Pafuri Camp

Pafuri Camp offers Luxururious Lodge accommodation in the Kruger National Park

Description

Pafuri Camp lies on a gentle bend along the northern bank of the Luvuvhu River, under the shade of enormous ebony and nyala berry trees. The Luvuvhu draws many different animals to its waters, from elephant, buffalo and nyala to wading birds and fish eagles. The main deck has ample room to sit and watch the daily passage of wildlife to and from the river, and the swimming pool is perfect for cooling off in the heat of the day. The dining and lounge areas are open to the river view, and a lower-level terrace is perfect for watching sunrise with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, or sipping sundowners as the sky darkens and the crickets begin to sing.

The camp has 20 tents, six of which are family tents sleeping four people. Each tent is on a raised platform two metres off the ground and joined by elevated walkways. This allows wildlife to move undisturbed to and from the river, and also catches the breeze moving through the tree canopy overhead. The bathroom is en suite with both indoor and outdoor showers for those who would like to bathe under the stars!

The main area, with its large decks and open-sided lounge and dining rooms, forms the centre of the camp. The tents are spread out along the riverbank on either side effectively creating two “wings” – Pafuri East and West.

The colourful fabrics with which the camp is furnished have been made locally and reflect the culture of the Makuleke community. The décor has been designed to represent elements of the local heritage and history, its unique stone walls evocative of the famous Thulamela culture that existed in the area in the 1500s.

Pafuri Camp blends into its surroundings and offers a superb all-round experience. The diverse Pafuri region forms an integral part of anyone’s visit to the Kruger National Park.

Pafuri Camp is found in the private 24 000-hectare Makuleke Concession at the extreme north of the Kruger National Park. The Pafuri “triangle” is created by the intersection of two great rivers – the ancient and dying Limpopo and the young and powerful Luvuvhu River. The latter is actively carving its way through the sandstone of the escarpment, in the process creating the impressive Lanner Gorge. Their intersection forms the meeting point of three countries – South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

The Concession is home to large herds of buffalo, as well as hippo, white rhino, lion, leopard and high seasonal concentrations of elephant. The Limpopo and Luvuvhu Rivers host the highest density of nyala in Kruger and species such as eland, Sharpe’s grysbok and yellow-spotted rock dassie, which are difficult to find further south in the Park.

A drive along the floodplain and riverine fringe of either of the two large rivers usually produces good general game in the form of nyala, impala, greater kudu, zebra, chacma baboon, waterbuck, warthog and perhaps grey duiker or bushbuck. Patience and a little luck may yield the more elusive residents of the area such as lion, leopard and sable.

The area has long been regarded as something of a Mecca for southern African birdwatchers. Some species are found nowhere else in South Africa and the serious birder will revel in being able to find Böhm’s and Mottled Spinetails, Racket-tailed Roller, Three-banded Courser, Arnot’s Chat, Black-throated Wattle-Eye and Pel’s Fishing-Owl.

Why Stay Here

Largest private concession in the Kruger National Park with 24 000 hectares / 59 000 acres.
- Incredible biodiversity with 75% of all species found within Kruger recorded here.
- Innovative community tourism partnership.
- True feeling of remote wilderness.
- Good game viewing of all large mammals as well as rare regional specials.
- Authentic cultural experiences in remote Makuleke village.
- Amazing cultural heritage and history stretching back tens of thousands of years with Thulamela ruins, Stone Age sites and the more recent Makuleke history.
- Exceptional birding with many sought-after local and regional specials.
- Ideal combination with other game viewing destinations in the central Kruger or even Botswana’s Tuli Block.

Location

Situated in the 24 000-hectare Makuleke concession in northern Kruger National Park.
The camp is situated on a bend on the northern bank of the Luvuvhu River.

Accommodation

Numbers of tents
Pafuri consists of 20 tents divided into Pafuri East – 7 tents and Pafuri West – 13 tents.

Pafuri East
3 x twin bedded tents
2 x double tents
2 x family tents – accommodates 4 guests
Pafuri West
6 x twin bedded tents
3 x double tents
4 x family tents – accommodates 4 guests
The camp can accommodate a maximum of 52 guests in 20 tents some of which can accommodate families of up to 4 guests.

Tent details

20 East African-style Meru tents – 6 of which can be used as family units.
Tents are en-suite and are under a shaded canopy on elevated boardwalks.
Safe in each tent.

Camp Description

Dining and bar area are under a canopy of majestic ebony trees.
Dinners are served on wooden decks overlooking the river or the pool or indoors under thatch.
Large swimming pool overlooking the river on the eastern side of the camp.
There is also a small boma.

Drinks Policy

The camp offers a fully stocked bar with a good selection of South African wines. Costs of drinks are on the guests’ account and must be settled directly at the camp.

Electricity & Water

Power from generator and 220-volt power inverted from a battery bank.
Constant 220-volt power to rooms for battery charging, razors, fans etc.
Potable water to the camp comes from 2 strong boreholes.

Laundry Policy

Same-day laundry facility is available at a charge.

Attractions

Activities

Guests can take part in guided activities in the concession or can self-drive in and around the Kruger National Park in their own vehicles on Park roads. However, self-driving cannot take place anywhere in the Makuleke Concession except on the main access road into and through the area. 

The diverse and extensive Makuleke Concession is best explored and experienced over several days through a variety of activities, ranging from game drives in open vehicles to walks and trails of varying duration with a qualified tracker and guide.

Day and night game drives allow access to the furthest reaches of this private concession separate from the public areas of the Kruger and of course the opportunity to view larger mammals such as elephant, buffalo and lion at close proximity.

The best way to experience the riverine forests along the Luvuvhu and Limpopo Rivers and the more rugged kopjes and their hidden springs and gorges is on foot. Walking in this remote and pristine area provides a more intimate experience and is the ideal option for birdwatchers after specials such as Pel’s Fishing-Owl, or for anyone seeking solitude and peace.

Guided activities on offer are:

Morning game drives of around 4 hours in duration.
Afternoon game drives (including a night drive) of 3-4 hours in duration.
Morning walks of anywhere between 1 and 4 hours in duration.
Makuleke Village outings including traditional meal, dancing and sangoma visit.
Outings to Thulamela: a 500-year-old rock-walled civilisation.
Children’s activities with guides, chefs and other lodge staff.

Makuleke Community Centre and Homestay

The Makuleke community have built a small replica of a traditional village, the Makuleke Community Centre and Homestay, which is run as a Bed & Breakfast. Situated in the heart of the village to the south-west of the Kruger Park’s Punda Maria Gate it accommodates a maximum of 12 guests at a time. From here it is possible to explore and enjoy the area and community, as well as to learn about the rich cultural heritage and history of the Makuleke people.

Pafuri Wilderness Trail

Starting in April 2009, Pafuri Wilderness Trail will be available as both a three- and four-night walking trail in the private Makuleke Concession in the northern Kruger National Park. It is perhaps the best area for walking in the entire Kruger National Park and is blessed not only with exceptional biodiversity but also spectacular scenery, seasonally high densities of many large mammal species, a feeling of wilderness and remoteness, and a sense of history. Pafuri Wilderness Trails will depart every Friday (3-night trail) and Monday (4-night trail) between April and November in 2009.

Brief Itinerary
Guests walk approximately 3-4 hours in the morning, returning to a hearty brunch back at the base camp. There is then time to relax and have a siesta during the heat of the day, before doing another walking for around two hours or whatever is required by the group in the afternoon. A wonderful dinner is enjoyed and then overnight at the Trails Camp before setting off again the next morning.

Facilities

• Largest private concession in the Kruger National Park with 24 000 hectares / 59 000 acres.
• Incredible biodiversity with 75% of all species found within Kruger recorded here.
• Innovative community tourism partnership.
• True feeling of remote wilderness.
• Good game viewing of all large mammals as well as rare regional specials.
• Authentic cultural experiences in remote Makuleke village.
• Amazing cultural heritage and history stretching back tens of thousands of years with Thulamela ruins, Stone Age sites and the more recent Makuleke history.
• Exceptional birding with many sought-after local and regional specials.
• Ideal combination with other game viewing destinations in the central Kruger or even Botswana’s Tuli Block.

Directions