Availability & How to Book
All available weeks and open slots are shown in the drop-down menu of the booking form. You can join the trail in two ways:
For Private Groups:
- Group Size: 8 guests
- From “departure date” dropdown menu’s below, choose dates marked (Pvt Groups)
For Individuals or Smaller Groups:
- From “departure dates” dropdown menu’s below, choose dates marked (solo/small-group).
- Note: You will like share the experience with other individuals or small groups.
- Note: The Trail will only be confirmed when a minimum of 5 guests has booked. If the number of booked guests is less then 5 60 days before departure, our reservations department will contact you to discuss options.
Trail Structure
- Duration: Five nights, six days
- Accommodation: All five nights in the bush
- Meeting point: RETURN Africa – Pafuri Camp at 11:00 on the day of departure
- Finish: Back at Pafuri Camp by around 10:00 on the final day
- Format: All departures operate as backpack trails, guided by experienced trail guides on foot
Guiding
All Pafuri Traverse departures are led by experienced, accredited guides with extensive knowledge of the Makuleke Concession’s wildlife, birdlife, ecology, tracking, and safety protocols. A second guide accompanies every departure to support group movement and provide additional interpretation on foot.
What’s Not Included
- Meals, the Pafuri Traverse is a self-catering trail
- Conservation fees Trail equipment (guests supply their own; selected items available to hire at a nominal cost)
- Transport to/from RETURN Africa – Pafuri Camp, the start and finish point of the trail
Food & Self-Catering
This is a self-catering trail. Each guest provides their own lightweight camping meals. Suitable options include:
- Dehydrated or freeze-dried hiking meals
- Simple stove-top meals
- Breakfast cereals
- Cheese and biscuits
- Lightweight staples for multi-day hiking
- Trail snacks
- Hot and cold powdered drinks
Equipment
Guests must be fully self-equipped for a multi-day wilderness hike: gear should be lightweight, durable, and suited to wilderness conditions. We provide a detailed packing guide when you book, and additional equipment is available for hire if needed. A full list can be found here.
Who This Trail Is For
The Pafuri Traverse is designed for people who seek:
- A deep, immersive wilderness experience
- Several days of remote, wild landscapes and night skies
- A walking-based exploration rather than a vehicle-based safari
- A simple, authentic wilderness trail supported by excellent guiding
