AFRICA

My fifth visit was in June 2026. The camp is doing a brilliant job on rebuilding after the floods and our stay was hardly impacted. As usual, I thoroughly enjoyed my stay, the birding and scenery is fantastic and the staff are so friendly and helpful.

I have previously stayed at the RETURNAfrica walking camps late in the season, in September and October, and this was the first visit early in the walking season. What a contrast! 2026 is an exceptional year, with huge amounts of rain, and it showed in the landscape, which was lush green, with lots of water in pans and the Luvhuvhu and Limpopo rivers still high. I've never seen such prolific birdlife and there were clouds of butterflies in camp and throughout the area. The animals looked very well conditioned, and we saw buffalo, eland, waterbuck, nyala, jackals, hyena and more just a short way from camp. This time we stayed at Hutwini Camp, which is a little better set up than Nkula, and has the river closer (nice shady spot for a breakfast). Woke up one morning to find a freshly dug aardvark hole on the parh outside the tent. Given the conditions, the walking was superb - despite the greenery, there was plenty of open areas to walk, including Hutwini gorge and the areas in the east with the baobabs and fever treees. Guided by Zach and Mille again, who are a pleasure to be around. Cook was Wendy, and the meals and snacks were fabulous. I was apprehensive about finding mosquitos at this time, but did not see a single one - probably because the nights were already getting cold. In all, the visit confirmed why Pafuri has the best walking safari terrain in Southern Africa. Already planning the next visit in 2027.

Our trip to the Makuleke concession/Pafuri was all we hoped for and much much more. The vegetation and landscape is beautiful, varied, powerful and often dramatic. The area is teaming with game and birdlife - we experienced three rarities, thanks to the extraordinary guiding skills and depth of experience of our guide Bongs/ Bongani. We had the privacy of Baobab Hill House with its attentive staff, and at all times were safe, cared for and privileged to experience this special place. Thank you to the Makuleke people and Return Africa for managing an outstanding experience, and a special thanks again to Bongani for his outstanding knowledge, generosity and patience.

Just back from four days at magical Makuleke - what a spectacular spot. Baobabs, fever trees, glorious vistas, wonderful wildlife, a total treat. We stayed at Baobab Hill House and enjoyed exceptional service, especially from Bongani our guide, could not have been better. I really hope Return Africa is not too badly impacted by the tragedy in the KNP.

From the view overlooking the Luvuvhu River, the very comfortable and beautifully decorated tents, the top-class gourmet food, the impeccable service and the wonderful game drives and bush walks - I cannot recommend this Camp more highly. If you want to get away from the rat race and just "BE" - this is the spot for you!! Enjoy!

Had a fabulous time in the Makuleke with the fantastic Nkula team. Photos don't do the landscapes any justice. Absolutely marvellous. Thanks to our guides Bongs & Cyril.

We were booked for a walking safari from Hutwini camp, but when we arrived were happy to find we'd been upgraded to the main Pafuri Lodge, which had the advantages of a swimming pool and some wifi, aside from the luxury tented rooms overlooking the Luvhuvu river. (Hutwini could not be rebuilt in time following the recent floods in the area). Everything was lovely from there onwards, just what we'd hoped for for visiting UK family with 3 teenagers. We did long morning walks with two fantastic rangers, Bongs and Andile, and shorter evening drive/walks as well. The area is beautiful an varied, and a paradise for birders, of which there were quite a few among the other guests. We saw plenty of animals even though the veld was very green and bushy, and were lucky to accidentally see the famous Pel's Fishing Owl on a drive to Crook's Corner. Overall it was a wonderful experience and we hope to visit again one day, especially to walk through Lanner gorge.