RETURN Africa

In the northernmost reaches of Kruger National Park lies Pafuri, a landscape shaped by time, where the Limpopo and Luvuvhu rivers converge. Here, RETURN Africa’s walking guides, masters of bushcraft with decades of collective experience, lead guests into a world few truly encounter. Zach Savage, Cyril Baloyi, Vongani ‘Bongs’ N’waila, Ezaya Chauke, and Alweet Hlungwani… Continue Reading ON FOOT THROUGH NORTHERN KRUGER

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

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