African Reservations

Phalaborwa was established in 1958 after the discovery of huge mineral deposits in the area. Called “the town of two summers” as it never really gets cold in the winter, Phalaborwa is situated right at the central gate to the Kruger. Since the Phalaborwa Gate was officially opened in 1961, it has served as a most convenient entry point to the Northern and Southern areas of Kruger National Park and today approximately 200 000 visitors pass through these gates annually. An open-cast copper mine is considered the widest man-made hole in the world. Mine-tours are available but must be booked in advance. The Eiland Mineral Baths are situated in the Hans Merensky Game Reserve.

The famous Hans Merensky Country Estate and Hotel, is best known for its notorious golf course, where playing golf amongst giraffe, impala, warthog and monkey are an everyday occurrence. Early morning golfers have been known to encounter wild dogs, cheetah and lion, as well as elephants and hippos.