Phalaborwa is a gateway to Kruger National Park, one of the most famous safari destinations in South Africa. Cruise through the Phalaborwa Gate to tick off the Big 5 and explore the sun-baked desert landscapes.
Things to do in Phalaborwa
The Phalaborwa Gate marks the entrance to the world-famous Kruger National Park. More than half of the park’s elephants live in this dry and dusty zone. Look for wild dogs prowling through the grasslands and rare Sable antelope drinking at the waterhole. Drive deeper into the park to tick off iconic African animals like lions, leopards, rhinos and buffalos.
Tee off at Hans Merensky Hotel & Spa and experience golf like never before. The course borders Kruger National Park and it’s not unusual to see giraffes grazing on the greens. Legendary golf architect Bob Grimsdell designed the Par 72 course, which features his signature parkland style. Wrap up your day with lunch at the breezy on-site clubhouse.
Sip small batch vodka, whiskey and gin at Qualito Craft Distillery. Join a guided tour to go behind the scenes of the distillery and learn about the “grain to glass” process. Visit Amarula Lapa and discover how marula fruits are transformed into a delicious cream liqueur. Tours finish with a complimentary glass of Amarula Cream on ice.
You’ll be amazed by the sheer size of the “Big Hole”, one of the largest open-pit mines in the world. When it closed in 2002, the mine was more than two kilometres in diameter and almost 800 metres deep. Drive up to the viewpoint for a bird’s eye view of the enormous pit.
Getting around Phalaborwa
Phalaborwa is compact and easy to get around on foot, while taxis are a good option for longer distances. Rental cars offer the freedom to visit Phalaborwa at your own pace and take a self-drive safari of Kruger National Park. The town is a five-hour drive from Pretoria and six hours from Johannesburg, or you can fly into Kruger Park Gateway Airport, a five-minute drive from Phalaborwa.