Kruger Real Estate > Other info > About the area
About the area
[ Download Phalaborwa info sheet ] (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)
Why buy here?
Although we cover a wide area, our offices and homes are based in Phalaborwa. Here we'll tell you a bit about why we're in Phalaborwa...
If you ask any South African what they know about Phalaborwa, you'll either be met with a blank look and "Pala-what?" or the reply "It's hot!" However, Phalaborwa has a lot going for it, as the many people who have moved into the town recently will tell you.
Climate
The climate has to be the main attraction to many people. It has been said that Phalaborwa doesn't get hot, it stays hot. Known to many as "The Town of Two Summers",Phalaborwa enjoys a subtropical climate; in fact, it is only just outside the tropics.
The image on the right shows the current temperature in Phalaborwa, so you can see for yourself!
Summers are indeed hot, with night time temperatures in the low 20s, rising to the high 30s by day. The town is set up for the heat though, with all but the smallest houses having a swimming pool and even the budget houses being built to minimise the heat. Shops, schools, offices and restaurants are nearly all air conditioned.
Winter temperatures are moderate – dropping to around 10 at night and rising again to the mid 20s by day. While the folks in Jo'burg are shivering in their coats, we're still wearing short sleeves!
Generally we have summer rainfall, but average 300 - 600mm per annum.
Security
While Phalaborwa can no longer boast a zero crime rate, security in this area is a far cry from the dangers of living in a big city. Most people are surprised to see open front gardens or low fences but, together with our park areas, this is one of the charms of Phalaborwa town.
A quick glance at the local newspaper will reveal the weekly crime statistics: usually no more than an arrested drunk and maybe some shoplifting.
Facilities
The town boasts at least 8 schools, some of them teaching exclusively in English, a hospital and medical facilities, and well developed shopping centres.
It has what has to be the nicest airport in Africa, is home to the world famous Hans Merensky golf-in-the-wild, and is the only town situated right on the border of the Kruger National Park.
With the recent opening of the road directly through the new transfrontier park to Mozambique and the coast, together with the general upswing in tourism, Phalaborwa is now considered to be a destination of choice and a prime investment opportunity.
Health
This is a malaria endemic area. Visitors are advised to take suitable precautions, although the local population tend to avoid malaria tablets, preferring to stick to mosquito repellents and nets. Mosquitoes are prevalent in the rainy season, with little risk of being bitten in the dry season.
History
Phalaborwa was developed in the late 1950s for and by the mining community. Phosphate production was initiated in 1952, and copper has been mined since 1965. The pit at the open cast mine is about 2.5km wide and 1.5km deep – one of the biggest man-made holes in the world.
New to South Africa?
If you need to know more about moving here, get the inside story by looking at our guide to Immigrating to South Africa.
For information about Phalaborwa, browse the web sites Phalaborwa Trade & Tourism Council or Phalaborwa News Lifestyle Travel.
Maps
View maps of:
- Southern Africa, showing major cities and Kruger National Park
- Phalaborwa and surrounding area
Things to do here
In and around the area we serve, there are many things to see and do both as a visitor and as a resident.
Just to give you an idea, here's a selection of what's on offer:
- Safari on foot, on elephant back, by car or by boat
- Sunset/sunrise river cruises
- Khamai Reptile Park
- Kapama Cheetah and Wild Dog Breeding Centre
- Tour of beautiful natural scenery - waterfalls, magnificent valleys and dams
- Golf in the wild
- Microlight flights
- Cultural village tours
- Archaeological site
- Amarula liqueur tasting and tour
- Copper mine tour
- Cycad nature reserve
- Working silkworm farm and shop
Want to know more?
Take a look at Phalaborwa's Trade & Tourism web site for information about these and other activities.