The true spirit of Africa captured in Kruger
The Baobab Hill Bush House is one of concessionaire ReturnAFRICA’s gems. The house operates on solar power and a gas stove, ensuring sustainable energy use.
Location: Baobab Hill Bush House in the Makuleke Concession area in Pafuri, Kruger National Park (KNP).
View: A private bush house tucked away on a rocky outcrop, surrounded by baobab trees.
Moment to remember: Cooling down in the swimming pool under the light of a thousand stars, infused with the lime green lights of fireflies.
Who should go: It is the perfect option for groups looking for a getaway with a touch of luxury in the bush.
Price: The entire lodge, able to accommodate up to eight people, can be booked for R11 000 if you are a citizen from a South African Development Community Country. The price includes a guide with game-viewing vehicle, cook and housekeeper.
Bookings: Visit www.returnafrica.com, email reservations@returnafrica.com or call +27-11-646-1391
The little hill at the back of the house offers great views of the surroundings, creating the perfect setting for sundowners just before the sky changes to pale shades of pink. Hundreds of birds chirp in the trees and the call of an African fish eagle, my favourite bird, echoes in the distance. The far north of the KNP is very popular amongst birders, but I learnt that the Makuleke Concession area in Pafuri is a popular attraction for a lot more than just our feathered friends.
The Baobab Hill Bush House is one of concessionaire ReturnAFRICA’s gems. Surrounded by giant baobab trees, it has four bedrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, living room and veranda, complete with a braai area and small swimming pool. The house operates on solar power and a gas stove, ensuring sustainable energy use. The accommodation is self-catering, but anin-house cook is included in the price to help at mealtimes.
Not only does the location offer a beautiful setting for bigger groups, but Baobab Hill Bush House is the ideal vantage point for exploring Pafuri. I loved the quietness of the private roads as this meant that we never ran into any other vehicles. In fact, the only way to explore is with a guide in the game viewing vehicle.
Although it is not impossible, your chances of spotting the Big Five on a morning drive are unlikely. The area is rather known for scarcer species and special vegetation. I was blown away by the beauty of one of the enchanting fever tree forests in the area. It teamed with wildlife, and we spotted herds of buffaloes, nyalas, troops of monkeys and even large raptors. Crooks Corner is not far off; the point where South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique meet and which once offered a hideout for criminals looking for a quick escape into a neighbouring country. The beautiful Lanner Gorge with its panoramic views of the Levhuvhu River is a must-see.
In total, the contractual area only consist of 26 500 hectare, which is 1% of the park’s total size, but it contains 75% of the total biodiversity. It therefore doesn’t matter whether you are a birder, animal lover or have an interest in geology or vegetation; there will be plenty to keep everybody in the group entertained.
