Field Guide training South Africa: Camp Makuleke

If you're eager for further training in Pafuri (Camp Makuleke), you'll gain insights into one of South Africa’s most breathtaking regions. As part of the world-renowned Kruger National Park, this area serves as a sanctuary for an incredible diversity of animals and plants. It offers you the chance to experience a stunning variety of flora and fauna up close, whether on foot or during game-viewing excursions.

Pafuri is nestled between the Luvuvhu and the famous Limpopo River, at the South African border with Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Historically named after the Makuleke tribe, the landscape here is among the most spectacular in Africa, with its dramatic mountains, gorges, and floodplains that attract a remarkable range of wildlife.

In Pafuri, you'll encounter large herds of buffalo and elephants, Africa's largest antelope—the eland—along with predators like leopards, spotted hyenas, jackals, and more. The birdlife is equally renowned, attracting birdwatchers eager to spot Pafuri’s avian treasures, including the Racket-tailed Roller, Crested Guineafowl, Gorgeous Bushshrike, and the elusive Pel's Fishing Owl. During the summer months, you might even glimpse the majestic Great White Pelican.

Your home for the duration of your Natucate adventure in this area is Makuleke Camp. You will sleep here with the other participants and set off every morning to embark on exciting, new ventures in the wild.

Camp Makuleke in detail

Location of Camp Makuleke

This area is characterized by the two rivers Luvuvhu and Limpopo, as well as by extensive acacia and fever trees and impressive rock formations. You may even see the occasional baobab tree on your walks. (Zebras, buffaloes, elephants and of course countless bird species will cross your path, as will many other wonders of nature. Makuleke Camp has it all.

Arrival in Camp Makuleke

• Airport: Johannesburg

• By road: approx. 6 to 7 hours driving time from Johannesburg

• Meeting point: The instructor will meet all students at Pafuri Gate at 02:00 PM.

Life in Camp Makuleke

In the camp there will be stilt houses located among the shades of big trees. Each house-unit has got a bathroom with shower, wash-basin and toilet. In front of the house there is a veranda. Blankets and duvet cover will be provided, but we recommend bringing your own sleeping bag.

In the camp there will be a common area and a fire place. The camp is not fenced, which means that wild animals can pass by from time to time.

Electricity: There is no electricity in the camp, however, an electricity supply is provided by generators. You can charge your batteries for mobile phones and cameras. We recommend bringing head lamps.

Drinking water: Drinking water comes from the tap. You can also purchase bottled water.

Beverages: Non-alcoholic drinks are sold in the camp, but you can only purchase them in cash. Fruit juice is served with the daily meals whereas coffee and tea are available all day.

Laundry: For a small fee, laundry service is available in camp.

Cell phone reception: In Makuleke, there is no cell phone reception. During a weekly trip you can make phone call, though.

Currency: South Africa’s currency is Rand. There is no ATM in the camp. Don’t forget to bring enough cash for the duration of your stay.

On-site support: For the duration of your stay, there will usually be a training instructor, an assistant instructor, a camp coordinator, a cook, and a cleaning team on site.

Vehicles in Camp Makuleke

The vehicles used for the daily game drives are open safari vehicles or game viewers.