This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Phalaborwa.
Just 3 km from Kruger National Park, Phalaborwa, in the Mopani district of Limpopo province, known locally for its huge copper mine, is another very handy base for the park. It is also surrounded by nature reserves and private game reserves namely Balule, Hans Merensky, Klaserie and Groot-Letaba.
There are many options for accommodation in the town with it being so close to the park and reserves and there are also hostels in Phalaborwa. Most of this accommodation can be found in the south-east of Phalaborwa along Essenhout Street and the smaller streets around. There are hostel options in this area and the standard is pretty good, though you might want to bring mosquito repellent. The hostels and cheaper accommodation are a bit of a walk from the centre and bus station, about 20-25 minutes, so having your own transport is a bonus here. Your own transport is also handy for visiting Kruger, as hiring vehicles to get into the park is a little pricey. The hostels have wi-fi access and self-catering facilities and have been operating for many years, so provide all you'd expect as a backpacker. It would pay to book ahead, as both hostels are quite small with limited space available.There is a Spar supermarket just 5 minutes' walk from the hostels, should you need supplies and a restaurant if you don't want to self-cater.
Phalaborwa is dominated by two central shopping malls side-by-side. Here, you'll find well-stocked supermarkets, international bank ATMs, many restaurants and wi-fi and internet access. Opposite Phalaborwa Centre shopping mall, you'll find the bus and minibus station. Transport to Nelspruit, Pretoria and Jo'Burg leave in the morning, the comfortable option being City Liner which leaves daily at 7am and takes 8 to 9 hours to Pretoria/Jo'Burg, them being 470km and 500km south-west respectively. Making this journey, there is a strong chance of seeing wildlife by the roadside in the reserves, so keep your eyes open!
Written by local enthusiast for Phalaborwa hostels
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