Return Africa - Pafuri Camp

Return Africa - Pafuri Camp

The Luvuvhu River
Traveller (633)
Night view of Pafuri Luxury Tent and private deck
Room & Suite (153)
Pafuri Tented Camp
Videos (4)
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

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Avg. R 15,336 /night, 2/16 - 2/17
R 16,917
per night
R 15,768
per night
R 14,619
per night

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About

#1 of 1 lodge in Bende Mutale
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Location
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
4.7 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Pafuri Camp is situated in the Makuleke Concession of the Northern Kruger National Park. This comfortable camp has 19 luxury tents with en-suite bathrooms. There are seven ‘family tents' that sleep up to four persons, making this a 52-bed camp. The tents offer gorgeous views over the Luvuvhu River, there is also a communal area with a swimming pool – for those balmy days when you need to cool off.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Public wifi
Pool
Free breakfast
Board games / puzzles
Airport transportation
Conference facilities
Massage
Car park
Pool / beach towels
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast buffet
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Complimentary welcome drink
Kids' meals
Outdoor dining area
Special diet menus
Poolside bar
Neck massage
24-hour security
Concierge
Gift shop
Mosquito net
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor furniture
Sun deck
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Sun umbrellas
Umbrella
Private check-in / check-out
Ironing service
Room features
Bathrobes
Desk
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Safe
Seating area
Walk-in shower
Complimentary toiletries
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Clothes rack
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
4.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English
Hotel links

Location

Makuleke Contractual Park, Bende Mutale 0973 South Africa
Getting there
Polokwane Airport
241.2 km•
See all flights
5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles646 reviews
Reviews summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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The Pafuri Collection receives high accolades for its exceptional service, with guests consistently feeling valued by the attentive and knowledgeable staff. Nestled in a picturesque riverside setting favored by bird watchers, the hotel's atmosphere and amenities are celebrated for their luxury and unique connection to nature. While the camp's experiences are seen as providing good value, some travelers suggest it may not cater as well to vegetarians or those primarily seeking the big five. The rooms, with their elegant decor and stunning river views, are often highlighted as surpassing guests' expectations.
Location
Picturesque
Atmosphere
Elegant
Rooms
Tasteful
Value
Expensive
Service
Attentive
Amenities
World-class

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Detailed Reviews
St3phC89 wrote a review Dec 2023
London, United Kingdom
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I cannot talk highly enough about the place, the people and the experience we had here at Pafuri.
It was truly an unforgettable experience from the accommodation to the friendly staff to the drives seeing all the wildlife and biodiversity the Makuleke Contractual Park have to offer - truly and wonderfully magical.
Highly recommend!

The rooms were wonderfully styled, comfortable with great views. Lovely outdoor shower with hot water. Fresh water every day and mosquito nets helped a lot. Housekeeping every day meant the room was so inviting each time we came back from our game drives (morning and evening).

Considering you are out in the open where any animal friend could come in and say hi, we felt incredibly safe with the staff guiding us back to our rooms each evening. They are very knowledgeable and we felt confident we were safe at all times.

Delicious and fresh food every day. Light meals and snacks offered throughout the day with a varied buffet for brunch and dinner (catering for vegetarians as well, plenty to eat).

Game drives and guides were amazing. We never knew what we'd be seeing every time we went out so that made it more exciting. Our guides were outstanding, the knowledge they have about the wildlife is incredibly impressive. We learnt about elephants to impalas, birds to butterflies - it was amazing. The staff elsewhere on the camp were incredibly helpful and friendly. Always felt welcomed and looked after to a high standard.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2023
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew M wrote a review Nov 2023
Pennsylvania, United States
5.0 of 5 bubbles
My wife and I stayed at the walk in camp in 2019 pre pandemic. On our next trip to ZAR 2023 we brought 3 friends with us and came back to the conession and Return Africa. This time to the walk in camp and Baobab Hill House. This was almost our entire time in Kruger. We love the less crowded, more open feel of the north. We love that the community benefits from the Return Africa business and 98% of staff are from the landowning community. The service and care and attention to detail is superior to the two higher end lodges we have stayed at in Kruger NP. And better at a lower cost. They make top class service affordable to people like us who can't pay for such top class places.

The wildlife viewing is superb. You go out looking for wildlife not knowing what you will see. I prefer this to chasing the leopard or going to the lion kill radioed in to the driver as happens more in the more densely populated southern parts of the park.

Birdlife is especially good with Northern and intra African migrants. So much to see beyond a few mega mammals and big 5.

Our guides have been uniformly excellent across two visits-- 8 in total. Each has a new twist and things to show, all have been great company.

The cooks are outstanding. Every meal down to snacks and risks a treat.

Baobab hill house is especially good for a leisurely stay with friends or family . Quiet, great views, star gazing, night sounds, lots of birds, etc. A really special place with great people.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: October 2023
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from RETURN Africa, Owner at Return Africa - Pafuri Camp
Responded 05 Nov 2023
Thank you for your wonderful review of our RETURN Africa camps and bush house. We hope you will "come back for more" again sometime soon
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Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveller reviews.
Corinne H wrote a review Apr 2024
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This tented lodge is a great base for birders who want to find the northern Kruger park ‘specials’ and who are prepared to pay for the privilege of being looked after by a very special team. We always find that attention to detail is a good differentiator between luxury safari providers and the team at the Pafuri Tented Camp, led by Enos, certainly deserved the 5 star rating we’ve given them. The team made us feel at home in a relaxed but smoothly run atmosphere. Everything worked well, from the easy check in, to the friendly care that was provided by every staff member we encountered.

Safari guides can make or break your holiday and our wonderful guide Zach certainly added a huge amount to our experience. The team knew we were birders, assigned us a guide who was an outstanding birder and it was a great match. We saw and photographed lots of birds!

The tents are lovely and well equipped to a high standard. The food was great and the portion sizes just right.

We highly recommend this camp.
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Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from RETURN Africa, Owner at Return Africa - Pafuri Camp
Responded 06 May 2024
Pafuri is a birders paradise! We are so happy you were looked after by our team in Pafuri!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GeorgJirsa wrote a review Feb 2024
Vienna, Austria
2.0 of 5 bubbles
At this price level everything should be about service and presentation (we stayed for two nights and payed 40k Rands).
But the quality of the provided service AND food was poor and did not fulfill our expectations. Especially if you are a vegetarian we can’t recommend this camp. For a reasonable priced 2* lodge the level would be acceptable but not for the advertised 4* luxurious lodge we had to pay for.

Last not least: not everything was bad! The layout of the camp along the river is nice; the tents are not luxurious but comfortable; and the landscape (that’s why we came to this part of Kruger) is so beautiful!
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: This is an overpriced tourist trap
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from RETURN Africa, Owner at Return Africa - Pafuri Camp
Responded 17 Mar 2024
We have acknowledged this review and have taken the necessary steps to resolve. We appreciate the positive feedback and internally investigated the criticisms. Mr Jirsa has requested no further engagement.
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Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Navigator673963 wrote a review Jan 2025
Moscow, Russia
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Only facts:
I have counted my money in the safe the day before departure.
On the departure day I just took my money from the safe ( there were 2 wads of cash one in a bag, one in envelope with different amount of money)
I recalculated my money only when I arrived home, both missing money!
1800 US Dollars in total.
I would have assumed that I had miscounted, but not when money missing in both wads.
Shame!
Read more
Date of stay: January 2025Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from RETURN Africa, Owner at Return Africa - Pafuri Camp
Responded 4 weeks ago
Dear Guest, Whilst we sincerely sympathise with your loss, we feel it fair to raise that in the 10 years since we started at Pafuri Camp this is the first time a loss has been reported from a room safe. Each safe is protected with a personalised passcode set by and only known to the guest. We feel it unreasonable to allege that the loss occurred at Pafuri when it was only discovered after your return to Moscow. Kindest regards, RETURN Africa
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
carolbriar wrote a review Nov 2022
Omagh, United Kingdom
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We recently stayed at Pafuri Tented Camp and were very impressed with everything about it. From being collected at the airstrip by our guide Wiseman we couldn’t fault the camp. The staff at the Camp were so happy in their work environment. Nothing was too much trouble. They went out of their way to make our stay special. Enos, the manager and Moses and his team were exceptional. The food was absolutely delicious. Our tent was spacious and close to the main area which was great. Our guide Wiseman, who is the head guide, is extremely knowledgeable and was brilliant. One of the best run Camps/Lodges that we have stayed in and we have stayed in over 50 during our visits to Africa.
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Date of stay: November 2022
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Some of the rooms are a good long distance from the main area so if you don’t want a long walk...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Return Africa, Owner at Return Africa - Pafuri Camp
Responded 13 Nov 2022
Thank you for your wonderful review of Pafuri Tented Camp, we are so glad that you had such a happy stay with us. Our team are all wonderful and are a fundamental part of the camp
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
These reviews are machine translated from their original language. Show machine translations?
Astrid57920 wrote a review Oct 2023
Vienna, Austria
5.0 of 5 bubbles
It was our third stay in Pafuri, and yes, we now know the area well and yet the landscape in the north is uniquely beautiful.

We stayed there for 6 long nights and it was again a wonderful experience, even if it was sometimes really hot, which we would not have expected at this time of year. There was just one small criticism: in our tent 3 (great location) the windows could no longer be closed, the Velcro simply no longer holds.

Otherwise everything was perfect, the food was very good, the staff exceptionally friendly and our guide Andile (greetings from the 2 ladies from Austria) really did a great job. We were lucky that there were very few guests there, which made everything even more relaxed.

So all in all another very successful stay that we look back on fondly.
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Google
Date of stay: September 2023
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
francoislct wrote a review May 2024
Johannesburg, South Africa
5.0 of 5 bubbles
For Kruger regulars and SA locals, if you can it is worth paying extra to experience the access Pafuri offers - game drives on tap and access to the Thulamela archaeological site, authentically rooted in the Makuleke community's story. Always with some lovely snacks and drinks waiting. Definitely try this at least once.
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Date of stay: April 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from RETURN Africa, Owner at Return Africa - Pafuri Camp
Responded 05 Jun 2024
We agree. Pafuri should be on all travellers lists of places to visit!
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Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
hitge2024 wrote a review Nov 2024
Johannesburg, South Africa
5.0 of 5 bubbles
A wonderful 3 nights at Pafuri Tented Camp to celebrate our Anniversary. We cannot praise all the staff highly enough for their amazing attitude and attention to the smallest detail. Cyril, our very knowledgeable guide, took us on amazing safaris to view both animals and birds (a few "lifers").
Nothing is ever too much trouble for the staff at this amazing lodge. We will be back!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: November 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from RETURN Africa, Owner at Return Africa - Pafuri Camp
Responded 21 Nov 2024
We don't think there is a better way to celebrate an anniversary than to be immersed in the truly wild Makuleke Contractual Park. Thank you for choosing us to celebrate with. A few new lifers are excellent, but a green season visit when the migrants arrive and swell our list of birds to over 450 should be on your plans for your RETURN trip. :)
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Evaneos-ETB wrote a review Nov 2024
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Pafuri Tented Camp is a bit off the normal tourist route, but definitely worth the effort getting there. The staff, attention to detail and tasteful way everything is put together is special. The food well prepared and tasty and whilst it isn't fine dining, it is very thoughtfully put together and there is a fair amount of creativity in what is served. The staff makes this place even more special with each of them being personally tied into the stories that are the history of the land. Their warmth and welcoming nature just makes it so comfortable and the way they tend to your needs is subtle and unobtrusive but no one misses a beat.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: October 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
3.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from RETURN Africa, Owner at Return Africa - Pafuri Camp
Responded 21 Nov 2024
Thank you for the review. And our people truly make the experience. Each has their own unique story!
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Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
…
Answer from RETURN Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa41 contributions
Good afternoon Desire, sorry for the delayed response. Pafuri Camp includes breakfast, high-tea and dinner. All drinks are excluded.
Answer from RETURN Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa41 contributions
Hi, All of the rooms have equally beautiful views of the Luvvuhu River. We are able to keep anything that needs to be kept frozen in our walk-in freezer - we cannot run an extension lead.
Kerry F asked a question Oct 2020
Hilton, South Africa3 contributions1 helpful vote
What is the weather like at the end of November?
Answer from RETURN Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa41 contributions
Good day, apologies for our delayed response. It is very warm with a slim potential for rain over the period. We offer fans in the rooms, and a swimming pool to help with the heat.
Linda v asked a question Oct 2020
Terneuzen, The Netherlands
Is there a fridge in the accommodation? Thank you.
Answer from MnandiB
Cape Town Central, South Africa46 contributions6 helpful votes
Hi Linda Yes we also travelled with a fridge in our vehicle. We switched ours off during the time there Linda, as they provided everything and we made sure that we did not have anything which can spoil in the fridge. But it is such a fabulous place, pse go and you will see, you won't regret it..
Answer from RETURN Africa
Johannesburg, South Africa41 contributions
Good morning! The Kruger National Park is a moderate malaria area and you should contact your doctor about Malaria Prophylaxis. Have a great day! :)
Ria v wrote a tip Nov 2024
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Take your binoculars and cameras. The birdlife is prolific with a lot of specials that can only be seen here. Photo opportunities galore."
Read full review
Neil P wrote a tip Nov 2024
Belmont, California47 contributions1 helpful vote
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Come in spring for the best game viewing and close encounters. Come in summer for migratory birds and lush green landscapes."
Read full review
Mary D wrote a tip Sept 2024
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Stay longer as it’s a far away destination "
Read full review
Suenel1969 wrote a tip Aug 2024
Greater Johannesburg, South Africa10 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"The August weather was perfect with cool evenings and early mornings and warm enough to swim midday."
Read full review
Wayne wrote a tip Aug 2024
Luanda, Angola74 contributions9 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"We stayed 3 nights which was great a 4th night would have been better. This is not a location to see big cats !!"
Read full review
…
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PRICE RANGE
R 13,865 - R 16,807 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
pafuri camp hotel kruger national park
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Wilderness Adventures Pafuri Camp
LOCATION
South AfricaLimpopo ProvinceBende Mutale
NUMBER OF ROOMS
19
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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RETURN AFRICA - PAFURI CAMP - UPDATED 2025 Lodge Reviews & Price Comparison (Bende Mutale, South Africa)

Frequently Asked Questions about Return Africa - Pafuri Camp
What are some of the property amenities at Return Africa - Pafuri Camp?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
Which room amenities are available at Return Africa - Pafuri Camp?
Top room amenities include a desk, a mosquito net, and a seating area.
What food & drink options are available at Return Africa - Pafuri Camp?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Return Africa - Pafuri Camp?
Yes, free parking, a parking garage, and secured parking are available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Return Africa - Pafuri Camp?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Return Africa - Pafuri Camp have airport transportation?
Yes, Return Africa - Pafuri Camp offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Does Return Africa - Pafuri Camp have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the river view available here.