Parfuri, at the far north of the Kruger National Park, is one of Africa’s most spectacular landscapes, where wildlife including elephant, buffalo, and big cats roam free across a transfrontier park that spans three countries. Pafuri is one of South Africa's top birding locations with more than 450 species recorded.
RETURNAfrica partners with local communities to develop, market and manage high quality visitor and safari experiences at iconic destinations in Southern Africa in a way that benefits all.
Under a long term agreement with the Makuleke community RETURNAfrica operates a collection of safari products in the Pafuri area in the northern part of the Kruger National Park, South Africa. This provides the Makuleke people with a substantial fee income and important employment opportunities.
These communities rely heavily on tourism-sourced revenue which has been severely impacted during 2020’s COVID-19 pandemic. With the vital assistance of Jamma, RETURNAfrica supports three “Drop-In” centres – one in each of the three Makuleke villages.
The Drop-In centres provide after-school care for the most needy and impoverished children of the villages – including many orphans and children from child-headed households. In many instances, the Drop-Ins provide the children with the only solid meal they will have all day. 100% of the funds received are utilised to purchase food and firewood for cooking. The staff of the Drop-In centres are all community members who volunteer their services.
“If tourism is to be the revenue generator from nature conservation, then local communities need to be invested and share the rewards.” - RETURNAfrica
“When you reach the edge of the map and settle into this peaceful corner of Africa, it’s good to know that you are supporting a sustainable form of tourism, one that shows humans and wildlife can share the wilderness, for the benefit of both.” - RETURNAfrica