Skip to main content

The Green Season in Pafuri, stretching from November to April transforms the landscape into a lush paradise. As the rains breathe life into the bush, vibrant colours appear, wildlife flourishes and the air fills with the rich scents of earth and new growth. It’s a time of renewal and abundance, offering unique opportunities for birding, photography and connecting with nature in its most vibrant form. Whether you’re drawn by the fresh foliage, seasonal wildlife movements, or the allure of rare sightings, the Green Season promises unforgettable moments.

Birding Abundance

The Green Season brings an explosion of birdlife to Pafuri, with over 450 species recorded, making it a premier destination for birders in South Africa. Early summer sees the RETURN of migratory species, filling the skies with their colours and songs. As you explore Pafuri, keep your eyes peeled for cuckoos, bee-eaters, and various raptors. From the Pafuri Camp deck, you might catch a fleeting glimpse of Bohm’s spinetails, Pel’s fishing owls, or the ever-present Crested guineafowl. With its diverse landscapes, from floodplains and forests to gorges and wetlands, Pafuri’s ability to deliver unique and varied bird species is unrivalled within the Greater Kruger National Park. The Makuleke Contractual Park is recognised as a Ramsar Wetland Site.

Images courtesy of Albert Mclean and Marcus Westberg

Images courtesy of Harald van Lennep

Colours RETURN

Spring ushers in an explosion of colour at Pafuri. The fiery explosion of red blooms of the flame creeper signals the arrival of change.  With the first rains, the dull browns of winter give way to vibrant greens, yellows, and reds. The yellow flowers of Devil’s thorn carpet the plains, while bright flowers from umbrella thorns fall like confetti along the roads. The fever trees reflect off the filling pans, creating mesmerising scenes that must be felt and experienced to be truly understood. In these moments you may be flooded with emotions, as the scenes in front of you bring new life and a new sense of joy and serenity.

– Andile Mabunda –

A Symphony of Smells

The air comes alive with the scents of blooming flowers, especially in spring and early summer. One of the first flowers to bloom is the Woolly Caper-Bush, its pink flowers filling the air with a fragrance so evocative, that it once inspired a Parisian perfumer to recreate it in a famous fragrance as an ‘ode to peace, love and freedom’ and thus L’Air de Temps was created. Walking through Pafuri feels like stepping into nature’s perfume store, where the smell of fresh earth and blooming life lingers long after your journey and urges you to RETURN. The explosion of fragrances is quite literally intoxicating!

– Brent Evans –

Images courtesy of Alweet Hlungwani and Harald van Lennep

Images courtesy of Chad Cocking and Harald van Lennep

Scenes Made for the Lens

The Green Season is a photographer’s dream, with vibrant colours, dramatic skies, and golden light transforming every shot into a cherished memory. Whether you’re capturing wildlife against lush green backdrops or focusing on the smaller, more intimate and less-seen details, Pafuri’s scenery offers endless opportunities to create unforgettable images.

Thulamela’s Ancient Mystique

The ancient ruins of Thulamela take on a mystical atmosphere during the Green Season. Lush greenery wraps around this historic site, adding to the allure and bringing life to the stone ruins that once housed a prosperous kingdom. It’s a must-see for history lovers and photographers alike.

If you haven’t done so already, read more about this ancient citadel in our blog post here: MYSTICAL THULAMELA BY HARALD VAN LENNEP | Kruger Pafuri Camp Luxury Safari Accommodation | RETURN Africa

Images courtesy of Harald van Lennep

Images courtesy of Harald van Lennep and Chad Cocking

Wild Wanderings

With the arrival of the rains, the plains surrounding camp burst into life as impala, zebra, wildebeest, and the elusive eland, a rare sight in Kruger, gather to graze on the lush, rain-nourished grass. This abundance of prey draws more predators, with hyenas, leopards, and large crocodiles seizing the opportunity. Spring and early summer also signal the start of the birthing season, offering heartwarming sightings of newborns taking their first wobbly steps into the wild.

All Things Bright and Beautiful

From newborns taking their first steps to elephant herds in abundance bathing in the river, the Green Season in Pafuri offers unforgettable wildlife encounters. The lush vegetation attracts grazers and browsers, making it a prime time for close-up sightings of Pafuri’s wildlife. The abundance of water and fresh greenery brings animals out of their hiding spots, offering extraordinary viewing opportunities for both the seasoned safari-goer and the first-time visitor.

Images courtesy of Marcus Westberg

Images courtesy of Harald van Lennep

All Creatures Great and Small

With the rains comes an incredible display of insects and other smaller creatures who call Pafuri home. Dung beetles roll their treasures across the ground, butterflies flutter through the air, and armoured crickets march across the landscape in vast numbers. Chameleons and frogs start to appear from their secret hiding places, offering fascinating opportunities to see the smaller, often-overlooked creatures of the bush. These creatures add a unique dimension to any safari, turning every walk or drive into a journey of discovery.

Pafuri on Foot

Exploring Pafuri on foot during the Green Season offers an immersive journey through the vibrant, rejuvenated landscapes of Pafuri. Lush greenery, flourishing wildlife, and the symphony of birdsong create a sensory-rich experience. The softer ground reveals fresh animal tracks, and with heightened insect and bird activity, every step brings a chance to witness the delicate balance of nature up close. Guided by RETURN Africa’s professional guides, you’ll encounter the wild beauty of Pafuri in its most abundant and colourful season.

Images courtesy of Sinamatella

Images courtesy of Gerald Hinde

Storms and stillness

The Green Season brings the potential for dramatic weather to Pafuri – clear, sunny mornings may give way to towering clouds and refreshing afternoon thunderstorms. These sudden downpours rejuvenate the landscape, painting it in vivid shades of green. The days are warm to hot and humid, but late afternoon rain, when it falls, often brings a cooling relief, making for a pleasant and refreshing experience. Although the rain can be unpredictable, the beauty it leaves behind – lush vegetation, crystal-clear skies, and a sense of renewal – makes it well worth the wait.

The Green Season at Pafuri is a time of renewal, beauty, and vibrant life. From the explosion of colours and the abundance of birdlife to the fascinating display of insects and the thrilling animal encounters, every moment offers a glimpse into nature at its most spectacular. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a first-time visitor, Pafuri during the Green Season provides experiences that touch your heart and soul. To truly understand the effect of this season, you must experience it firsthand – immerse in Pafuri’s lush, wild, and unforgettable beauty, and RETURN with memories that will last a lifetime.

Leave a Reply