Phalaborwa is situated just north of Olifantsrivier in Limpopo and is known as ‘The Town of Two Summers’ for its location in the northern part of South Africa, which gives its climate a warm, sunny feel all year round. It is also home to the Phalaborwa Gate, a popular entry point into the Kruger National Park.

The Phalaborwa gate is situated in the Mopaneveld, a region of the Kruger National Park named so for its predominately Mopane tree populated woodlands. This area filled with Mopane trees and shrubs is where the majority of The Kruger National Parks elephants reside. The elephants make use of the entire Mopane tree, eating the leaves, bark and roots. The Mopaneveld is also known for its wild dog population.

The H-9 is the main road in the park from Phalaborwa and leads east to Letaba. Along this route one has the option to turn north along the H-14 to Mopani, or continue east to Letaba. Should you continue to head east along the H-9 you have the option to stop at the Masorini Iron Age site, a Museum to the Majola People who traded food, iron and ivory across the Lowveld. At Masorini you can see the restored village and various artifacts such as bowls, pots and tools used by the Majola. Further east, along the H-9, heads through an area of bare veldt where not much game can be seen.  Although there are large termite hills in the plains and as a result aardvark can be seen in the area leading up to Letaba. Should you choose to head up north along the fore mentioned H-14 towards Mopani, you will pass through the Mopaneveld, again a great opportunity for viewing elephant, and then join up with H-1-6 (which joins Letaba and Mopani) and then continue north to Mopani. When crossing the Letaba river you will find great opportunity to see game such as buffalo, wildebeest, giraffe and elephant which may be lurking on the Letaba riverbank.

The road from Mopani north (H1-6) Heads through a part of the park that is less inhabited by people and stretches across the tropic of Capricorn, past several dry pans, which are great stopping points for game sightings. The H1-6 leads to Shingwedzi camp situated on the Shingwidzi river. The flood plains around Shinwedzi are ideal for spotting Sable and a rarity of birds including the Saddle-billed stork.

Our Featured accommodation in Phalaborwa is aha Sefapane Lodge. Book direct through Hotel Stays and Experience Africa at the Kruger National Park.

Author: Sebastian Bergman – Account Executive Hotel Stays Africa