Pafuri Camp

Pafuri Camp is situated along the banks of the Luvuvhu River in the far north of the Kruger National Park. This remote 26,500 hectare concession is the meeting point of a multitude of habitats, resulting in a region of extraordinary biodiversity: almost three quarters of the Park’s bird, mammal, fish, amphibian, reptile and tree species are represented here.

Sheltered under thatch, the 19 tented rooms all face the river. So you can sit on your deck and watch the elephant, nyala, waterbuck or bushbuck. They are raised on platforms to catch the breeze and are connected via elevated walkways so that wildlife can move undisturbed to and from the river. All of the luxury tents are en-suite with both indoor and outdoor showers. Seven of them are family tented suites with a second smaller bedroom behind the main bedroom, suitable for children. The camp is run on solar power so no air-conditioning, kettles or hair dryers in the rooms.

The communal area offers al-fresco dining, a bush bar, a swimming pool and plenty of space to laze about in the shade of the giant trees that overhang the camp. Breakfast, lunch, high tea and dinner are served on decks above the river.

Game-viewing

Wildlife viewing from this camp can be rather extraordinary with large herds of elephant located in the area during the dry months. There is also a healthy population of buffalo and Pafuri Camp is known for regular sightings of Pel's Fishing Owl due to its fantastic location on the Luvuvhu River. Sightings of species like eland, bushpig and Sharpe’s grysbok are frequent, along with zebra, impala, wildebeest and warthog. Resident buffalo and white rhino, and a full complement of big cats (including leopard), complete the picture.

Activities include game drives in open 4 x 4 vehicles, night drives throughout the concession, birding and walking safaris, all accompanied by a professional ranger. Your stay might include visits to Crook’s corner, the remarkable Lanner Gorge and the beautiful fever tree forest.

Baobab Hill House

Perched on a secluded, baobab-studded ridge just north of the Luvuvhu, Baobab Hill Bush House was once the Pafuri ranger’s station. This rustic homestead offers ideal accommodation for families or friends seeking privacy and comfort in the bush. It consists of four bedrooms and sleeps up to eight people, with a home kitchen, open plan dining room and lounge, a swimming pool, and an Out of Africa veranda, perfect for sundowners or dinners in the early evenings.

The property is fenced, offering a child friendly environment. The house comes with a housekeeper, a professional guide and an open safari vehicle to help you explore the rich diversity of the concession. Baobab Hill Bush House can be booked catered or self-catered. Catered: they supply all food, beverages (house wine, beers, soft drinks, g+t’s) and a cook to prepare everything. Other beverages can be supplied at extra cost. Self-catered: you bring in all your food and drinks. They will still supply a cook to assist at mealtimes. There’s a sample menu available for typical meals that are easily prepared by the cook. With prior arrangement it is also possible for Baobab Hill guests to dine at Pafuri Camp.

Children

Children of all ages are welcome at Pafuri Camp (7 of the 19 luxury tents are family units, sleeping up to 4 people), but children under 6 will not be allowed on game drives. Children under 16 will not be allowed on bush walks. At Baobab Hill children of all ages are welcome and can also go on the game drives, but children under 16 will not be allowed on bush walks. No children under 16 can stay at Pafuri Walking Trails Camp.

Getting to Pafuri Camp

There are several options. You can incorporate it in an adventurous self-drive itinerary. It combines very well with Mashatu Game Reserve in south-east Botswana for example. Or we can arrange transfers from Polokwane, or Phalaborwa or Hoedspruit airport – but these take around 4-5 hours. Alternatively you can fly in on a light aircraft to Pafuri’s own airstrip with Echo Skies from Johannesburg.