The diverse and extensive Makuleke Concession is best explored and experienced over several days through a variety of activities, ranging from game drives in open vehicles to walks and trails of varying duration with a qualified tracker and guide.

Day and night game drives allow access to the furthest reaches of this private concession separate from the public areas of the Kruger and of course the opportunity to view larger mammals such as elephant, buffalo and lion at close proximity.

The best way to experience the riverine forests along the Luvuvhu and Limpopo Rivers and the more rugged kopjes and their hidden springs and gorges is on foot. Walking in this remote and pristine area provides a more intimate experience and is the ideal option for birdwatchers after specials such as Pel’s Fishing-Owl, or for anyone seeking solitude and peace.

Guided activities on offer are:

Morning game drives of around 4 hours in duration.
Afternoon game drives (including a night drive) of 3-4 hours in duration.
Morning walks of anywhere between 1 and 4 hours in duration.
Makuleke Village outings including traditional meal, dancing and sangoma visit.
Outings to Thulamela: a 500-year-old rock-walled civilisation.
Children’s activities with guides, chefs and other lodge staff.

Makuleke Community Centre and Homestay

The Makuleke community have built a small replica of a traditional village, the Makuleke Community Centre and Homestay, which is run as a Bed & Breakfast. Situated in the heart of the village to the south-west of the Kruger Park’s Punda Maria Gate it accommodates a maximum of 12 guests at a time. From here it is possible to explore and enjoy the area and community, as well as to learn about the rich cultural heritage and history of the Makuleke people.

Note: The offer of a Homestay with the Makaleke Community is being reassessed and currently is not available.  Our website will be updated once the project is up and running again.

Pafuri Wilderness Trail

Starting in April 2009, Pafuri Wilderness Trail will be available as both a three- and four-night walking trail in the private Makuleke Concession in the northern Kruger National Park. It 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. Pafuri Wilderness Trails will depart every Friday (3-night trail) and Monday (4-night trail) between April and November in 2009.

Brief Itinerary
Guests walk approximately 3-4 hours in the morning, returning to a hearty brunch back at the base camp. There is then time to relax and have a siesta during the heat of the day, before doing another walking for around two hours or whatever is required by the group in the afternoon. A wonderful dinner is enjoyed and then overnight at the Trails Camp before setting off again the next morning.