PLAN YOUR VISIT
Planning your perfect Phalaborwa getaway is not nearly as tricky as you may have thought. Yes, it is easy to get overwhelmed especially with the deluge of information on Social Media, Blogs, Websites or in Guidebooks and, with the seemingly endless array of options available, it is hard to know what to choose.
So what’s the first step in getting out from behind your computer and into your car? Just follow these 10 simple steps and you will be enjoying the wild heart of Phalaborwa in no time.
Step 1: Put a big cross in your calendar for the dates of your Phalaborwa
adventures.
Step 2: Develop the details: How big is your group? How deep are your pockets? What do you most love to do?
Step 3: Be Inspired by the awesome accommodation options on the Ba-Phalaborwa Website, ranging from Bush breaks to B&B’s.
Step 4: Book the best Phalaborwa venue for you.
Step 5: Check out the activities on offer from the Olifants River Safaris to the
Qualito Distillery Gin and Whiskey-tasting.
Step 6: Combine a Big-5 Bush-break with culture and cuisine.
Step 7: Book a local guide for the inside info.
Step 8: Check out the Frequently Asked Questions section for tips.
Step 9: Pack for a perfect Phalaborwa holiday.
Step 10: Have a fabulous trip.
Questions & Answers
What’s the weather like in Phalaborwa
Phalaborwa doesn’t have much of a Spring, because the Summer starts abruptly in September. Daytime temperatures start climbing past 30°C (80°F) with night-time
temperatures around 20’s°C (68°F) with some light rain showers.
October is generally hot and dry with temperatures climbing into the high 30’s °C (80-100°F) with thunder-showers from around Mid-November.
November to February are the hottest months with daytime temperatures mostly in the high 30’s and even rising to 45°C (113°F). Humidity is high, so days are hot and muggy. Thunder-storms build up over a few days and are spectacular when they break. Night-time temperatures seldom drop below 20°C (68°F) and sleeping with a fan or airconditioner is advisable.
March to May moves into autumn with temperatures in the mid 30’s during the day and night time temperatures start to drop.
Winter starts in June and, until August, the day time temperatures are in the Low 30’s°C. Most often, the winter evenings are idyllic and perfect to spend dining outdoors. Occasional overcast, cool and windy days are possible during this time. During the early hours of the mornings, temperatures will drop but rarely under 10°C (50°F)
The rainy season is generally from December to March with an average rainfall in the area of
450mm.
How hot does it get in Phalaborwa
In Summer, night-time temperatures could be 20-35°C (68-95°F) and daytime temperatures could go as high as 45°C (113°F) with humidity between 60-90%
How far is the Kruger National Park /Phalaborwa Gate from town.
It is a 5 min drive to the Phalaborwa Kruger Gate to the centre of town.
Where can I have a braai (barbecue) or picnic in Phalaborwa?
Options for braais and picnics include Rockviewer Guesthouse, Epic Water Park or the Masorini Picnic site inside the Kruger National Park.
Can I change foreign currency in Phalaborwa?
There are no formal foreign exchanges in town although some banks can change certain currency by prior arrangement.
Are there taxi services around Phalaborwa?
Public transport is most commonly in a Minibus Taxis but an easier option is to choose a transport provider (in the activity section of the website) for a transfer to the airport or arrange it through your Accommodation Establishment. Car Hire is also available at the Phalaborwa Airport.
Can I fly to Phalaborwa?
There are no commercial flights flying to Phalaborwa. You can however fly to Hoedspruit’s Eastgate Airport with Airlink and then either rent a car or arrange a transfer to Phalaborwa.
What can I do in Phalaborwa?
Look through the Activity page for a variety of activities and adventures for the whole family.
Are there busses travelling to Phalaborwa?
Both Greyhound and City bus have a daily Phalaborwa run to and from the Engen Garage and shuttle services are available.
Are there any 24 hour food outlets in Phalaborwa?
There are no 24-hour food outlets in Phalaborwa, but Caltex Fresh Food and Total Masorini offer shops where you are able to get something to eat after hours.
I need medical assistance, what now?
Ambulance or Paramedics: Marula Med Health 24 hr Centre: 015 781 0340
Are there taxi services around Phalaborwa?
Can I fly to Phalaborwa?
Phalaborwa has a Civil Airport in town but this no longer have commercial flights. You can however fly to Hoedspruit’s Eastgate Airport with Airlink and either rent a car or arrange a transfer.
Are there any 24 hour food outlets in Phalaborwa?
Caltex Fresh Food and Total Masorini offer shops where you are able to get something to eat after hours.
Phalaborwa Tourism Safety Tips
1. While Traveling:
a. When traveling, always be vigilant and alert. Pay attention to what is going on around you and who might be giving you more attention than appropriate, not only while walking around but also for any suspicious vehicles.
b. Make sure that you have directions to your destination. Some rural areas do not have dependable WIFI or Cell reception Coverage and Map Apps should be available offline.
c. Make sure you have contact details of the Establishment or person you have booked with so you can reach them after hours.
d. When traveling, it is advisable to arrive at your destination before sunset. If you are going to be late, make sure that the establishment is aware and knows what time to expect you.
e. Do not stop on the side of the road in isolated areas for long periods of time. If you are tired, rather book in at a nearby establishment.
2. In Phalaborwa Town:
a. When parking your car make sure you park in safe, well-lit areas and do not leave valuables visible in
the car.
b. Double-check manually that the doors are locked before you walk away. Do not assume that the car is locked by just pressing the button. Especially in Shopping mall parking areas remote car jamming of doors could occur.
c. It is preferable to withdraw cash at an ATM in a more secure location such as a hotel or shopping mall or even at the larger grocery store cashiers. Avoid using ATMs at night or on the street.
d. Be vigilant when approaching a Stop Street or Traffic Lights after dark.
e. While you are driving ensure that your car doors are locked, and the windows are closed.
f. When paying with a Credit Card, make sure the card never leaves your sight. Most Businesses have portable swipe machines. If they don’t, accompany that person to the machine.
g. Do not carry large sums of money on you.
h. Keep personal belonging such as handbags and backpacks secure at all times
3. What to do if you need assistance:
a. If you are in an area where there are buildings, find the closest business or Tourism Establishment and ask for help.
b. For either Medical and Criminal emergencies contact the Phalaborwa Community Police Forum at +27 (0)71 044 4850.
c. If you are on the road these three phone numbers are available anywhere in South Africa:
● Police Emergency Dial 10111
● 112 can be dialled on any cell phone, whether you have airtime or not, and you will be transferred to a call centre that will connect you to the nearest emergency service.
● Dial 10177 is for medical emergencies or Ambulance response.
4. Contact Details:
a. Marula Med Health Centre open 24 hr Contact nr 015 781 0340 at 33 Park Street, Phalaborwa
b. Pharmacies: Van Heerden Pharmacy -27 (0) 15 781 0691 Eden Square, Palm Street Phalaborwa
Clicks Pharmacy: Customer Service Centre +27 (0) 0860 254257 at Shop 43, Eden Square, Cnr Nelson Mandela and Palm str,Phalaborwa Pharmacy +27(0) 015 781 1416 at 20 Palm Avenue Phalaborwa
c. Dentists:
Venter JA & Partners +27 (0)15 7810623 at 24 Kiaat Str,Phalaborwa
d. Ambulance:
TEMS 911: +27 (0)61 545 2131
Government Ambulance: +27 (0)15 769 4011 Stanley Medical Team EMS +27(0) 73 534 2359
e. Fire Brigade:
+27 (0)15 781 1333 or +27(0)15 781 7008
f. South African Police Service Phalaborwa Station +27(0)781 9277 or (0) 79 891 2423