the programme due to events beyond its control, including natural disasters, park closures or political unrest.
