New Makuleke Tourism Development

THE MALULEKE Community, in the north eastern region of Limpopo, who were awarded land in the Kruger National Park three years ago, through an historic restitution agreement, are in the news again.

After successfully opening a game lodge in the area, on behalf of the community, concessionaires Wilderness Safaris have now announced that a luxury tented camp is to be added to the existing accommodation facilities.

Spokesperson Peter Anderson says the planned Pafuri Camp, near the Luvhuvhu River, is scheduled to be completed during the next three months. A large slice of the profits from the new tourism facility will, like those generated by the existing lodge, be ploughed into community development projects in the Makuleke area.

The Makuleke/Pafuri area covers 24 000 hectares of some of the wildest and most scenic bushveld country in the entire Kruger National Park (KNP), including the legendary Crookes Comer, featured in TV Bulpin`s book “The Ivory Trail”.

The concession stretches from the Limpopo to the Luvhuvhu River. This area is right at the heart of the unfolding new Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park, which links the KNR Mocambique and Zimbabwe in a 3,5 million hectare conservancy.

The Makuleke area has been identified by environmentalists as Kruger`s best birding area, because many of the central African species find their way here. Elephant, nyala, lion, leopard and bushbuck are among the most common wildlife species encountered regularly in the densely wooded region.

The scenic beauty of the area adds value to any visitor`s stay, with soaring cliffs, deep gorges, centuries old forests and perennial rivers as the main features.

The tents at the Pafuri Camp will have en-suite facilities, and the concessionaires will offer dinner, bed and breakfast packages. Visitors will also have access to 4 x 4 and night drives, birding walks and mountain hiking with armed guides.