Pafuri Hot

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Pafuri is without doubt one of the countries premier birding destinations.

Situated in the extreme north-eastern corner of South Africa on the border with Zimbabwe and Mozambique, Pafuri lies in the lowveld between the Luvuvhu and Limpopo Rivers. Geology of the area largely comprises of Basalts which allow for dense tree savanna with mopane and bush willows dominating. Along the Limpopo and Luvuvhu floodplains Fever Trees, Sycamore Fig and Ana Trees dominate. Baobabs are scattered in the drier areas. Vegetation is lush and green and difficult to see through during summer but this is when the best birding can be expected with an influx of migrant species. Over 450 species of birds have been recorded here with many of the countries specials such as the elusive Pel’s Fishing Owl, Crested Guineafowl, White-Crowned Lapwing and Black-Throated Wattle-Eye being found here.

Photography

Best Time to Photograph

Undoubtedly, the best time of the day for photography is early morning when birds are particularly active. Game tends to approach the water from mid morning to late afternoon. Photography at the Pafuri Picnic site may be carried out throughout the day.

Type of Photography

Birds
Game
Landscape
Trees

Best Time of Year

Spring
Summer

Photographic Tips

Driving slowly along the road network is the best way to find photographic subjects and it is best to have a window mount or bean bag in place on the window and your camera on your lap or close by to allow for quick response to when a subject is found. Due to high summer temperatures be sure to carry extra drinking water.

Recommended Gear

Window mount and telephoto lenses are a must for photographing birds in Pafuri.

Highlights

Site Highlights

Nyala Drive, Pafuri Picnic Site,Bridge over the Luvuvhu River,Archaeological Site

Top Species

Footnotes

Season and Weather

Summer is the hot and wet season, when afternoon thunderstorms can be expected. Temperatures sore into the 40 degrees plus. Winters are cooler and vegetation is drier and easier to see through.

Habitats

Other Activities

Game Viewing
Guided Walks
Bird Watching
Archaeological Site

Location

Closest Town

Musina

Getting There

Pafuri can be approached via Musina through the Pafuri gate or from the south of Kruger National Park via the H1-8 rd.

Address

Pafuri

Map

Swap Start/End Start Address

End

User comments

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Author: Peter ChadwickWebsite: http://www.peterchadwick.co.zaEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About

As a dedicated conservationist, Peter Chadwick has 30 years strategic and operational conservation experience in terrestrial and marine protected area management. He has worked within all of the major biomes in southern Africa as well as having provided expert conservation advice at a global level. His conservation and wildlife photography is a natural extension to his conservation work where he has numerous opportunities to capture photographs that showcase the beauty and complexity of the outdoors. Peter’s photography is internationally recognized, with this work appearing globally in a wide range of print and electronic media.

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