Things To Do
in Phalaborwa

Local market stalls sell fresh fruit, baked goods, snack foods and crafts; ideal for sampling vetkoek, grilled skewers and seasonal produce.

Near the river or busy intersections you may find small vendors selling sweets, samosas, toasted maize and cold drinks—good for quick snacks between activities.

Polite greetings are important—say hello and acknowledge shopkeepers and hosts. A simple 'Dumela' (Sepedi) or 'Avuxeni' (Tsonga) is appreciated alongside English.

Ask permission before photographing people, especially in informal settlements or when photographing children and religious ceremonies.

Do not feed or approach wild animals; respect reserve rules and private farmland. Avoid littering and stick to marked paths.

Dress conservatively when visiting local villages and avoid loud or disruptive behavior; tipping and bargaining in markets is normal but do so politely.

In restaurants and lodges a 10–15% tip is customary if service is not included; tip guides and trackers on safaris (usually a guideline provided by the lodge) and round up taxi fares. Small tips for porters, housekeeping (a few Rand) and petrol attendants are appreciated.

The South African rand (ZAR) is the local currency; credit and debit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are widely accepted in hotels and larger restaurants. Carry some cash for markets, small vendors and remote areas; ATMs are available in town but may be limited outside business hours.

Hot, humid and wet with afternoon thunderstorms; wildlife is spread out with dense vegetation, but migratory birds are abundant. Pack lightweight rain gear and expect dramatic storm clouds and vivid sunsets. Lodge activities continue, but some dirt roads may be slippery after heavy rain.

Transition to drier, milder weather with cooling evenings; vegetation thins out making game easier to spot and daytime temperatures are comfortable. Good time for safari drives and outdoor activities with fewer insects than in peak summer.

Dry and sunny days with cool to cold mornings and evenings—ideal for game viewing since animals gather near remaining water sources. Bring layers for chilly mornings and nights; the risk of thunderstorms is low.

Warming temperatures, flowering bushveld and increased insect activity as the rains approach; good birding and wildlife activity before the hottest months. Pack sunscreen and light layers.

Ranger-led walks in Kruger allow close-up experiences of flora and smaller fauna; these are strictly guided for safety and conservation reasons—book through the park or a lodge.

Short to moderate hikes around viewpoints such as Bourke’s Luck and God’s Window offering spectacular canyon and waterfall scenery—great for photography and geology enthusiasts.

Private reserves near Phalaborwa often have short walking trails and guided bush walks tailored to birdwatching and plant identification—check with lodges for access and safety.

Easy, informal walks along safe stretches of the river for birding and landscape photography—avoid risky areas with crocodile or hippo activity and follow local signage.

Small regional airport close to town with limited scheduled flights and charter options—convenient for private charters and short hops to larger hubs.

About 80–120 km (roughly 1.5–2 hours drive depending on route) from Phalaborwa; serves national flights and is a common gateway for Kruger visitors. Car hire or shuttle transfers are available.

Approximately 100–150 km away, used by tourists visiting the southern Kruger and private reserves—offers regional flights and charter services.

Johannesburg’s main international hub, around 350–450 km away (4–6 hours by road); most international visitors will connect here and continue by domestic flight or road transfer.