Pafuri Gate, Valley of the Olifants
The Kruger National Park is a massive, protected reserve in which some of South Africa's most exciting fauna and flora (including the Big 5, and a host of other species) can be observed in their natural habitat. It is world renowned for its variety and abundance and welcomes more than a million visitors every year. The Pafuri Gate is one of its beautiful entrances, and is situated about 6.5 hours from Johannesburg, the epicentre of Gauteng.
Pafuri Gate follows the H1-9, and takes visitors right into the beautiful area between the Limpopo River and the Luvuvhu River. This is not only scenically gorgeous, but is known for having one the highest levels of biodiversity of the entire Kruger National Park. As a result, it is also called the northern biome. The landscape is laden with South African Lowveld and tropical African woodland vegetation; peppered with bushwillow, white syringe and silver cluster leaves trees.
The animals here are intriguing and exciting to see. They include kudu, impala, nyala, duiker, leopard (an elusive species that is a real treat to spot), crocodile, hippo, elephant and baboon. Pafuri Gate is also a great place to stop for keen bird-watchers; who should keep an eye and ear out for the bee eater, kingfisher, woodpecker, Pel's fishing owl, thick-billed cuckoo, trumpeter hornbill, and fish eagle.
The Pafuri Gate is equipped with a picnic and barbecue area, as well as toilet facilities and a place to buy firewood and cold refreshments. The Thulamela Iron Age Site is near to the gate, and offers visitors the opportunity to see the evidence of this area's being inhabited in prehistoric times.
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Pafuri Border Camp
Pafuri Border Camp offers accommodation in three different units in the world renowned Kruger National Park and is near to Punda Maria. There are...
Return Africa Pafuri Camp
Situated in the Makuleke Concession of the Northern Kruger National Park, Return Africa Pafuri Camp features eleven luxury and five family tents ...
Awelani Lodge
Awelani Lodge offers self catering accommodation in a 1000ha eco park where one can stroll around and spot a number of small animals and birds. T...
Things to do in the area
Thulamela Ruins
Near the Luvuhu River, Pafuri in The Kruger National Park lies the Thulamela Ruins. This ancient African Kingdom gives you an insight into early ...
Noteworthy attractions
Kruger National Park
The largest game reserve in South Africa, the Kruger National Park is larger than Israel. Nearly 2 million hectares of land that stretch for 352 ...
Kruger National Park Tours
Guided day trips to the Kruger National Park: The largest game reserve in South Africa, the Kruger National Park is nearly 2 million hectares of ...
Hans Merensky Golf Club
This is another fine course which first evolved from the drawing board of Robert Grimsdell. A major attraction of the Hans Merensky course is the...
Balule Game Reserve
The vast Balule Game Reserve is adjacent to the Kruger National Park, home to the Big Five and world famous for its abundance of wildlife and bir...
Hans Merensky Nature Reserve
On the banks of the Great Letaba River lies the Hans Merensky Nature Reserve, just west of the Kruger National Park and not far from Tzaneen. The...
Kapama Game Reserve
Kapama Game Reserve is situated in the Limpopo Province, South Africa and was proclaimed a private nature reserve in December 1993. Covering appr...
Karongwe Game Reserve
Karongwe Game Reserve is an untamed garden of Eden where the spoor of wildlife invites you to explore the timeless beauty of the bush; an oasis o...
Klaserie Game Reserve
Bordering the Timbavati Game Reserve and Kruger National Park, the Klaserie Game Reserve reserve is hot and dry for most of the year. The bush is...
Manyeleti Game Reserve
The fenceless borders the Manyeleti Game Reserve shares with the Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands Game Reserve and the Timbavati Game Reserve, fo...
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FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Limpopo Accommodation / Valley of the Olifants Accommodation / Pafuri Gate Accommodation