RETURN Africa

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Explore Pafuri, in the northernmost section of the Kruger National Park.

Pafuri Tented Camp, Pafuri Walking Safaris and Baobab Hill House are operated in partnership with the Makuleke Community. 

JOURNEYS OF DISCOVERY AND TRANSFORMATION.

With a strong emphasis on community empowerment, RETURN Africa celebrates Africa by drawing people together in journeys of discovery and transformation.  Journey to the scenically beautiful Pafuri, in the remote northern sector of the Kruger National Park.

Safari experiences in Pafuri celebrate the rich ancestral heritage of the Makuleke Contractual Park.  Wedged between the confluence of the Limpopo and Luvuvhu Rivers, this 59,000 acres is an area of deep history and immense biodiversity.

Remarkable geological and natural heritage is discovered through rock formations over 250 million years old, human history dating back to the Stone Age, and landmark archeological sites from early civilisations. Additional to this are natural wonders of immense flood plains, wildlife rich pans, extraordinary trees and forests, together with the apex predators of hyena and crocodiles, large herds of elephants and buffalo, and finally a bird watching paradise. 

RETURN Africa is owned and managed by Swedish and South African impact investors who are committed to providing nurturing and inspiring places to work and visit while being responsible custodians of our heritage and environment.  

FAST FACTS

RATES

Pafuri Tented Camp:
R 10 750 per person per night

Pafuri Walking Safaris:
R 4 550 per person per night

Baobab Hill House:
R 26 400 per house per night

ACCESS

Pafuri:
Daily scheduled seat-in flight from Hoedspruit (45 minutes / min 2 pax) or private charter from Johannesburg Airports (1 hr 45 mins).

CHILDREN

Pafuri Tented Camp, Baobab Hill House:
All ages welcome

Pafuri Walking Safaris: 
16+ years

Walking Safaris requires a minimum age of 16, but Pafuri Tented and Baobab Hill House are perfectly suited for families. 

Classic Portfolio Since 1993

What we love

Classic Portfolio Since 1993

JEWEL OF KRUGER

Pafuri is an iconic region of geological wonders and diversity, here you discover a wide variety of wildlife species and unique birds together with exceptional landscapes.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP

Partnered with the Makuleke Community, this lodge believes in economic transformation through community empowerment.

TWIN CENTRE SAFARI

With easy charter access from Hoedspruit, a combination with a safari camp in the Timbavati makes the ideal itinerary with the best wildlife sightings.

GREAT VALUE

Geared towards families and friends seeking great value, adventure and connection.

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The impact of your stay

The Makuleke Contractual Park or Pafuri Triangle is an area that was forcibly taken from the Makuleke people by the Apartheid South Africa government in 1969. About 1500 Makuleke people were relocated so that their original tribal areas could be integrated into the greater Kruger National Park. In 1998 the Makuleke won the land back in a groundbreaking settlement. However, they chose not to resettle but to engage with the private sector to invest in tourism, thus resulting in the partnership with RETURN Africa.

Every stay contributes through:

PAFURI CAMPS

  • Choosing to stay at RETURN Africa Pafuri is choosing to support one of the few ‘luxury’ community based tourism models in South Africa.
  • At Pafuri, the Makuleke community earns 10% of gross revenue. 
  • The R 600 (2023) or R 650 (2024) per person per night Community & Conservation Levy is directly allocated to the 10% fund without any deductions of agent commission. This is invested in full to the community and Makuleke Contractual Park.
  • Knowing that over 90% of the staff, including senior managers, at RETURN Africa Pafuri are Makuleke community members.  All staff are from South Africa. 

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Classic Portfolio Since 1993

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CAMPS & GUEST HOUSE

Pafuri Collection

Pafuri Region, Kruger National Park

Pafuri Tented Camp

This comfortable luxury safari accommodation stretches along the Luvuvhu River on raised wooden walkways. The camp has 19 en-suite tents, seven of these are ‘family tents’ perfect for families of four. All the tents offer gorgeous views over the Luvuvhu River. A bush bar, swimming pool and al-fresco dining area offer everyday entertainment, and there’s plenty of space to unwind beneath the branches of the giant trees embracing the camp.

An extraordinary wildlife experience awaits. Large herds of elephant roam the area together with healthy populations of buffalo, antelope, leopard, hyena and more. Due to its fantastic riverside location Pafuri Camp is also the destination of choice for avid birders and guests are regularly treated to sightings of rare species including the elusive Pels Fishing Owl

SEASONALITY: Open all year

CHILDREN: All ages

Pafuri Tented Camp

12 standard tents & 7 family tents

from R 10 750 per person per night
All meals and house drinks
Guided safari activities
Day and night game drives
Walking safaris
Laundry
WiFi (main area only)

Pafuri Region, Kruger National Park

Pafuri Walking Camps

Pafuri is one of Africa’s most iconic walking destinations. From Lanner Gorge and the Fever Tree forest to the Limpopo flood plain and large water filled pans, this is an area of spectacular discoveries on foot with professional trails guides.

Each of the Walking Camps – Hutwini Camp and Nkula Camp – have 4 tents for a maximum of 8 guests. Both camps are well positioned on the edge of the Luvuvuhu River and hosted by an experienced trails guide and camp staff. A vehicle is available but the focus is to be connected to the wilderness and explore on foot. 

The camps have no electricity, wifi or running water. En-suite bathrooms do have a flushing eco loo. They do have solar and oil lamps, batter banks for charging photographic equipment and en-suite bucket showers. 

SEASONALITY: Open from 1 April – 31 October annually

CHILDREN: 16+ years (children under 16 are not legally permitted to walk)

Pafuri Walking Safaris

2 camps of 4 tents each

from R 4 550 per person per night
All meals and house drinks
Guided safari activities
Walking safaris
Optional game drives
WiFi
Laundry

Pafuri Region, Kruger National Park

Baobab Hill House

If it’s privacy you seek, Baobab Hill Bush House is the answer. This cozy homestead perches on a ridge just north of the Luvuvhu river. It is shaded by the branches of great baobabs and shrouded in history – it was once the Pafuri section ranger’s station. Here, privacy and comfort reign: four bedrooms sleep up to eight people, and the open-plan kitchen, dining room and lounge provide ample space to spend time together.

The “Out of Africa” veranda is the highlight of the bush house, and you’ll find yourself drawn to it for sundowners and stargazing. If you’d like to explore the surrounding bush be it on foot or in an open safari vehicle, a professional guide and open safari vehicle is included. 

Baobab Hill House comes with a cook, housekeeper and camp  assistant. 

SEASONALITY: Open all year

CHILDREN: All ages

Baobab Hill House

4 bedroom exclusive use house

from R 26 400 per house per night
All meals and house drinks
Private guided safari activities
Day and night game drives
Optional walking safaris
WiFi
Laundry

Cape Town

Welgelegen House

Nestled at the foot of Table Mountain, with unparalleled views of Lion’s Head, Welgelegen House oozes Cape charm. The elegant space has been converted into 14 en-suite rooms from two Victorian houses, linked by a shady inner courtyard and a plunge pool that provides welcome respite during the heat of the day. It is truly a sanctuary in the city, located just a short walk away from the vibe of Kloof Street, and a few minutes’ drive from the Table Mountain Cableway, Camps Bay and the V&A Waterfront.

A highlight of every stay at Welgelegen is interaction with the fabulous team, headed up by General Manager Ayanda Prince.

SEASONALITY: Open all year

CHILDREN: All ages

Welgelegen House

12 double rooms & 2 family rooms

from R 2 500 per room per night
Breakfast
Swimming pool
WiFi
Cape Town Tours and Transfers available

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FEATURED OFFER

Stay 3 Pay 2.5

Save 50% on the 3rd night at Pafuri Tented Camp

VALID: Until 31 Mar 2024

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featured journey

From Cape to Kruger

From Cape Town to Pafuri save on a 10-night journey.

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location

Getting to Pafuri

FLY

HOEDSPRUIT ACCESS:

  • Daily seat-in charter flights from Hoedspruit Civil Airport.
  • Operated by RETURN Africa in partnership with Tzaneen Air.
  • Minimum of 2 guests staying a minimum of 3 nights at Pafuri Tented Camp.
  • Departs Hoedspruit at 14:00 | Arrives Pafuri 14:45.
  • Departs Pafuri at 11:45 | Arrives Hoedspruit at 12:30.
  • Connects with AIRLINK arrivals and departs from/to Johannesburg and Cape Town.
  • Road transfers between Hoedspruit Civil and Eastgate are arranged at an additional cost.

JOHANNESBURG ACCESS:

  • Daily flight from Grand Central Airport.
  • Operated by Echos Skies, minimum of 2 guests.
  • Includes road transfer from JHB international Airport to JHB Grand Central Airport (45 mins).
  • Departs Grand Central at 10:00 | Arrives Pafuri 11:45.
  • Departs Pafuri at 12:30 | Arrives Grand Central at 14:15.

location

Getting to Welgelegen House

FLY

The closest airport is Cape Town International Airport.

DRIVE

Upon landing at Cape Town International Airport, it’s a quick 35 minute, traffic dependent, drive through the city to the beautiful guest house. 

Availability

Contact

Email:
reservations@returnafrica.com

Tel:
+27 11 646 1391

Office Hours:
Monday to Friday, 8am – 5pm. Based in Johannesburg.