Luxury Safaris in the Northern Kruger National Park made for you
South Africa
Stunning landscapes and community supporting safari in the Makuleke
The Makuleke is northernmost section of the Kruger National Park. It is something of an open secret among safari aficionados, a diverse and dramatic region that is perhaps the park’s most beautiful, yet kept wonderfully quiet thanks to its remoteness and community run concession status.
Also known as the Pafuri Triangle, its shaped is formed by the winding Limpopo River to the north and the Luvuvhu River to the south, perennial watercourses whose confluence at Crook’s Corner marks the meeting point of South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Depending on the water levels – and the crocodiles – it is quite possible to stand in all three countries at once.
The Luvuvhu is a magnet for elephants, nyala, buffalo and eland who abound along its lush banks. The floodplains either side are flanked with fairy-tale fever tree forests and swamps which give way to rocky kopjes, plump baobab trees, sandveld and acacia woodland. A short way upriver is the beautiful Lanner Gorge.
Big Five game viewing may not come as easy up here as it does on the savannahs of the southern Kruger, but the incredibly varied environment is more rewarding to explore. Walking safaris are a forte of the area, which make for a more exciting and intimate experience of the wilderness, and the Pafuri is regarded as one of South Africa’s prime birding spots with over 450 species recorded here, including numerous raptors and many ‘specials’ such as the rare Pel’s fishing owl.
The human heritage here too is of interest, from the late Iron Age archaeological remains at Thulamela to the present. Under the Apartheid South Africa government in 1969, this land was forcibly taken from the Makuleke people so that it could be integrated into the greater Kruger National Park. The land was returned to the tribe in the 1990s, but instead of resettling, they chose to create the current concession. This has protected ancestral land while contributing to the community financially, the small number of lodges and camps here employing local people and gaining exclusive access to the area for their guests.
Luxury accommodation in Northern Kruger National Park
There are many incredible places to stay in Northern Kruger National Park. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
Why book with Jacada?
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Safari expertise
Our experts bring decades of first-hand expertise. They’ve lived and travelled across Africa and are regularly on the ground reviewing the most exclusive camps and experiences. You’ll also have the support of a personal concierge, based in region.
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Unforgettable guides
We handpick the most knowledgeable guides, who bring each destination to life with care and passion. They’re chosen for their ability to provide unrivalled insight into the region’s wildlife and landscapes as well as a genuine, memorable experience.
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Positive impact
By travelling with us, you directly support a range of initiatives spanning wildlife conservation to community engagement. Our luxury trips are designed to prioritise experiences that are positive for you and the places you visit.
Meet your Africa team
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Angela Thomas
Client Experience Manager for Africa
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Charlie Cottar
Travel Designer
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Chloe Ainscow
Travel designer
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David Drayton
Travel Designer
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Ellie Smith
Travel Designer
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Emily Wallington
Senior Travel Designer
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Jacob Maahs
Senior Travel Designer
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Jamey Lowis
Senior Travel Designer
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Jess Thompson
Travel Designer
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Jody van Merode
Senior Travel Designer
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Kamogelo Dolo
Africa concierge
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Kit Wong
Senior Travel Designer
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Robynne Trueman
Africa Concierge
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Sara Bellemore
Travel Designer
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Tor Saner
Senior Travel Designer
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“We enjoyed our first trip with Jacada…”
We enjoyed our first trip with Jacada and it surely won't be our last! Every detail and moment of our trip was perfectly planned. We were met every step of the way with courteous and knowledgeable drivers and guides. We really appreciated the local guides and the commitment they had to make every day special. Thank you Jacada for the…
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We enjoy traveling and we have used Jacada Travel for some wonderful trips over several years. We have never been disappointed. In 2024 we took a Safari in Botswana Africa and walked with the gorillas in Rwanda planned by Jacada and the itinerary was amazing. In 2025 we had planned a trip to Antartica ( with another company ) but…
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Communication and organization were excellent. The Jacada team was helpful and genuinely interested in our experience. The guides were personable, knowledgeable, and clearly enjoy their work. Vehicles were spotless, timely, and coordinators managed our every need brilliantly. I will recommend Jacada to friends and family. The only way to travel!
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We had a wonderful trip planned through Jacada. We enjoyed the venues and the excursions. This is a beautiful place we'd recommend to anyone who wants to go on a new adventure.
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.