12 Best Things To Do In Phalaborwa, South Africa

1. Be in awe at Mine View Point

It’s not every day that you get to see a hole on the ground that is so huge, astronauts can actually see it from the International Space Station—yup, that’s what Mine View Point is all about! This open cast copper mine opened in 1964 but was eventually closed in 2002. At a whopping 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) wide and 450 meters (1,476 feet) deep, it’s the biggest man-made hole in Africa and the biggest copper mine in the world.

Mine View Point

Address: Phalaborwa, 1390, South Africa

2. Meet Africa's wildlife

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Witness Africa’s wildlife in their natural habitat when you join the fun at Bushbaby Adventures Tours, Safaris & Photography. You can go on a full-day (9-10 hours) or a half-day (6 hours) safari—either way, you’ll be in for an adventure as you get to see and photograph lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, African Buffalos, and many other wild animals. Overnight tours are also offered where you can experience sleeping in the African wild in either a hut or a tent.

Bushbaby Adventures Tours, Safaris & Photography

Address: 18 Jakkalsbessie St, Phalaborwa, 1390, South Africa

Website: Bushbaby Adventures Tours, Safaris & Photography

3. Learn the art of pottery at Afrikania Pottery

Inspired by passion and dedication, the idea of this place was sparked by a unique pattern and the golden heart of wanting to lend a helping hand. Natives from different tribes have been united for a long time here, showcasing their art skills while at the same time making a living. The unique pattern was widely employed on clay homestead and cooking utensils to increase their aesthetic value. Today, this mind-blowing technique has evolved and it is now used on a variety of clay works like pots, plates, and other home decorations. You can buy your loved ones some souvenirs and presents here.

Afrikania Pottery

Address: PO Box 1257, Phalaborwa 1390, South Africa

Website: Afrikania Pottery

4. Sample the creamy liqueur at Amarula Lapa

South Africa is a land blessed with a myriad of mind-blowing attractions. From the lovely Savanna jungles teeming with wildlife to breathtaking waterfalls and enchanting wineries, there are a lot of adventures to keep thrill-seekers and honeymooners on their toes. Located along First Avenue in Phalaborwa is this quiet, peaceful winery - Amarula Lapa - that is known for producing the popular Amarula spirit. There’s no better way of enjoying an outdoor adventure with your loved one than by treating your taste glands to the silky, creamy liqueur.

Amarula Lapa

Address: 4311 First Avenue, R40, Phalaborwa, 1390, South Africa

Website: Amarula Lapa

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm; Sat: 8am - 4pm (closed on Sun)

5. Explore the Masorini Village Museum

Perched on the amazing Masorini Hill, approximately about 11 km (6.84 miles) from Phalaborwa entrance, is an ancient village that existed even before the early settlers. If you are looking for an outdoor activity to keep you entertained, pack your hiking gear and visit this Stone Age village. Travel back in time as you learn about ways in which the early man used to survive in the jungle. Priceless materials such as dome-shaped clay furnaces are some of the clues about early man’s activities. Enjoy breathtaking views on top of the hill or find a spot and enjoy a picnic.

Masorini Village Museum

Address: Phalaborwa, South Africa

Website: Masorini Village Museum

6. Play golf at Hans Merensky Golf Course

Are you a golf lover enjoying a vacation in Phalaborwa? Take your loved ones and head to the Hans Merensky Golf Course that borders the famous Kruger National Game reserve. It is a pristine golf course that features a breathtaking, lush green terrain and a romantic atmosphere. Picnickers and love birds come to spend time enjoying the fresh air and the tranquility in the course. Due to its close proximity to the game reserve, you may come across wild animals like giraffes, warthogs, gazelles, and zebras in their natural habitat. Make sure to take some photos for memories.

Hans Merensky Golf Course

Address: 1390 Phalaborwa, South Africa

Website: Hans Merensky Golf Course

7. Enjoy camping at Mtomeni Safari Camp

Discover one of the hidden gems - Mtomeni Safari Camp - in Phalaborwa perched on the banks of the majestic Letaba River, offering a big-five experience near the popular Kruger National Park. Campers, hikers, adventure lovers, and thrill-seekers visit to write a beautiful chapter in their adventure book. There’s a wonderful playground to keep the kids entertained and free parking space for guests. Visitors can access barbeque facilities, a grill, and a beautiful terrace where they can enjoy some quality bonding time. The camp comes with nicely furnished rooms with amazing patios and free toiletries for those who would love to spend some time there.

Mtomeni Safari Camp

Address: Groot Letaba River Rd, South Africa

Website: Mtomeni Safari Camp

8. Traverse the Olifants River on a boat

Are you a water activities enthusiast who is looking to enjoy an out-of-this-world boating activity in Phalaborwa? Pack your picnic gear and drive your family to Olifants River. This is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Africa. It’s a four-star hotel that offers the opportunity to admire nature while traversing the tranquil waters of the Olifants River. Sit back and relax with your drink and enjoy close to three hours of a boat cruise. Don’t forget to bring your camera because you’ll encounter wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, hippos, and crocodiles in their natural habitat. This trip is worth every penny.

Olifants River Safaris

Address: Plaas Shiela, Phalaborwa, 1309, South Africa

Website: Olifants River Safaris

9. Learn mining techniques at Foskor Mine Museum

Farming, mining, and tourism are some of the major economic activities in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. It’s also a land with a variety of and breathtaking geographical features and that’s why tourists love it so much. In order to appreciate and promote the mining culture and tourism in this place, Foskor Mine Museum was erected. Visitors get to learn the process of mining minerals such as copper and iron ore. There’s also an emphasis on ancient smelting techniques. You’ll get to see “the Big Hole,” a super large opencast mine. You can’t afford to miss this opportunity.

Foskor Mine Museum

Address: Kopper Steet, Phalaborwa, South Africa

Website: Foskor Mine Museum

10. Enjoy dinner at Buffalo Grill & Bistro

Are you planning to take your loved one for a romantic dinner and don’t know the best joint in Phalaborwa? Don’t worry, just visit Buffalo Grill & Bistro and the rest will take care of itself. This is a romantic restaurant nestled in a tranquil, lush green neighborhood along Raasblaar Street. Enjoy a variety of sumptuous South African cuisines that will leave your taste glands tingling. Their colorful menu features a variety of mouthwatering selections such as chips with fried steak egg, yummy burgers, fried rice, liver with onions, pasta, salads, soups, and appetizers. There’s also a great selection of drinks.

Buffalo Grill & Bistro

Address: 1 Raasblaar St, Phalaborwa, 1390, South Africa

Website: Buffalo Grill & Bistro

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 8pm

11. Taste craft whisky at Qualito Craft Distillery

Are you a wine lover yearning to have a glass of the finest South African whisky? Nestled in a scenic place on Potgieter Street in Phalaborwa, this is one of the most popular breweries in the area. Qualito Craft Distillery is famous for producing a variety of the finest craft drinks including gin, whisky, vodka infusions, and vodka crush among others. Spirits are expertly distilled over time in order to produce world-class quality. Confuse your taste glands with a taste of Single Grain Heimer craft whisky or just the Grey Hawk classic craft Gin.

Qualito Craft Distillery

Address: 36 Potgieter St, Phalaborwa, 1390, South Africa

Website: Qualito Craft Distillery

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 4pm; Sat: 10am - 3pm (closed on Sun)

12. Get a glimpse of the Big Five with Nandzana Safaris

Enjoy the Big Five experience when you book an exclusive tour of the popular Kruger National Park with Nandzana Safaris. This is a specialized tour and guide company that is nestled in a charming environment on Kwartel Street in Phalaborwa town. The company features day safaris that are shared and only restricted to daytime and custom safaris that come with an exclusive safari vehicle at your preferred time. With an experienced and well-informed tour guide, you will traverse the park viewing animals such as elephants, zebras, giraffes, lions, and rhinos in their natural habitat. Please make sure to take some pictures.

Nandzana Safaris

Address: 19 Kwartel St, Phalaborwa, 1389, South Africa

Website: Nandzana Safaris

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Explore the hidden gems in Phalaborwa

Whether you are on a vacation with your family, a honeymoon, or on a business trip, the town of Phalaborwa always has something exciting to offer its visitors. From warm hospitality to mind-blowing adventures like exploring the Big Five in a national park, you’ll definitely enjoy an unforgettable experience.