Before you go

Your trip to Phalaborwa.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Phalaborwa – Limpopo Destination Kruger National Park

How to get there

Aeroporto de Phalaborwa (PHW) Phalaborwa · 3 km
Aeroporto de Hoedspruit (HDS) Hoedspruit · 72 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

From Phalaborwa Airport (PHW), with domestic flights from Johannesburg, the town centre is about 3 km away and the Kruger gate about 3 km. From Hoedspruit it is about 75 km via the R40 and R71. From Johannesburg it is roughly 500 km via the N1 and through Polokwane.

How many days

Two days for Masorini, the Elephant Hall and a safari in the central Kruger. With more time you can stay overnight at Letaba or Olifants and continue through the park.

When to go

From May to September, in the dry season, animals tend to concentrate at the Letaba and Olifants rivers. The summer is very hot.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

Yes, for doing the safari from your own vehicle and for distances inside the park. There are car rentals at the airport.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Phalaborwa

Morning
Entrance to the Kruger
Enter via the Phalaborwa gate at the opening and stop at the Masorini site.
Afternoon
Letaba
Drive to the Letaba camp and visit the Elephant Hall; have lunch on the terrace overlooking the river.
Late afternoon
Letaba River
Return slowly along the river road and exit before the gate closing time.
Evening
Dinner in Phalaborwa
Dine in town, where it’s common to see animals on the golf courses and properties adjacent to the park.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Is Phalaborwa a good base for the Kruger?

Yes, for the central part of the park. The town is next to the Phalaborwa gate, about 50 km from Letaba camp.

Does Phalaborwa have an airport?

Yes, Phalaborwa Airport (PHW), with domestic flights from Johannesburg.

What to do in Phalaborwa?

Safari in the central Kruger, the Masorini site and the Elephant Hall at Letaba camp.

How far is Phalaborwa from Hoedspruit?

About 75 km, just over an hour by car.

Back to Phalaborwa