Day 01:
Pretoria to Pafuri

Date: 2024-07-31

Departure From: Pretoria

Departure Time: 06h00

Destination Name: Pafuri River Camp

Arrival Time: 14h04

Total Travel time: 08:19 hours

Weather:

Clear skies and warmed up to 25C by the time I got to Pafuri at 14h00.

From Louis Trichardt northwards, it was overcast with a little drizzle.

Departure Temperature: 9C

Peak Temperature: 25C

Odometer Reading (km):

Start: 235 643
End: 236 225
Total Distance: 582
Includes 7.5 km drive for mobile signal.

Passes:

Masekwas Poort Pass

Trip Summary:

I travelled along the N1 north from Pretoria to Louis Trichardt. Highways are generally "un-interesting" and boring. North of Louis Trichardt became more interesting as the N1 wound it's way through the mountains, the Masekwas Poort Pass and the Hendrik Verwoerd Tunnels.

From the N1, I took the R525 east to Tshipise. Just before Tshipise, I stopped at the Die Sitrus Spens to see if they sold citrus honey - No luck. I filled up the Defender's fuel tanks in Tshipise and hopefully I will not need to fill up for a while.

The last 2km to Pafuri River Camp was along the Kruger Park border fence which is a 2-track farm road. I noticed that the border fence had been broken by elephant - One section where they exited the Kruger Park and another section where they returned to the park. On closer inspection, I noticed that there is no electric wiring, which makes life easy for the elephant.

On my arrival at the Pafuri River Camp, Patrick the camp supervisor, checked me in and showed me the camp setup and camp sites I could choose from. I told Patrick about the fence and he confirmed an elephant had come through the previous evening.

Once I decided on the camp site, I checked for mobile reception to let my family know I arrived safely. No Vodacom signal. Patrick indicated that I must follow the "Signal Hill" sign and I should have reception at the top. I walked up the hill and there was still no reception. I drove back towards Tshipise until I received a Vodacom signal. I think the camp site only has MTN or Telkom reception.

My Camp Site with private ablusions and kitchen

Kruger Fenceline damaged by an Elephant

Preparing to Braai

After setting up my camp, I took a walk down to the river via the tented chalets. Everything has been well thought out and provides an ideal stop over to/from the Kruger Park or if you travelling to/from Mozambique.

At sunset, Patrick fired up the donkey so I would have hot water for the evening.

Joseph, my awesome neighbour, provided a bag of quality firewood. I therefore made a camp fire and braai'ed some delicious fillets for dinner.

After dinner, I sat in my chair and watched the night sky. You do not see so many stars when living in the city.

As the night wore on, the sounds of the bush started up. I could identify the sounds of bush-babies, jackals and owls, however I could not see any.

What a great start to my adventure.

Accommodation: Pafuri River Camp [Camping]

The Pafuri River Camp is a beautiful area with large camp sites. The communual area includes a dining area, braai, lounge, bar and swimming pool. The camp site ablusions are rustic with no electricity but each camp site had it's own ablusions and washing area. Patrick, the site manager, lights up the oil lantern at the camp sites once the sun sets.

Pafuri River Camp Reception