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RETURN Africa Pafuri Baobab Hill House is a stunning exclusive-use bush villa in the Northern Greater Kruger region. Settled between the Limpopo and Luvuvhu rivers, this land is rich in biodiversity and is home to baobabs, fever trees, big cats, and huge herds of elephants. Located on a ridge just north of the Luvuvhu River, this cosy homestead, once the Pafuri section ranger’s station, is shaded by majestic baobabs and steeped in history. RETURN Africa Baobab Hill House offers amazing views of the area, designed for utmost seclusion and comfort.
The villa has four bedrooms that accommodate a maximum of eight guests, with an open-plan kitchen, dining room and lounge, providing plenty of space for everyone to relax together. The highlight is the “Out of Africa” veranda – perfect for long, lazy afternoons, sundowners, and stargazing. Additionally, there is a spacious outdoor braai area, making it an ideal spot for a self-catering bush holiday. To ensure a hassle-free stay, a cook, housekeeper and camp hand are provided. For those seeking a fully catered experience, the villa offers the option to upgrade to this service. Guests are treated to a private vehicle and guide, allowing them to explore the area at their own pace through guided game walks or drives.
The Pafuri Triangle, where RETURN Africa lodges are situated, boasts an ever-changing landscape featuring vast floodplains, rolling hills, and lush fever tree forests. This unique environment is teeming with wildlife, frequently visited by apex predators like hyenas, leopards, and crocodiles, as well as large herds of elephants and buffalo. It is also a birding paradise, with many rare and stunning bird species calling the area home. At Baobab Hill House, you can expect to encounter the highest biodiversity in any region of Greater Kruger National Park.
The surrounding area offers the best South African walking safaris, allowing you to immerse yourself in the extraordinary scenery of Lanner Gorge, the Fever Tree forest, Ramsar Wetlands, Mountains, and Baobabs. This region is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 450 bird species, making it the premier birding hotspot in the country. Along with wildlife, the area holds historical and cultural significance, including the ancient citadel of Thulamela and the story of the Makuleke people. Furthermore, Baobab Hill House sits near Crooks Corner, where the Limpopo River meets and divides South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.
We had such a fabulous time at Baobab Hill - a home away from home with a great guiding team. We are so lucky.
S. De Villiers
Pafuri Gate, Kruger National Park, Makuleke Contract Park, 1350
Directions from Johannesburg:
Take the N1 north and continue past Polokwane, Louis Trichardt and the Soutpansberg towards Musina. (Please note that you have to turn hard left off the dual carriageway just after the Ultra City south of Polokwane to stay on the N1. It is clearly signposted but if you miss the turnoff you will continue into Polokwane itself.)
Roughly 30kms north of the Soutpansberg, turn right onto the R525 towards Tshipise (the last fuel stop before the park).
Continue past Tshipise on the R525 and on to Pafuri Gate.
At Pafuri Gate, register as guests of 'Pafuri Camp'.
At the gate, you will have to pay the Kruger Park conservation fee.
Enter the Kruger Park and continue on the H19 about 22kms to the Pafuri Camp sign on your left
Turn left and follow the road to Pafuri Camp please check in at Pafuri Camp for Pafuri Walking Trails and Baobab Hill Bush House.
The camp now has a VSAT phone (013 7358910), which can be used in emergencies
Children of all ages are welcome at Baobab Hill House and may go on gam drives.
Children under the age of 16 are not allowed to take bush walks
Yes, there is wifi available.