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Rain in Pafuri is more than just a change in weather; it’s the lifeblood of this northern paradise, breathing new life into the landscape and transforming it into a vibrant ecosystem. When the rains arrive, Pafuri awakens, bursting into colour, sound, and movement. “Rain is the beginning of the story,” shares Godfrey Baloyi, General Manager of… Continue Reading PAFURI: RAIN, RIVERS, FLOODS AND A RAMSAR WETLAND

As we wrap up 2024, we’re taking a moment to RETURN to the milestones, surprises, and unforgettable memories that made this year so special.  From exciting new market offerings to superb wildlife encounters, it’s been a year of growth, connection, and most importantly, a RETURN to what makes us truly unique. Here’s a look back… Continue Reading RETURN AFRICA’S 2024: A YEAR TO REMEMBER

In the far north of South Africa’s Kruger National Park, Pafuri is a land of mystique, where ancient trees are more than just a part of the scenery – they are part of the story. Each tree at Pafuri stands as a testament to resilience, offering sustenance, shade, and refuge for the area’s abundant wildlife,… Continue Reading THE TREES OF PAFURI: PILLARS OF LIFE, HISTORY AND LEGEND BY HARALD VAN LENNEP

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,… Continue Reading PAFURI’S GREEN SEASON: A VIBRANT SAFARI EXPERIENCE

Last month we covered THE GIRL GANGS OF PAFURI; if you’ve missed it you can read it here. The charismatic, energetic character of Pafuri is to become the muse of Dr Neil Parkin’s expedition to South Africa. So, what is Neil’s objective? Neil’s “primary mission” as he puts it, is to “rehabilitate the much-maligned reputation of the spotted hyena, Crocuta… Continue Reading THE GIRL GANGS OF PAFURI EXPOSED – DISCOVERING THE MYSTERIES OF PAFURI’S HYENAS

It’s late afternoon along the Luvuvhu, that magical hour when the glare softens, the heat ebbs, the colours deepen and the fragrances of the floodplain melt into the gathering dusk. We are a few kilometres east of the camp, waiting near a giant nyala berry for the clan to emerge. The den is occupied but… Continue Reading THE GIRL GANGS OF PAFURI BY PJ & HANNAH MASSYN

RETURN Africa proudly announces the nomination of Godfrey Baloyi, General Manager of our Pafuri Collection, to Daily Maverick’s list of South Africans who ’embody the spirit of Madiba’. The Makuleke Contractual Park, owned by the Makuleke community, stands as a testament to reconciliation and perseverance. In 1998, land ownership of ancestral lands in the northern… Continue Reading RETURN AFRICA’S GENERAL MANAGER HONOURED IN DAILY MAVERICK’S ‘SPIRIT OF MADIBA’ LIST

RETURN Africa is thrilled to announce the launch of a new aircraft service providing direct flights to the remote and pristine Pafuri region of northern Kruger National Park. Effective Monday, May 20, 2024, RETURN Africa will operate a 6-seater Piper Navajo PA-31 aircraft in partnership with Tzaneen Charter Flights. The aircraft will be hangared either… Continue Reading RETURN AFRICA LAUNCHES NEW AIRCRAFT FOR DIRECT FLIGHTS TO PAFURI REGION

When visiting Pafuri take advantage of the opportunity to visit Thulamela, the ruins of an ancient stone citadel recently nominated for national heritage status. After a 20-minute game drive from Pafuri Camp we arrive at a turning circle below a rocky outcrop on the south bank of the Luvuvhu river. This is the starting point… Continue Reading MYSTICAL THULAMELA BY HARALD VAN LENNEP

Embark on an unforgettable odyssey, tracing the path from the vibrant heart of Johannesburg to the tranquil haven of Pafuri in the northern reaches of Kruger National Park. It’s not just a journey; it’s a voyage of discovery, where every mile tells a story of South Africa’s rich tapestry of landscapes, cultures, and wildlife. Our… Continue Reading A ROAD TRIP TO UNTAMED PAFURI BY TIM GRIESEL

RETURN Africa invites adventurers to experience the pristine wilderness of northern Kruger National Park on foot with the opening of its Pafuri Walking Safaris from April through October 2024. Offering a truly remote and secluded safari experience within RETURN Africa’s 23,500-hectare private concession the two intimate walking camps, Hutwini and Nkula, each host just 8… Continue Reading PRESS RELEASE: RETURN AFRICA’S PAFURI WALKING SAFARIS OPEN FOR 2024 SEASON

Welgelegen House, RETURN Africa’s acclaimed guest house in Cape Town, has achieved the #1 ranking in its category out of 80 properties on TripAdvisor. This milestone comes shortly after Welgelegen House received the 2023 Travellers’ Choice Award and was listed #2 out of 189 accommodation providers in the city. Nestled in the tranquil Oranjezicht suburb,… Continue Reading PRESS RELEASE: RETURN AFRICA CELEBRATES WELGELEGEN HOUSE’S #1 RANKING ON TRIPADVISOR