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Categories:
Self-Catering and Tented CampSpecial Categories:
Birder-Friendly, Eco-friendly Accommodation, Family Friendly, and Tented CampsGeo Co-ordinates:
Location:
Nearest Airport/s:
Child Policy:
Children of all ages are welcome.
This unique camp accommodates a maximum of 22 people. Sites are arranged to suit groups from 2 to 8 people, in total privacy. Linen and towels are supplied. Each site has a fully equipped kitchen, toilet, shower, braai area and access to the Mutale river.
There is no electricity, we use paraffin lamps for light, open fires and gas for cooking and gas powered fridges. A few other things we don’t have are; crime, concrete, noise and pollution. Your cell phone won’t work here either.
What we do offer is; wide open skies, peace, quiet, the freedom to explore and good service in a friendly and informal atmosphere. There is a central lapa where delicious bushcamp meals are served (please book in advance) and a small pub next to the pool selling ice cold drinks. Unwind; come live in the bush for a while!
Precautions and what to bring:
- Whilst mosquitos are not a big problem at the camp, we are situated in a malaria area, so please take or bring the necessary precautions.
- A good flashlight is always handy.
- Warm clothing for the winter evenings, temperatures can drop to 4°C once the sun has set.
- Swimsuit and beach towel.
- Sunscreen.
- If you are self-catered; all your food for the duration of your stay, the nearest shop is a 2 to 3 hour round trip.
- Fuel: If you are driving from Johannesburg, Louis Trichardt has the last unleaded petrol, from Zimbabwe it’s Musina. Tshipise has regular petrol and diesel (but not always) and there is now a small store selling fuel at Masisi. In the Kruger, Punda Maria is your last fuel stop. Please watch out for animals on the road.
- Any outdoor activity gear you have; bikes, fishing rods, climbing gear, etc.
VENDA, THE LAND OF LEGEND
Pafuri Rivercamp is situated at the top end of the former homeland Venda. Although it has now been incorporated into the new South Africa, Venda remains a unique area, with an intriguing culture and a diverse landscape. Most of the land around is communal, so one is free to explore without the fear of trespassing.
South of the Soutpansberg, the high rainfall supports thick forests, tea, coffee and tropical fruit plantations. It feeds many waterfalls, rivers, dams and the sacred lake of Fundudzi. In contrast, the North is generally arid with the exception of the river valleys and areas surrounding the natural springs.
Places of interest include: Mavhilani potholes; Makuya park; Kruger park; Nwanedi park; The Big Tree; The Cycad Forest; Lake Fundudzi; The Sacred Forest; Limpopo Valley; Tshiovhovhovho Falls; Dzata Ruins and Museum of the Drum; Local Arts and Craft Markets; Fruit Markets; Local Shebeens; Thulamela; Dambali Caves and Bushman Paintings; Sagole Hot Spring.
Whilst not essential, a 4×4 vehicle is recommended for exploring Venda.
Notes
If you are coming from Johannesburg, Louis Trichardt has the last unleaded petrol, from Zimbabwe it’s Messina. Tshipise has regular petrol and diesel and there is now a small store selling fuel at Masisi. In the Kruger, Punda Maria is your last fuel stop. Please watch out for animals on the road between Tshipise and the camp.
Please be advised that the R525 at the T – junction of Masisi and Tskikondeni Mine is closed due to the road having being washed away in the floods.
So, as you pass through Masisi and just before the Tshikondeni Mine turn off, watch out for a detour on your left. A makeshift gate and guard house. Also watch out for the Pafuri River Camp signboard indicating the detour to the left.
NNB DO NOT FOLLOW YOUR GPS at the road closure – it wants to take you to the right past Tsikondeni Mine and somewhere towards THOHOYANDOU – this is NOT CORRECT and you will get lost.
You can always ask the local Masisi Inhabitants if you are unsure – they are helpful and friendly
RATES: as From 1 November 2016
TREE HOUSES
- Sausage tree: Single treehouse with two beds, private toilet, shower, private kitchen and braai area.
- Leadwood: Single treehouse with two beds, private toilet, shower, private kitchen and braai area.
- Nyala tree: Two treehouses with four beds, private toilet, shower, private kitchen and braai area.
- Poison pod: Three treehouses with six beds, private toilet, shower, private kitchen and braai area.
- Raintree: Four treehouses with eight beds, private toilet, shower, private kitchen and braai area.
- All from R400 pp pn sharing
CAMPING
- Secluded camp sites situated along the river bank.
- Communal ablutions with hot water available.
- R140 pp pn.
MEALS
- Full breakfast: R85pp
- Dinner: R150pp
- A single supplement of R 80.00 pp is charged.
- There is no electricity, we use paraffin lamps for light, open fires and gas for cooking and gas powered fridges.
Child Policy:
Children of all ages are welcome.
Deposit Required:
Bookings are confirmed on receipt of 100% deposit.
Cancellation Policy:
- Cancellation 0 to 7 days prior forfeit 90% of the deposit.
- Cancellations 7 to 14 days prior forfeit 50% of the deposit.
- Cancellations 14 to 21 days prior forfeit 25% of the deposit or 17.10% of the booking total, whichever the greater.
- Cancellations more than 21 days prior forfeit 25% of the deposit or 17.10% of the booking total, whichever the greater.
Payment Methods Accepted:
- Facilities for Children
- In-room Facilities
- On-Site Facilities / Services
- Services / Facilities in Area
- Activities in Area
ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES
Tubing & Canoeing (Seasonal):
Grab one of our tubes and we will drop you up stream as far as you like, so that you can easily paddle back to camp. Otherwise bring you own canoe, gecko or tube.
Mountain Biking:
Once again marked trails are not our style. The varied terrain combined with the freedom to move where ever you want, makes this area ideal for biking.
Climbing & Abseiling:
If you have your own gear, there are countless virgin rock faces to be conquered.
Guided Game Drives & Walks:
Approx. 3 ½ – 4 hours guided game drives in the KNP in open game vehicles. Booking is essential.
Hikes:
Use us as a base, a start or finishing point. A beautiful area for the more adventurous hiker. There are no marked trails, but you are free to roam the area and camp almost anywhere. We have excellent maps of the region and can advise you on routes.
4×4 Trails:
Venda is the 4×4 enthusiasts dream. It has almost every kind of terrain imaginable; mud, rock, sand, dongas, mountain passes, river drifts and straight forward bundu bashing; and this is on our good roads. For the adventurous there’s a lot more. We don’t have marked trails, we prefer to give you a decent map, a bit of advice and then leave you to it.
Bring your vehicle’s papers and your passport and you could pop into Mozambique’ for the day, no visas required.
Use us as a base, a starting/finishing point or just for some friendly advice on the area. Clubs and their members should enquire about our special prices.
Please Note:
NO 4X4 Routes on the premises – roads are strictly for getting to and from reception.
LEISURE ACTIVITIES
Relaxing:
What most people do once they get here. Why don’t you try? Come live in the bush for a while!
Birding:
Pafuri Rivercamp is situated in one of South Africa’s prime birding areas. The camp and river bank offer some excellent birding opportunities with our resident bird guide on hand to assist.
Fishing:
We are fortunate to have access to two very different rivers, the Mutale and the Luvuvhu. The Mutale, the river the camp is built on, is the smaller and clearer of the two, and although it flows all year round, the level drops considerably towards the end of the dry season, making it unsuitable for serious angling between May and September. The Luvuvhu’s level remains far more constant, however in the wet season the water can become quite murky, making certain species difficult to catch. Basically this means that all year round we have access to a huge variety of fish. These include: Tigerfish, Sharptooth Catfish (Barbel), Large Scale Yellowfish, Mozambique Tilapia (Blue Kurper/Bream), Mottled Eel and Purple, Rednosed and Leaden Labeo (all species of Mud Fish)
Sunrise Surprise:
For the early risers experience the most amazing sunrise at Sunrise Hill, as the sun creeps over the KNP.
Sundowners at Sunset Ridge:
Climb up to Sunset Ridge just before sunset for a spectacular view and a stunning African sunset.
Guided Nature Walks:
Guided Bird walks for the novice birdwatchers are available. Depending on the availability of our onsite bird guide. Depending on the availability of guide.
Nature walks along the many trails in and around Pafuri River Camp are available. Feel free to utilise them and discover the flora and fauna of the region. Guided walks can be organised, depending on the availability of guide.
River Walks and Trails:
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the many marked trails and discover a huge variety of tree species, bird species and tranquility for the soul.
Stargazing:
No electricity makes this an ideal location for clear star studded skies. Astronomy expert available if booked prior to visit.
Lapa, Bush Bar and Swimming Pool:
Centrally located, this is the ideal place to chill, meet new friends or simply sit and contemplate your navel!
IN AND AROUND PAFURI RIVER CAMP
- Luvhuvhu River Bridge – A Birders’ Delight
- Crooks Corner and the “Great Greasy Limpopo River”
- Tiger Fishing – a great catch!
- The Big Tree, Sagole
- Great birding walks and picnics at Golwe, Vhurivhuri
- Take the challenge! Spot the small five
- Visit a South-African birding mecca at the Pafuri Picnic Site
- Discover an Unknown Ethnic Artist
- Genuine African Artworks at Rebecca’s Pottery