South Africa’s Whales, Wildflowers and Wildlife

Overview

The Pafuri Camp sits under enormous nyala berry and jackal trees overlooking the Luvuvhu River in the extreme northern corner of the world famous Kruger National Park. The camp is actually within the 24 000 hectare Makuleke Private Concession and comprises of 19 en-suite traditional safari style including 6 special family units. Each tent is built on a platform two metres off the ground, allowing animals to move more freely to and from the river where they come to drink.

The spacious tents have attached private bathrooms, comfortable double and twin beds, seating, and outside decking. The tents are joined to the main camp by a raised walkway. The main building has an open walled lounge, dining room, large deck and swimming pool. The colourful fabrics reflect the culture of the Makuleke community with whom the camp owners have partnered.

Activities at the camp are many and varied. The Makuleke Concession is explored on game drives in open vehicles, on walks along trails. The Pafuri Walking Trail Exploration is the ideal way to experience this spectacular, private concession. It is perhaps the best area for walking in the entire 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. Using one campsite as a base, each day is spent in different parts of the 24,000-hectare concession, walking along animal pathways following their tracks. This is undoubtedly the most remote and wild walking experience in South Africa, with a huge diversity of habitat, wildlife and bird life. Experienced, knowledgeable and passionate guides walk with the guests throughout. There is private access to the concession with no impact of vehicles. Access is also possible to the legendary Lanner Gorge basin and the mystic Limpopo fever tree forest.

Overview

The luxurious Kings Camp sits in shady scrub on the edge of an open plain in Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, which adjoins Sabi Sand and the much greater Kruger National Park.

There are only nine large suites, beautifully designed with elegant colonial decor, a four-poster double bed and private bathroom featuring both indoor and outdoor double showers and a Victorian-style claw foot bathtub. All the huge rooms have air-conditioning, well stocked minibar, safety deposit box, telephone, hair dryer, bathrobes, umbrella and a private verandah overlooking the bush. There are also two even larger deluxe honeymoon suites available which include an outdoor dining table and private plunge pool on the patio with complimentary WiFi, iPod dock and a Nespresso coffee machine.

The main lodge at Kings Camp consists of an elegant open plan lounge and well stocked bar, and a large thatched roof dining room with open sides to maintain a breeze. Meals are always freshly prepared and consist mainly of typical South African dishes. Outside there is a garden with sun loungers and small swimming pool plus a thatched viewing platform which overlooks the waterhole, ideal for viewing the local wildlife. Other facilities include a massage and spa treatment room, gym, library with computers, WiFi and satellite TV. There is also a curio shop selling a good range of local crafts, souvenirs and useful safari equipment.

The game drives in Timbavati Private Nature Reserve benefit from being very exclusive as there are few other vehicles present. Kings Camp also offers bush walks and Out of Africa-style al fresco dining and camping under the stars.