Pafuri Collection. – I spent a night at the newly reopened Pafuri Camp.
Situated in the Makuleke Concession of the Northern Kruger National Park, Pafuri Camp was previously managed by Wilderness Safaris, but after the floods of 2013 left much of the camp washed away, it has stood empty.
Now under the new ownership of RETURNAfrica, the camp has been rebuilt, refurbished and very recently reopened. What a treat to be one of their first hosted visitors. Here are some pics of the new look to encourage you to visit.
The deck and lounge area with bar and views towards the river. Also the boma where guests gather to share stories of their day on safari.
The incredible swimming pool deck.
This is a full-service camp and three meals per day are provided. There is a tea and coffee station and always somebody to warmly take an order in the lounge or at the pool or bar.
This comfortable camp has 19 luxury designer tents with en-suite bathrooms and there are seven family tents that sleep up to four persons. Currently 10 have been reopened for business.
The tents offer gorgeous views towards the Luvuvhu River, have outdoor showers and all amenities. A flask of hot water is delivered for coffee and there is much attention paid to the details and comfor.
Do bear in mind that the lodge harvests its energy from the sun and on overcast days you may only have lukewarm water. Not a problem in the weather.
The activities on offer include guided walks and game drives, as well as the option of going out for a specialist birding walk or a drives to explore the history and archaeology of the area.
Wildlife can also be viewed from this camp with large herds of elephant located in the area during the dry months taking advantage of the Luvuvhu River. There is a healthy population of buffalo and Pafuri Camp is known for regular sightings of leopard and lion.
My guide Esaya Chauke preparing our sundowner drinks after the afternoon game drive. Esaya is one of many Makuleke community members who works at the camp, one of the others being the Manager Godfrey.
Pafuri really is a place unlike any other in the Kruger. One with a wild unparallelled scenery, game and natural beauty. The camp offers the ideal location from which to explore. A privilege in itself. Yet combine that with the warmth of the Makuleke people, the views towards the river which game frequents and the colourful style and decor, and you won’t want to leave.
Oh, and since returning I’ve heard from the lodge that there were two lions at the kitchen door on Thursday night, during service. Imagine the fright! I meant what I said when I told you coming here, was stepping into the wild …
Two comments.
- There is currently no cell or wifi available at the lodge, although they have just installed a phone line and will be offering internet access in the very near future.
- Be prepared to see some of the remains of the flood damage as trees and shrubs washed up the river are still found scattered on the land along the banks and under the wooden walkway. Humbling to be reminded of the force of nature.
Read about my Pafuri Walking Trail experience here.
This from the RETURNAfrica website:
REMEMBER: The land, the people, the wildlife, the things in life that matter
RESTORE: The land, the natural balance, the dignity of people, our sense of self
RENEW: Our minds, bodies and souls
To learn more about RETURNAfrica and the Pafuri Walking Trails visit their website and connect on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date. Also see the other destinations in RETURNAfrica’s portfolio here.
NOTE: The top photos of the inside of the tent are off the RETURNAfrica gallery. Mine just didn’t do justice.
