From the Big Five to Pristine Wilderness: Your Ultimate Botswana Safari Adventure

Step quietly into the wild heart of Pafuri, where every footfall draws you deeper into a landscape alive with story. A walking safari here is not about distance covered, but about immersion, slowing down to notice the rustle of leaves, the spoor pressed into soft sand, the alarm call of a hornbill overhead. Guided by seasoned guides, you move through fever tree forests, riverine groves, and open floodplains, learning to read the bush as a living text.

On foot, the scale of the wilderness shifts. The towering baobabs feel more ancient, the scent of wild sage more vivid, the silence more profound. Encounters with wildlife, whether a herd of nyala melting into the thickets or elephants moving with quiet authority, become intimate, grounded in respect and awareness.

Walking safaris in Pafuri are as much about connection as they are about adventure. They invite you to tune into the rhythms of nature, to feel the pulse of the land beneath your feet, and to carry away not just sightings, but a deeper sense of belonging to this remarkable corner of the Greater Kruger. This activity is offered by prior arrangement only, ensuring a tailored and respectful experience.

Walking Safari Credit: RETURN Africa

Walking Safari Credit: RETURN Africa

Walking Safari Credit: RETURN Africa

Scenic game drives take you to various points of interest within the concession, such as Lanner Gorge, the Limpopo Flood Plain, the Fever Tree Forest, the Nyala Berry Forest, seasonal wetlands, and Mangala.

Bush walks are the best way to experience the forests, floodplains, gorges, and koppies between the two rivers. Walking through this remote and pristine landscape provides a more intimate experience and is ideal for bird watchers looking for species like Pel’s Fishing Owl, as well as others seeking solitude and wilderness in one of Africa’s great landscapes. We offer walking safaris from April to October (Pafuri Walking Safaris) for nature lovers to explore this vast and varied area.

Guests at Pafuri Tented Camp can prearrange to swap a morning game drive for a bush walk to explore the concession on foot.

Immerse yourself in early human history with a visit to the Royal Citadel of Thulamela. This site, which arose in the 13th century and lasted for about five centuries, is located on a rugged hilltop overlooking the Luvuvhu River. It was part of the sophisticated Great Zimbabwe culture, known for its mining, crafting, and global trade via the Swahili Coast.

A community visit to our partners in the Makuleke villages offers a unique opportunity to learn about the Makuleke people's past and present way of life. The visit includes a traditional meal and a memorable performance by a cultural group.

Experience magical moments with bush dinners along the Luvuvhu River, bush breakfasts among the giant Nyala Berry trees, or boma evenings filled with storytelling by the Makuleke people. Full-day excursions with a picnic lunch, which allow you to venture further afield, can be prearranged with the reservation office.

Drive thorugh Baobabs Credit: RETURN Africa

Walking in Wetlands Credit: RETURN Africa

Sundowner Drinks Credit: RETURN Africa

Coffee Stops Credit: RETURN Africa

Sundowner Drinks Credit: RETURN Africa

Sundowner Drinks Credit: RETURN Africa

Walking Safaris Credit: RETURN Africa

Walking Safaris Credit: RETURN Africa

Walking Safaris Credit: RETURN Africa

Our beautiful home is a unique 12500 ha game reserve.
Our guides would love to show you around, as there is
so much to discover, sense, and experience! Mapesu is
home to elephants, leopards, cheetahs, African wild
dogs, buffalo, hippopotami, and a wide variety of big
and small antelope. Come enjoy a Game Drive in the
comfort of a game viewer and discover Mapesu’s
beauty.

Buffalo Credit: Federico De Lellis

Sable Antelope Credit: Federico De Lellis

Ostrich Credit: Federico De Lellis

Hippopotamus Credit: Federico De Lellis

Cheetah Credit: Federico De Lellis

Elephant Credit: Byron Grobler

Lion Credit: Byron Grobler

Blue Wildebeest Credit: Federico De Lellis

Zebra Credit: Federico De Lellis

Sun downers at our Main Dam Credit: Byron Grobler

Snack box Credit: Rowan Poortier

The night brings the animals to life! Being enveloped
in the electric sounds and secretive life of the animals
under the canvas of stars in the comfort of our game
viewer is exciting. The evening brings opportunities to
see species you are unlikely to find during the day. Be
on the lookout for bush babies (galagos), bushpigs,
hyenas, genets, and the tiniest chameleons. Maybe
you will get lucky and experience a thrilling encounter
with a leopard!

Leopard Credit: Rowan Poortier

Full Moon Credit: Camilla Sala

Brown Hyena Credit: Rowan Poortier

2 Male Lion Brothers Credit: Camilla Sala

Porcupine Credit: Quinten Knipping

Step behind the scenes and discover what it truly takes to protect a wild landscape. At Mapesu, the Conservation Drive goes beyond traditional wildlife viewing, offering a rare and immersive look into the delicate balance between nature, wildlife, and responsible management. Join our dedicated team in the field and gain insight into the vital work that keeps the reserve thriving—from bush clearing and habitat restoration to erosion control, anti-poaching efforts, and fence maintenance.

Along the way, you’ll learn how wildlife populations are carefully managed and protected, the importance of habitat diversity in sustaining a rich ecosystem, and the broader conservation initiatives taking place, including predator monitoring and species reintroduction. As you journey through the bush, a deeper understanding unfolds—revealing the ongoing commitment required to safeguard Mapesu’s remarkable flora and fauna.

This is more than a drive—it’s conservation brought to life.

Setting up a camera trap Credit: Rowan Poortier

Collard Wild dog Credit: Federico De Lellis

Gemsbok Credit: Camera Trap

Spotted Hyena Credit: Camera Trap

Collard Cheetah Credit: Federico De Lellis

Baby Rhino Credit: Camilla Sala

This exciting activity is to locate the animals through
the use of telemetry, technology, and old-fashioned
tracking. It will include both mobile and on-foot
tracking while accompanied by an experienced guide.
The experience will give you a deeper understanding
of what it takes to safeguard, protect, and conserve
the endangered species here at Mapesu.

Collard Cheetah Credit: Jason Savage Tracking cheetahs, and endangered wildlife in general, is crucial for their conservation and the health of ecosystems. By monitoring their movement, habitat use, and population dynamics, researchers gain valuable insights that inform management decisions and conservation strategies. This includes understanding their prey preferences, social behavior, and response to human activities like poaching and habitat loss.

Tracking with the telemetry Credit: Rowan Poortier Telemetry in endangered wildlife tracing involves using various devices, like radio, GPS, and satellite collars, to remotely monitor animal movements and behavior. These collars transmit data, including location and sometimes physiological information, allowing researchers and conservationists to track animals and gather crucial data for conservation efforts.

Collard Wild Dog Credit: Rowan Poortier Endangered wildlife tracking, particularly of wild dogs, is crucial for understanding their behavior, habitat, and population dynamics, which informs conservation efforts. This data helps in identifying threats like poaching and snaring, as well as assessing the impact of human activities and potential solutions. Tracking also aids in monitoring pack dynamics, identifying individuals, and predicting future movements, which are essential for proactive conservation strategies.

Collard Wild Dog Credit: Rowan Poortier Endangered wildlife tracking, particularly of wild dogs, is crucial for understanding their behavior, habitat, and population dynamics, which informs conservation efforts. This data helps in identifying threats like poaching and snaring, as well as assessing the impact of human activities and potential solutions. Tracking also aids in monitoring pack dynamics, identifying individuals, and predicting future movements, which are essential for proactive conservation strategies.

Rhino Credit: Camilla Sala Endangered wildlife tracking, particularly for rhino populations, is crucial for conservation efforts because it provides vital data for understanding animal behavior, habitat utilization, and population dynamics, enabling more effective protection measures. This data informs decisions about anti-poaching strategies, habitat management, and even successful reintroduction programs, ultimately contributing to the recovery and survival of these iconic species.

Credit: Mapesu Private Game Reserve

Put on your walking shoes to embark on a guided
tour through the African bush for an all-encompassing
experience. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of
being in direct contact with nature. Traversing on foot
without the confines of a vehicle allows for a greater
sense of exploration. You will gain environmental
awareness through listening, observing, and
interpreting first everything around you. Accompanied
by our expert guides, this will be a truly unique and
unforgettable journey. Walk in the footsteps of
majestic creatures like the African Elephant, tracing
their ancient paths alongside us.

Guests admiring a giraffe Credit: Rowan Poortier

Track & Sign Credit: Rowan Poortier

Sun downers and snack box Credit: Rowan Poortier

Black-backed jackal Credit: Danielle Carstens

Giraffe Track Credit: Rowan Poortier

Leopard Track Credit: Camilla Sala

The rock art shelter is known worldwide as one of
the most impressive collections of San rock art and
one of the top 10 in South Africa. This tour will
leave you amazed and in awe of the ancient,
unique, and stunning paintings encrypted on
sandstone thousands of years ago. Our guide will
help you understand and learn about the San
people, their belief system surrounding these rare
and unique works of art, their culture, and their
ways of life.

Credit: Mapesu Private Game Reserve

Credit: Mapesu Private Game Reserve

Credit: Mapesu Private Game Reserve

Credit: Mapesu Private Game reserve

Grab your binoculars and join us for a guided tour
to see some of the most remarkable bird life
Limpopo has to offer! This tour is completely
tailored to your wishes. Depending on what you
would like to see, we have various locations and
different habitats to look for that one feathered
friend you would like to target. Our birding
excursions are possible at the following locations;
Mapungubwe National Park (both the Western and
Eastern sections), Mapesu Private Game Reserve,
Scroda Dam, and San Maria Wetlands.
Mapungubwe National Park has 383 recorded Bird
species and over 433 in our region, including the
elusive Pel’s fishing owl and the visiting
broad-billed rollers.

Grey heron Credit: Stefaan Bouwer The grey heron is a long-legged wading bird of the heron family, Ardeidae, native throughout temperate Europe and Asia, and also parts of Africa. It is resident in much of its range, but some populations from the more northern parts migrate southwards in autumn.

Crimson-breasted shrike Credit: Federica De Lellis The crimson-breasted shrike or the crimson-breasted gonolek, or the crimson-breasted boubou, is a southern African bird. It has black upper parts with a white flash on the wing, and bright scarlet underparts. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated it as a "least-concern species".

Woodland kingfisher Credit: Stefaan Bouwer The woodland kingfisher is a tree kingfisher that is widely distributed in Africa south of the Sahara.

Lilac-breasted roller Credit: Federica De Lellis The lilac-breasted roller is an African bird of the roller family, Coraciidae. It is widely distributed in Southern and Eastern Africa, and is a vagrant to the southern Arabian Peninsula. It prefers open woodland and savanna, and it is for the most part absent from treeless places.

Crested barbet Credit: Federica De Lellis The crested barbet is a sub-Saharan bird in the Lybiidae family. Its specific name commemorates François Levaillant, a famed French naturalist.

Knob-Billed Ducks Credit: Rowan Poortier The knob-billed duck or African comb duck is a type of duck found along the tropical/sub-tropical wetlands and waterways of Sub-Saharan Africa and the island of Madagascar, as well as most of South Asia and mainland Indochina. Most taxonomic authorities classify the knob-billed duck and the comb duck separately.

Woodland kingfisher Credit: Stefaan Bouwer The woodland kingfisher is a tree kingfisher that is widely distributed in Africa south of the Sahara.

Kori bustard Credit: Stefaan Bouwer The kori bustard is the largest flying bird native to Africa. It is a member of the bustard family, which all belong to the order Otidiformes and are restricted in distribution to the Old World. It is one of the four species in the large-bodied genus Ardeotis.

Squacco heron Credit: Stefaan Bouwer The squacco heron is a small heron, 44–47 cm long, of which the body is 20–23 cm, with 80–92 cm wingspan. It is of Old World origins, breeding in southern Europe and the Greater Middle East.

Grey-headed bushshrike Credit: Stefaan Bouwer The grey-headed bushshrike, colloquially known as the ghostbird, is a species of passerine bird in the family Malaconotidae. It is widespread throughout sub-Saharan Africa, although relatively absent in Central Africa and the interior of southern Africa.

Grey heron Credit: Stefaan Bouwer The grey heron is a long-legged wading bird of the heron family, Ardeidae, native throughout temperate Europe and Asia, and also parts of Africa. It is resident in much of its range, but some populations from the more northern parts migrate southwards in autumn.

Join us on a drive in the comfort of a game viewer in
South Africa’s youngest and most northern national
park. Covering roughly 28,000 ha the park plays an
essential role in conserving the stunning and unique
Limpopo Valley’s ecology.

Confluence look out point Credit: Mapesu Private Game Reserve

Warthog Credit: Mapesu Private Game Reserve

Snack box & drinks Credit: Byron Grobler

Road to Mapungubwe Credit: Mapesu Private Game Reserve

Mapungubwe Credit: Mapesu Private Game Reserve

Sun downers at the Confluence point Credit: Byron Grobler

Giraffe Credit: Mapesu Private Game Reserve

Schroda Dam look out point Credit: Mapesu Private Game Reserve

Baobab tree Credit: Mapesu Private Game Reserve

You will join us in the western section of
Mapungubwe National park for this game drive.
Here we have the opportunity to spend some
quality time at Maloutswa hide overlooking the
waterhole and the animal activities surrounding it.
The hide offers a great way to experience wildlife -
big and small without interrupting their daily
activities and natural behaviour.

Elephants Credit: Federico De Ellis

Giraffes Credit: Federico De Ellis

Warthogs Credit: Federico De Ellis

Zebras Credit: Federico De Ellis

Baobab tree Credit: Federico De Ellis

Elephant Credit: Federico De Ellis

Steenbok Credit: Federico De Ellis

Mongoose Credit: Federico De Ellis

Elephants Credit: Camilla Sala

Walk the steps to the summit of the UNESCO World
Heritage Site of Mapungubwe Hill, the location of
the first South African Bantu Kingdom. Guides will
regale you with tales of gold artefacts and ancient
civilizations. After touring the Heritage site, you’ll visit
the award-winning Mapungubwe Museum and view
history and the treasures on display.

Credit: Mapesu Private Game Reserve

Credit: Mapesu Private Game Reserve

Credit: Mapesu Private Game Reserve

Credit: Mapesu Private Game Reserve

Credit: Mapesu Private Game Reserve

The beautiful rugged remoteness and wild bushland of the Tuli, totally different to northern Botswana, is a big game area.

Game drives (as well as night drives) are conducted in specially modified Toyota Landcruiser.

Walks and big game tracking on foot are an essential part of our safari fare.

Remote springs away from the river may offer ideal stalking opportunities.

Game viewing hides offer sweeping views of the Tuli.

Game viewing here is rich and varied with a unique take on specially adapted inhabitants such as bat-eared fox and perhaps the most endangered carnivore in Botswana, the elusive brown hyena , aardvark and leopard.

Star -Beds is our elevated game viewing platform overlooking a waterhole and the vast Tuli horizons and approaching sunrise beyond for the ultimate stargazing experience .

A night sleeping-out here offers an exclusive peek into the secretive nocturnal habits of elephant, hyena, civet, leopard and antelope as they soak their thirsts below.

Accommodating 2 for a romantic evening or up to 5 for a family experience .

The Star-Beds experience consists of an open air (or covered) sleeping platform, safari bedding, a drinks station and flush loo.

A PhD level field study, focussing on the ecology of leopards and hyenas of the Tuli is underway. This includes the highly endangered Kalahari icon, the brown hyena. We invite our guests to participate in monitoring activities and field observations with our head of research in Tuli, Sander Vissia who is completing a PhD at Wageningen University in Holland.

The research carried out on our Tuli private concession is unique in the fact that it is conducted in a dynamic, forever changing and carnivore rich open system. With an abundance of resident leopard, spotted hyena and brown hyena, returning lions from Northern Tuli Game Reserve and adjacent South Africa and cross-border nomadic packs of wild dogs it is an exciting area.

Go back in time over 500 years with a half-day excursion to a recently discovered old Bushman settlement with paintings and sacred sites. An extended game drive through the Tuli takes us to the small village of Mothlhabaneng, and a stunning sandstone amphitheatre on the Moutlotse River with numerous beautiful galleries of elephant, giraffe, sable, wild dog and aardvark paintings. The quality of these paintings rivals any area in Africa. The Africa Experience supports the local community in developing the site as a heritage and tourism place of interes

The classic way to enjoy exploring and game viewing is in 4x4 open vehicles with experienced guides and trackers. Our diverse habitat makes game drives fascinating and thrilling, and includes drives across open savannah, through syringa woodland, evergreen forests, cliff roads and across rivers. Our guides enthral all ages with their knowledge and stories.

https://jembisa.com/experiences Credit: https://jembisa.com/experiences

Due to the great diversity of habitats on the reserve, there are large numbers of native and migrant species. Our game rangers have very good knowledge and there is also the option to bring in a specialist birding guide. There are over 400 species on our bird list.

Credit: https://jembisa.com/experiences

Join our chefs in preparing some of their own recipes using some unusual local ingredients and learn how to make a pizza oven out of a termite mound! Discover our bush tucker- the edible plants and berries in the wilderness.

Credit: https://jembisa.com/experiences

An exciting way to view game is on a mountain bike. Cycle alongside herds of zebra or get up close to a giraffe whilst getting some exercise at the same time. There are a variety of cycle routes to suit all ages, abilities and energy levels.

Credit: https://jembisa.com/experiences

We have a small curio shop that sells African crafts, jewellery, some clothing, hats and postcards.

Credit: https://jembisa.com/experiences

Enjoy the opportunity to see nocturnal animals, such as jackal, brown hyena, leopard, porcupine, aardwolf, civet cats, bush babies and the rare aardvark. Surrounded by the vast starry canopy of African night, the atmosphere is different and senses are heightened. Wildlife is seen by 'spotlighting' for eyes with a lamp from the vehicle, guests have the opportunity to do this too.

https://jembisa.com/experiences Credit: https://jembisa.com/experiences

With 7km of the Palala river meandering through the reserve, a river walk is a delight. Wildlife species to be encountered are hippo, crocodile, otters, monitor lizards, pythons plus the general game of the reserve come down to drink. Water birds are abundant. At lunch time, picnic on the banks, cool off in the rapids and try some fishing.

Credit: https://jembisa.com/experiences

Get behind the scenes and shadow a game ranger for a day, helping with fence patrols, bush clearing, wildlife husbandry, game viewing and much more.

Credit: https://jembisa.com/experiences

As a result of the existence of the Palala River, there are several sites of archaeological importance at Jembisa where ancient peoples lived. These include a full iron-age village site, circumcision stations and bushman paintings.

Credit: https://jembisa.com/experiences

It is not necessary to go far to appreciate the diverse fauna and flora of the Waterberg. The animals come into the camps, and the trees and wildflowers are in abundance and vary between the different habitats on the reserve. The best time for wildflowers is Spring (October - January).

Credit: https://jembisa.com/experiences

The opportunities for landscape, wildlife, birds and flora photography are abundant at Jembisa and in the Waterberg area generally. We have teamed up with some professional photographers who will conduct a full photographic safari including workshops and tutorials. Outings to specific local points of interest are included. Please contact us for more details.

Credit: https://jembisa.com/experiences

There is nothing closer to nature than spending the night sleeping under the African stars, around a blazing campfire. Snuggle up under the milky way, searching for shooting stars after a delicious campfire dinner. Listen to the sounds of the bush and wake up to the African dawn to feel, hear and sense the bush wake up around you. A guest favourite.

https://jembisa.com/experiences Credit: www.jembisa.com

A local astronomy expert - Dr Philip Calcot, will set up his big telescope and screen in the middle of Jembisa and provide a fascinating experience of the southern hemisphere stars. Find out how to navigate the true south from the southern cross, look at where stars are born in star nurseries and see the planets close up. Zero light pollution provides the perfect viewing environment. (This activity often combined with campouts).

Credit: https://jembisa.com/experiences

Learn how to track and approach game, and explore the fauna and flora. A never-to-be-forgotten experience in this magnificent wilderness.

https://jembisa.com/experiences Credit: www.jembisa.com

For even more relaxation you can choose from a selection of massages that can be enjoyed al-fresco, listening to the birds and river or in your room. Pure bliss.

Credit: https://jembisa.com/experiences

View Africa’s most impressive wildlife on morning and afternoon/ evening game drives in an open 4-wheel drive safari vehicle with our expert guide. The Pilanesberg is situated in the transition zone between the Kalahari and Lowveld, making it exceptional for spotting all kinds of wildlife. The ecology of the national park  is unlike any other in the country, and almost every animal native to South Africa is found here.