Pafuri

By a guy who sometimes forgets his own kids’ names – aka Craig Parvess Teenagers. No Wi-Fi. Deep bushveld. What could possibly go wrong? So picture this: my wife and two teenage daughters in tow, and me – one slightly overwhelmed dad – on a four-night family safari adventure deep in the northernmost corner of… Continue Reading “DAD, CAN WE LIVE HERE?” – A FAMILY ESCAPE TO PAFURI CAMP

By Matimba Ezaya Chauke – Assistant Head Guide at Pafuri Camp & Makuleke Having grown up as a Makuleke, I learned early on how crucial it is to protect and nurture this special place. Pafuri, located in the far north of Kruger National Park, South Africa, is a breathtaking area that speaks directly to my… Continue Reading STEPPING INTO PAFURI: A PERSONAL REFLECTION

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

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

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

In the northern reaches of the Kruger National Park lies a wild haven called Pafuri. Between April and October each year, you can escape the confines of a game vehicle and experience the sights, sounds, and scents of the African bush on foot. These months bring the walking safari season much to the delight of… Continue Reading ON FOOT IN PAFURI: JOURNEYS OF DISCOVERY & TRANSFORMATION BY ALWEET HLUNGWANI

On 20th August a lioness and her three cubs were relocated from Balule Private Game Reserve near Hoedspruit to the Pafuri region of Kruger National Park. The lioness had twice broken out of Balule into neighbouring farmlands in her efforts to avoid competing lions which posed a threat to their lives. After the second recovery operation it was decided to relocate the mother… Continue Reading LIONS RELEASED IN PAFURI REGION OF KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

“IT’S THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PART OF THE PARK – YOU WON’T WANT TO LEAVE.” Limpopo locals kept uttering variations on this bold statement as we gradually made our way through the province en route to the Makuleke Contractual Park at the northernmost tip of the Kruger National Park.  Excitement was mounting as we wove our… Continue Reading PERFECT PAFURI IN KRUGER