Pafuri Triangle Traverse

The northernmost part of Kruger National Park is one of the most attractive walking destinations in South Africa and wild camping is the ideal way to get a full immersion. Privately operated backpacking here is more flexible than the 3-night trails offered by SANParks, and can be fully catered.

In this are, the Luvuvhu River carves through sandstone gorges amid forests of baobab, ana trees and sycamore figs, and its floodplain has splendid fever tree woodlands. It’s in the tropical zone and attracts birds unseen further south. The Limpopo River delineates the northern boundary of the park and the international border with Zimbabwe. The 26,500 ha ‘Pafuri Triangle’ between the Limpopo and Luvuvhu was restored to its traditional Makuleke owners in the 1990s, and is more properly referred to as the Makuleke Contractual Park.

Conservation management in the area remains SANParks’ responsibility and they have recorded approximately 75% of the total biodiversity of the Kruger here in a space that only represents 1% cent of the park’s total size. Pafuri’s wetlands are listed under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands for their international importance for birdlife. While there are very few rhinos left in the north of the park and a small number of lion have been reintroduced, visitors will definitely encounter elephant and buffalo, and leopard, hyena, nyala and eland are commonly seen.

Traversing this area on a 5 night walking safari is a special experience. Habitats range from deep sandstone gorges on the western boundary to sodic pans on the floodplains. The stand-out features encountered include the Lanner Gorges, an ancient U-shaped valley, the fever tree forests and sodic pans of the floodplain and Crooks Corner - the tri-point of South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

Guests should be fit to cover 10-15 km per day, and the total distance walked is 80 km. 

Guests self-drive to a rendezvous with the trail leader at Pafuri Gate, where vehicles may be safely parked. There are a couple of lodges nearby that can be utilised for those who wish.

A full traverse takes five nights, but if preferred three- or four-night options can be faciliated. 

• Pricing is based on the fully supported and fully catered option. This allows for guests to walk in slack-packing style while their kit is transferred by vehcile, and not have to worry about meals. If you prefer to bring your own trail food and carry it, the trail can be discounted. 

• Guests should supply their own backpacks, lightweight tents and camp stoves. A full packing list will be provided.
• Kruger National Park conservation fee and community levy