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Kruger National Park, South Africa

Pafuri Wilderness Trails

Though we have not experienced this safari, we have done several Walking Trails safaris in other areas. Walking safaris are a fantastic way to experience different safari options. From the trail, visitors get a unique view and perspective not found in 4x4 game vehicles. The camp is rustic, with meals cooked right on the fire, but allows for great comfort.  — Mango's view

Pafuri Wilderness Trails is a three-night, four-day walking trail in the spectacular, private Makuleke concession of the northern Kruger National Park.

The private Makuleke concession is perhaps the best area for walking in the entire Kruger National Park and is blessed not only with exceptional biodiversity but also spectacular scenery, seasonally high densities of many large mammal species, a feeling of wilderness and remoteness, and a sense of history. Habitats include the life giving arteries of the Limpopo and Luvuvhu Rivers, both with well developed floodplains and a series of vitally important seasonal pans. Between the two rivers lies a ridge of hills with a network of drainage lines and secret perennial springs to which the area's game is drawn. Rugged baobab dotted kopjes jut from mopane woodland and endless vistas across palm-studded floodplains, acacia woodland and ethereal riverine forest soothe the soul.

Accommodation for a maximum of 8 guests is in ensuite thatch and canvas tents raised on low platforms. A covered dining area overlooks the fire where all cooking takes place and from the shade of the central Nyala-berry tree, glimpses of the Limpopo floodplain are visible. A waterhole and nearby spring ensure that game is never too far away from this intimate and rustic camp.

The three-night walking trail is led by an experienced and armed guide and tracker with the emphasis of the experience on wilderness. Each day you head out on faun and diverse walks, returning to camp for mealtimes.

The Makuleke Concession is the extreme northernmost sector of the Kruger National Park and is located between the Limpopo and Luvuvhu Rivers in what is also known as the Pafuri region. To the north and east lies Mozambique and Zimbabwe. This area is destined to become the core of the new Transfrontier or "Peace" park that will straddle South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

The Makuleke/Pafuri is one of the few true wilderness areas left in South Africa and the vegetation is so different than anything else within Kruger that one might be forgiven for thinking one was in Central Africa! The large trees in this area are usually nearly 50% taller than most baobabs, and scenically, the area is diverse, with stunning mountains, shady deep gorges, forests of yellow fever trees and groves of baobabs, mopane woodland, and open savannah grassland. The area is a true contrast to the rest of the Kruger National Park and a visit here truly rounds off the Kruger experience of the southern lodges.

Although this 24,000 hectore area comprises only fractionally more than 1% of the total area of the 2.2 million hectare Greater Kruger National Park, 75% of all species in this region occur at Pafuri: nearly 400 birds species and over 100 mammal species make up some of the more visible aspects of this incredible biodiversity.

Includes: All meals & activities