Pafuri safaris, tours & holiday packages
Wilderness game viewing in Kruger's remote farnorth
The most remote corner of Kruger, Pafuri is noted for its high biodiversity, rare birds, lush fever-tree forests and the abandoned 16th-century stone-walled palace protected in Thulamela Heritage Site
Flanking the Luvuvhu River in the far north of the Kruger Park, the Pafuri region forms two broad areas. The first, running along the forested south bank of the river, is the Pafuri road circuit, a public road best reached from Punda Maria rest camp 50 kilometres to its south and punctuated by the Pafuri Picnic Site in the heart of the forest.
The area is particularly popular with South African birdwatchers, thanks to the presence of rarities such as Pel’s fishing-owl (sometimes seen from the bridge over the river), racket-tailed roller, white-crowned lapwing and triple-banded courser. It is also notable for high concentrations of elephant, buffalo and nyala antelope. Not to be missed is a guided tour to the Thulamela Heritage Site, which protects the substantial hilltop ruins of a Great Zimbabwe-style stone-walled royal village built in the 16th century.
“My favourite part of the Kruger. The birdlife is sensational, and the Makuleke Contractual Park, for those who make it there, feels truly wild and remote from the main tourist circuit. And don't miss out on Thulamela Heritage Site, which is probably the closest thing in South Africa to the world-famous ruins at Great Zimbabwe.”
More on Pafuri holidays
The 235-square-kilometre wedge of land bounded by the Luvuvhu to the south and Limpopo to the north is now known as the Makuleke Contractual Park.
It is named after the Makuleke people, who were forcibly evicted in 1969 when the apartheid government incorporated the area into the Kruger but regained ownership of it 30 years later. Instead of resettling, the Makuleke have developed the region for sustainable tourism: land and wildlife management are contracted to the national park authorities.
In addition, two sites have been leased to responsible private investors and developed as upmarket concession lodges, with unique access to several sites closed to the general public, including the lush forest at Crooks' Corner (the tripartite border with Zimbabwe and Mozambique) and the spectacular Lanner Gorge.
Pafuri Map
Pafuri's location on Google Maps
Frequently Asked Questions about Pafuri
Whether you are in the Southern or East Africa you will generally be able to see the big five. The difference really comes in when considering antelope as they are based on your chosen location. go there.
This is all dependant on the countries that you will be visitng and due to the status of certain vaccinations changing at times, please consult our experts before getting vaccines. go there.
In some parts of Southern Africa it is safe to drink the tap water, however it is highly recommended to stick to bottled water (mostly supplied) during your trip as even drinkable African water is completely different in taste and… go there.
Reviews on our Pafuri safaris
All details were covered, all staff and food excellent, service was perfect - would highly recommend for sure.
Ron
from United States of America
Excellent combination of calling to chat about plans and details, followed up with emailing of detailed information. Made all arrangements easy for us from the actual booking to payment procedures, exchange rate recommendations, visa advice,…
Saldrix
from South Africa
Waking up at 5:00 am to a bumpy ride all the way to a hidden hyena den, was something I’ll never forget. But the absolute best part was when the 1 month old cub peeked his head out to say hello. It was heartbreakingly cute.
Alana Krutoyarsky
from United States of America
I wish to say thanks to Megan for all your assistance in ensuring that me and my wife enjoy a wonderful holiday, a nice stay at the hotel with just minor issues, and the Hluhluwe Imfolozi park tour. We just wish to pass our gratitude for all…
Mokatse Itumeleng
from South Africa
It was great to work with Discover Africa and thanks so much for your help.
Lisa and Niall Shapiro
from Australia
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