Partner Spotlight: Pafuri Tented Camp

Tucked away in the northern reaches of the Greater Kruger Ecosystem, where South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique meet sits the Makuleke Contractual Park. Also known as the Pafuri Region, this hidden gem of a safari destination is the wildest, most remote and most biodiverse area of the greater Kruger. And Pafuri Tented Camp, one of just two safari options within the 59,000 acre private concession, has quickly become one of the most beloved Southern Africa safari locations among Outlier Journeys travelers.

What makes Pafuri so special? First its the region's resplendent and varied landscape. Giant baobabs, fever tree forests, savanna, acacia thickets, the rocky cliffs of the Lanner Gorge, wetlands and floodplains are bordered by the Luvuvhu and Limpopo Rivers which provide consistent water source for an array of wildlife. As a private concession, guests can explore on foot, opting for short walking excursions as part of their daily game drives, or choosing the active and adventurous seasonal tented camp, which focuses 100% on walking safaris. And while you need to work a little harder to spot wildlife game here due to the landscape, concession size and the absence of human pressure on the wildlife (Pafuri is NOT the place to go if you want to check off the big five in short order) the viewings are especially rewarding. Among the big five, elephant, cape buffalo and leopards are regularly seen. Spotted hyena, serval, African wild dog, giraffe, blue wildebeest, plains zebra, and over ten types of antelope round out the terrestrial game. There are primates too – chacma baboons, (you'll hear and see these all around camp), vervet monkey, and bushbabies – and plentiful hippo in the rivers. And for birders, Pafuri is one of the top destinations on Southern Africa, with close to 500 species recorded in the region. Among these are the coveted Pel's Fishing Owl, Racket-tailed roller, several raptor species and more. Even a casual birder (hello, that's me) will be entranced by the variety of winged wildlife on display, and the guide's encyclopedic knowledge of it all!

The region is also rich in ancient human heritage and geological wonder. In addition to game drives, guests can learn about the legends and characters who gave "Crook's Corner" its name, take in sundown overlooking the Lanner Gorge, splash through the river at the bottom of the gorge when the water is low and visit archeological sites from the Thulamela culture.

Ezaya at Pafuri was exceptional. One of our best guides ever, and we have had some good ones. The combination of history, culture, people, scenery and animals made the trip very, very special. - D. Muschler, September 2024

But what really makes Pafuri shine is the story of the Makuleke people. The concession is fully-owned and operated by the Makuleke Community, who were forced off of their ancestral land during the Apartheid government. After Mandela's government was elected, they fought for their land in court and won the land back in a monumental case in 1998. Today, the two safari operators within the Makuleke Contractual Park, Pafuri Tented Camp and the Outpost Lodge, lease the land from the Makuleke Community, pay a percentage of their revenue to the community and employ almost entirely from the local area. This means that guides and staff get to return to their families regularly between shifts, rather than being away from home for weeks at a time, as they would if working further afield.

I've worked in tourism for nearly two decades and have experienced hospitality at some of the finest camps, lodges and hotels around the world, operated under a variety of ownership models. There is a tangible joy and soulfulness that guests can feel when a placed is owned, operated and led by a local community, who are willingly welcoming visitors into their homes, on their terms. Colonialism and Apartheid have left a terrible legacy of inequity in Africa, which continues today in the form of unequal land, camp and lodge ownership and unequal distribution in the profits of a booming safari tourism industry. In light of this, the Makuleke Contractual Park is a true and successful example of community-led tourism and conservation.

The Pafuri accommodations were so special. We loved being in the outdoors and beside a river to see the animals all day. We loved the simplicity of this space. Our guide at Pafuri was also fabulous, so knowledgeable and he made great drinks! Was wonderful how he shared his own experiences growing up in the area. J. & P Olive

Our favorite safari option in the Pafuri region is Pafuri Tented Camp by Return Africa, a South African safari operator. Originally built by Wilderness and retaining their effortless natural architectural style, PTC features 19 platform tents overlook the Luvuvhu river, linked by raised wooden walkways. Private viewing decks, en-suite bathrooms (with indoor and outdoor showers) and huge beds with crisp linen and overhead fans combine to offer absolute comfort even whilst they are enveloped in the sights and sounds of the African bush. A bush bar, large swimming pool and al-fresco dining area offer space to socialize between outings, and there’s plenty of space to unwind beneath the towering Jackalberry canopy which shades the expansive decks. From the enthusiastic and skilled guides to warm hosts and General Manager Godfrey Baloyi, the entire team exudes passion and pride in sharing their home with guests.

If you are interested in including the Pafuri Region on your next journey to Southern Africa, CONTACT US to schedule a call to discuss. Kirsten stayed at the camp in November 2023. Nearly every guest she met was a repeat visitor. It's called Return Africa for a reason.