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Phalaborwa - Hiking, Horse Riding and Wildlife in this Mining Town

The town of Phalaborwa, located in the Mopani district of the Limpopo Province, started off as a mining town and is still home to the Palabora Mining Company. Situated on the border of the renowned Kruger National Park and within easy reach of a number of popular attractions, tourism and wildlife play an important role in the economy of Phalaborwa and visitors are assured of a warm welcome.

Activities in and around Phalaborwa include hiking, horse riding, microlight flights, skydiving, elephant back and wildlife safaris. Fishing from a boat in the mighty Oliphants River along the banks of the Klaserie Game Reserve is a popular pastime, and the prospect of meeting up with crocodile, hippo or elephant, adds a touch of excitement to the experience. A golf estate on the outskirts of Phalaborwa combines a game of golf with wildlife viewing, as it is not unusual to have animals wander onto the fairways. The non-profit welfare organization, Lekagape, organizes cultural tours complete with a visit to a traditional healer, tribal dancing and a choir performance.

Attractions in the area which can be visited as a day-trip include the Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window and Bourke’s Luck Potholes, as well as the towns of Tzaneen and Hoedspruit and their attractions. The name Phalaborwa has been adapted from the Sotho words for 'better than the south', an observation made by tribes moving north. A visit to Phalaborwa may very well have you agreeing with this sentiment.