RETURNAfrica

RETURNAfrica Reviews

Excellent rating
4.9 | 1634 reviews
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RETURNAfrica
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RETURNAfrica rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 1,634 reviews

Trustindex 4.9 | 1634 total

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1467 pcs
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What customers say about RETURNAfrica

Recent reviews

KylieS
KylieS 2026.09.25
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Above and Beyond. Best place to stay in Cape Town There is a magic about Welgelegen House that transforms you from guest to family. It is located in the Gardens District, a block from Kloof Street. The neighborhood is safe and there are so many wonderful restaurants to experience. We stayed in a Superior Room that over looked the courtyard with Table Mountain in the distance. Highly recommend upgrading to a Superior Room. Breakfast was delicious and the wonderful Chef made hot breakfasts to order. The real magic comes from the staff. My husband got sick on Day 2. Memory arranged for a doctor to come immediately. Medicine was delivered by the pharmacy to our room. Memory then did a “grocery run” to get supplies so that he could rest and I could continue with our travel plans. The staff brought him tea. One of the kitchen ladies made a special ginger and lemon tea for him. I have never experienced that level of care, kindness, concern, or compassion from hotel staff. We will have to return to Cape Town so that my husband can experience this beautiful city. When we do, this is the ONLY place I will stay.
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Reply from RETURNAfrica 2026.09.25
Hi Kylie Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a beautiful review of Welgelegen House.It means a great deal to all of us to know that you felt less like guests and more like family during your stay. That is exactly what we hope for at Welgelegen — not simply a place to stay, but a place where people feel genuinely cared for.We are especially touched by your kind words about Memory and our team. When your husband became unwell, there was never any question that we would do whatever we could to help. From arranging the doctor and pharmacy to the grocery run, tea and the ginger and lemon tea from our kitchen team, we were simply doing what we would hope someone would do for one of our own.We are also delighted that you enjoyed your Superior Room, breakfast and the wonderful setting of Welgelegen, with Table Mountain looking over the courtyard.Most importantly, we hope your husband made a full recovery and that your travels continued smoothly.And when you return to Cape Town, we will be absolutely delighted to welcome you both home again. There will be a room waiting for you — and hopefully this time, plenty of adventures, wonderful meals and beautiful Cape Town memories to enjoy together.Kind regards,Craig ParvessSales & Marketing Manager
Liz B
Liz B 2026.09.19
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Bliss at Pafuri Amazing time with fabulous bird sightings and views, super service and delicious food. Lovely tranquil setting
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Trip49019787952
Trip49019787952 2026.09.15
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Welgelegen House a place to come back we have bin there now three times because we love the atmospere, the rooms are super and clean. The staff is wonderfull no one excluded. Once we went on a safari organized by Welgelegen, it was amazing and highly recommended.
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naglem04
naglem04 2026.09.13
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A truly special place and people Pafuri , and its people , have a magic all their own … this is the jewel of the Kruger…don’t expect the big 5 but this is where the bush is truly alive ! Once you have experienced Pafuri itself you will get to know the staff, who will feel like family and the food is some of the best in South Africa, told to me by a Safari Lodge reviewer on my latest trip.Return Africa is aptly names as that is what you want to do as you leave.
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Reply from RETURNAfrica 2026.09.13
What a lovely way to put it, "the bush is truly alive" is exactly what we hope every guest feels at Pafuri. Thank you for recognising that this is a different kind of Kruger experience, and for noticing what makes it special: our people. Our team does feel like family to us too, and we're so glad that came through during your stay, along with the food (our chefs will be delighted to hear that praise!)."Return Africa" is exactly the sentiment we hope to leave with every guest, so thank you for the perfect send-off. We can't wait to welcome you back to the jewel of the Kruger.
Annik
Annik 2026.09.09
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Wunderbarer Aufenthalt We had a truly wonderful time in Cape Town, and our stay at this hotel was made even more special by our wonderful host, Memory. Memory was such a warm and caring host. She gave us so many helpful tips and recommendations and took the time to ask us every day how we were doing and whether everything was going well. We really appreciated how genuinely attentive and welcoming she was. During our stay, we also booked a Township tour through the hotel. It was an incredibly interesting and, at times, deeply thought-provoking experience. It stayed with us throughout the rest of our trip and gave us a lot to reflect on. We found it incredibly valuable and meaningful, and it is certainly something we will never forget. It is quite powerful to realise that apartheid only ended relatively recently and that its effects can still be felt so strongly in South Africa today. The experience gave us a much deeper understanding of the country and its history, and we are very grateful that Memory recommended and helped us arrange this tour. We would wholeheartedly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Cape Town. The warm hospitality, personal attention and wonderful recommendations made our stay truly memorable. Thank you so much for everything, Memory. We wish you all the very best and hope to see you again one day!
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Reply from RETURNAfrica 2026.09.11
Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a wonderful and thoughtful review.We’re absolutely delighted to hear that you had such a memorable stay in Cape Town, and especially that Memory made such a positive impression. She truly embodies the warmth and personal hospitality we strive for, and we’ll be sure to share your kind words with her.We’re also very pleased that the Township Tour left such a lasting impression. Experiences like this can offer a different perspective on South Africa and its complex history, and we’re grateful that you took the time to engage with it so openly and thoughtfully.It sounds like you made the most of your time in Cape Town, and we’re thrilled that we could play a small part in your journey.Thank you once again for recommending us. We hope to welcome you back to Cape Town one day — and perhaps Memory will have a few more recommendations up her sleeve!Kind regardsCraig
Hi5 Africa
Hi5 Africa 2026.08.18
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Hidden gem in northern Kruger National Park - PAFURI CAMP The highlight of our stay at Pafuri Camp was the breathtaking combination of spectacular landscapes, untouched nature, and unforgettable safari experiences. 🌿🐘🦅 Specifically, the exceptional guiding experience with Hlala, whose knowledge, passion, and respectful approach to wildlife—especially elephants—made every game drive unforgettable. 🐘 Watching elephants in their natural habitat while learning about their behaviour was truly a highlight. The breathtaking landscapes, from ancient baobabs to riverine forests and dramatic viewpoints, are unlike anywhere else in Kruger. The rich history and cultural heritage of the Makuleke region added another fascinating layer to our safari experience. The luxurious tented accommodation provided the perfect balance of comfort, tranquility, and immersion in nature. Pafuri Camp is a destination that offers so much more than a safari — it's an experience that stays with you long after you leave. From the beautiful riverine scenery to the incredible wildlife encounters, every moment felt like a true immersion in the wilderness.
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Flyer44270043626
Flyer44270043626 2026.08.12
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Pafuri Tented Camp Pafuri Camp has always been on our bucket list and our stay was defnitely more than worth while . We will return
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Reply from RETURNAfrica 2026.08.13
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! It means a great deal to us to know that Pafuri Camp had been on your bucket list and that your stay lived up to the anticipation.We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your time with us and we hope to welcome you back soon. Warm regards,CraigRETURN Africa
FelipeSVW
FelipeSVW 2026.08.08
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An unforgettable, heartfelt safari experience We spent five nights at Pafuri Camp with our 7-year-old son, and it turned out to be one of the most special parts of our entire trip through South Africa. What struck us most was how much care and knowledge the guides and rangers shared with us every single day. It never felt commercial — it felt like being welcomed into a place that the whole team genuinely loves and is deeply connected to. That warmth and sense of belonging to the land came through in everything, from the walks to the game drives to the small conversations along the way. The landscape itself is spectacular and completely different from the classic Kruger scenery — ancient baobabs, the Luvuvhu River, incredible birdlife, and a real sense of wilderness. Our son loved every moment, and we as parents felt completely at ease the whole time. As a family, we felt genuinely at home here — not like typical tourists passing through, but like guests in a place people truly care about. We can only recommend Pafuri to anyone looking for an authentic, non-commercial, deeply connected safari experience.
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Reply from RETURNAfrica 2026.08.11
Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a beautiful and heartfelt review. It means an enormous amount to the entire Pafuri team to know that you and your family felt genuinely welcomed and at home during your five nights with us. Your words about our guides and rangers are particularly special. Their knowledge, passion and deep connection to Pafuri are at the heart of what makes this place so unique, and we’ll be sure to share your kind words with them.We’re also delighted to hear that your 7-year-old son loved every moment! There’s something incredibly special about seeing Pafuri through a child’s eyes — and hopefully this is a place and a memory that will stay with him for many years to come.Thank you for choosing Pafuri Camp by RETURN Africa and for allowing us to share a little piece of this extraordinary corner of Africa with your family.We hope this won’t be your last RETURN to Pafuri. 🌿Warmest regards, Craig
petraZ5236FL
petraZ5236FL 2026.07.29
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Highly recommended It's the complete package. Pafuri Camps by return Africa is a wonderful and unique place! The relaxed atmosphere, the beautiful setting surrounded by nature and wildlife, and above all the warmth and hospitality of the people make it truly special. The food is outstanding, the tents are exceptionally comfortable, the beds are incredibly inviting, and the outdoor showers add a wonderful touch. Every detail has been carefully considered to ensure a memorable stay.
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Reply from RETURNAfrica 2026.08.07
Dear petraz5236FL,Thank you for such a heartfelt review! We're delighted that Pafuri Camp felt like the complete package to you, that relaxed atmosphere and sense of connection to nature is exactly what we hope every guest experiences.It's wonderful to hear the small details stood out too, from the outdoor showers to the comfort of the tents and beds. Our team puts real care into every touch, so we'll be sure to pass your kind words on to them, along with the compliments on the food.We hope to welcome you back to Pafuri again soon.
belamiep
belamiep 2026.07.28
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Incredible stay at Return Africa - we will be back:) We stayed at Pafuri Tented Camp in July 2026, and it was an incredible experience from start to finish. The staff were the standout: genuinely friendly and welcoming, with warm smiles, a great sense of humour, and impressive knowledge of the area and wildlife. Regarding the lodge and tents; every detail had been thought through, from the décor to the little touches around this glamorous camp. The setting itself is spectacular, and having wildlife moving through the lodge throughout our stay made it feel truly wild and immersive. Game drives were excellent, guided by staff with real expertise and beautiful personalities. The general location of the property is hard to beat.
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Reply from RETURNAfrica 2026.08.07
Dear belamiep,Thank you so much for this wonderful review, and for sharing your experience with us! We're thrilled that Pafuri Camp captivated you in every way, from the warmth of our team to the magic of having wildlife move through camp during your stay.Our guides and staff take enormous pride in sharing their knowledge and love for this part of the world, so it means a great deal to know their expertise and personalities shone through on your game drives. Pafuri really does sit in a location like no other, and we're so glad it left its mark on you.We can't wait to welcome you back for another incredible stay.
akien2026
akien2026 2026.07.22
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Visit to Return Africa - Pafuri Camp The overall rating of this property refers only to the infrastructure which was still under construction due to the disasterous floods earlier in the year. I knew beforehand that this was going to be the case and it was because of the special tarrif offered that I was able to visit Pafuri Camp.
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Reply from RETURNAfrica 2026.07.23
Dear akien2026,Thank you for taking the time to share your review and, most importantly, for choosing to visit Pafuri Camp during this unique period in our journey.We truly appreciate your understanding regarding the ongoing rebuilding following the devastating floods earlier this year. While the recovery has presented its challenges, we have been committed to restoring Pafuri Camp with the same care and attention to detail that our guests have come to expect.It is wonderful to know that, despite the temporary infrastructure works, you enjoyed the cleanliness of the camp, the comfort of your tent, our location and, above all, the service provided by our team. I will be sure to share your feedback with them, as they continue to work incredibly hard to ensure every guest enjoys an exceptional experience.We are grateful that our special reopening offer gave you the opportunity to discover one of South Africa's most remarkable wilderness destinations. We hope the landscapes, wildlife, birdlife and unique spirit of Pafuri left you with lasting memories.We look forward to welcoming you back once all the restoration and enhancement projects have been completed, so that you can experience Pafuri Camp exactly as we envision it.Thank you again for your support, understanding and kind review.Kind regards, Craig ParvessSales & Marketing ManagerRETURN Africa
Michael Porter
Michael Porter 2026.07.20
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Pafuri - absolute gem Pafuri Tented Camp is in the Malukete concession on the norht bank of the Luvuhvu River. The setting is magnificent, as is the lodge. The central lodge area is lovely, under large trees, and the permanent tents are superbly appointed and very comfortable. The birding (even for mid winter) was isnane, and our guide was outstanding. We were fed like kings with delicious meals non stop. The staff were warm, friendly and accommodating. This is a true gem and very well priced for South African visitors. We took the family (3 kids too) and had a great time. Highly recommended.
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Reply from RETURNAfrica 2026.07.23
Dear Michael,Thank you for such a detailed and generous review. We're thrilled the birding lived up to (and apparently exceeded!) expectations even in mid-winter, and we'll be sure to pass your kind words on to your guide and the kitchen team - being "fed like kings" is a review in itself. It means a great deal that you chose to bring the whole family, including three kids, and that everyone had such a memorable time. We'd love to host you again.
lisa b
lisa b 2026.07.20
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Restorative family friendly stay Exquisite location which promotes relaxation and tranquil, scenic tents. A restorative, family-friendly stay. We felt taken care of and valued, and the kids loved the game drives.
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Reply from RETURNAfrica 2026.07.23
Dear Lisa,Thank you so much for this lovely review. Knowing that the camp gave your family that sense of restoration and tranquility is exactly what we hope for every guest, and we're so glad the kids loved the game drives - their excitement out there is always contagious for the rest of camp too. We hope to welcome you all back again soon.
jarrett921
jarrett921 2026.07.19
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Pafuri Camp If you enjoy birding, beautiful scenery, a great lodge and excellent service, this is the place to go!
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Reply from RETURNAfrica 2026.07.23
Dear Jarrett,Thank you for the kind words - birding, scenery, lodge and service are exactly the four pillars we work hardest on, so it's wonderful to hear they all came together for your stay. We hope to welcome you back to Pafuri again soon.
Jonathan E
Jonathan E 2026.07.16
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Pafuri in July at Baobab Hill I cannot fault anything. The entire experience was one that will live with us forever. Our guide, Cyril, was brilliant. We learned so much from him. The ladies in the kitchen were as good. The food was superb. Everything worked like clockwork.
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Reply from RETURNAfrica 2026.07.23
Dear Jonathan,Thank you for such a heartfelt review. We'll make sure Cyril hears just how much his guiding meant to you - he has a real gift for teaching, and it's clear it made a lasting impression. The kitchen ladies will also be delighted to know the food was part of what made the stay unforgettable. Comments like "everything worked like clockwork" mean the world to our whole team. We hope this experience brings you back to Baobab Hill again.
stillebosch
stillebosch 2026.07.14
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Boabab Hill House Once again we were welcomed as part of the “Pafuri family” .. excellent guides, amazing walks, abundant birdlife, stunning food. Pafuri Return Africa has become our favourite ‘retreat’ home away from home. Thanks to all .. especially Hlahla.
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Reply from RETURNAfrica 2026.07.23
Dear stillebosch,Thank you for once again calling Pafuri your "home away from home" - that's the greatest compliment a return guest can give us. We'll be sure to pass on your thanks to Hlahla and the rest of the team, who always go out of their way to make the "Pafuri family" feeling real. We can't wait to welcome you back for another retreat.
TCNathalie
TCNathalie 2026.06.29
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Great stay at Welgelegen We had a brilliant time at Welgelegen! The staff is professional, friendly and incredibly helpful. They organised excursions for us and, since they have their own in-house guides, they knew exactly where to take us based on our preferences. I’d highly recommend Welgelegen. I’ll certainly recommend that my clients to stay there.
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pennya256
pennya256 2026.06.28
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Many returns to Pafuri Camp My fifth visit was in June 2026. The camp is doing a brilliant job on rebuilding after the floods and our stay was hardly impacted. As usual, I thoroughly enjoyed my stay, the birding and scenery is fantastic and the staff are so friendly and helpful.
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Donncha
Donncha 2026.06.23
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A repeat visit in a different season I have previously stayed at the RETURNAfrica walking camps late in the season, in September and October, and this was the first visit early in the walking season. What a contrast! 2026 is an exceptional year, with huge amounts of rain, and it showed in the landscape, which was lush green, with lots of water in pans and the Luvhuvhu and Limpopo rivers still high. I've never seen such prolific birdlife and there were clouds of butterflies in camp and throughout the area. The animals looked very well conditioned, and we saw buffalo, eland, waterbuck, nyala, jackals, hyena and more just a short way from camp. This time we stayed at Hutwini Camp, which is a little better set up than Nkula, and has the river closer (nice shady spot for a breakfast). Woke up one morning to find a freshly dug aardvark hole on the parh outside the tent. Given the conditions, the walking was superb - despite the greenery, there was plenty of open areas to walk, including Hutwini gorge and the areas in the east with the baobabs and fever treees. Guided by Zach and Mille again, who are a pleasure to be around. Cook was Wendy, and the meals and snacks were fabulous. I was apprehensive about finding mosquitos at this time, but did not see a single one - probably because the nights were already getting cold. In all, the visit confirmed why Pafuri has the best walking safari terrain in Southern Africa. Already planning the next visit in 2027.
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Heinrich B
Heinrich B 2026.06.01
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The perfect end to a romantic day in Cape Town We chose Welgelegen House for a special romantic evening, and it exceeded every expectation. The staff went above and beyond — upgrading our room unprompted and, at my request, beautifully arranging flowers, candles and wine that set the most wonderful atmosphere for the evening. What really sets this place apart, though, is how genuinely warm and welcoming the team is. Hearing the staff laughing and chatting in the kitchen during breakfast was so lovely — it made the whole place feel less like a hotel and more like staying with friends. Cozy, homely and welcoming are the three words I'd use to sum it up. If you're looking for somewhere special in Cape Town — whether for a romantic occasion or simply a stay that feels personal and memorable — look no further.
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RETURNAfrica has 1,634 reviews on Trustindex, collected from Tripadvisor, Booking, Facebook, Google and Trustindex.

What is RETURNAfrica's average rating?

RETURNAfrica is rated 4.9 out of 5 based on 1,634 reviews. 90% of reviewers gave five stars.

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