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The Makuleke tribe regain their birthright
Makuleke people of South Africa benefit from tourism
The luxurious accommodation at the Pafuri Camp.
© Chris Marais
Did you know?
The Pafuri area is one of the Kruger National Park's most magical places.
There is a day in 1969 that Livingstone Maluleke can never forget - the day the apartheid government authorities came to forcibly remove the Makuleke people from the Pafuri area in the northern Kruger National Park.
‘There was no prior agreement or arrangement, no time to pack. Our fathers were in Johannesburg or working on the mines. It was only the women and children at home. This was a terrible tragedy in our lives. We lost our identity. We even lost our traditional leader - he was taken away to become a leader under another chief.'
The Makuleke were able to lodge a successful land claim in the Pafuri area after democracy in 1994. And for a time, there were serious challenges. Here was a land claim inside the Kruger National Park, a flagship game reserve. Eventually, through negotiation, a win-win solution took shape. The Makuleke have not moved back onto the land, but have full commercial rights within a conservation context.
Two luxury eco-lodges - Pafuri Camp, operated by Wilderness Safaris, and Outpost Lodge - now stand on their 24000 hectares and from the money first generated, the community was able to electrify 3 villages, build a school, and upgrade 5 others.
Livingstone says: ‘I must say, the community is very happy with what's happened. We can see where we are benefiting.'
Senior ranger and guide Enos Mngomezulu can only agree. ‘Some of the older people wanted to come back, to be a part of the culture of the Makuleke. But now they see they have ownership in a way that offers their children opportunities.
‘It's a story with a happy ending', he says contentedly.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Makuleke's Eco-Lodges
Tel: +27 (0) 11 807 1800
Web: www.wilderness-safaris.com
Makuleke Information and Implementation Office
Tel: +27 (0) 15 853 0063
Email: makuleke@mweb.co.za
How to get here
The most convenient way is by self-drive, entering through Pafuri Gate, the northern-most entrance to the Kruger National Park.
Around the area
This is baobab world, and some of the largest baobab trees in Africa are found here. There's plenty more worth seeing - spectacular gorges, riverine forests and much more.
Although you might be lucky enough to see the Big 5 and other game, this is not known as one of the best game areas of the Kruger National Park. But the area and bird life more than make up for any scarcity of game.
Tours to do
Enquire about a trip to the lost kingdom of Thulamela, a fascinating archaeological dig at Pafuri.
You can also do 5-star walking trails in this area, through Wilderness Safaris.
Get around
Once you're at either of the camps, you'll be taken around on game drive vehicles.
What will it cost
These are luxury game lodges and are priced accordingly.
Length of stay
Set aside at least 2 nights, more if possible.
What to pack
Don't forget your binoculars and camera, a hat for the game drives and something warm for winter evenings. Pack comfortable walking shoes if you'd like to walk in the bush, and a bird book - this area is known as one of the top birding spots in the country.
