Phalaborwa Area Profile

Phalaborwa at a glance

The beautiful town of Phalaborwa is situated in the lower lying area of the Limpopo Province, within the Mopani District and Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality. It is uniquely located about halfway up the Kruger National Park’s eastern border, in an area aptly named “Valley of the Olifants” due to the large gatherings of these majestic beasts there.
 
Buying property in Phalaborwa will also place you roughly 2 hours’ drive away from stunning Mozambique, and the town is situated in an enchanting “eco-hub” that virtually teems with wildlife reserves and conservation areas!
 
What is the Phalaborwa property market made up of?
 
Although Phalaborwa maintains its rustic charm, the town itself is well developed and modernised. Phalaborwa properties for sale and rental, attract investors, holidaymakers, permanent residents, as well as new buyers – both young and old, as well as a high number of lessees – due to the attractive pricing and fairly diverse availability.
 
Recent deeds office information on Phalaborwa property registrations indicate that the property market in Phalaborwa is comprised of around 90% freehold or full title  Phalaborwa houses (this would include properties in Phalaborwa residential estates as well) and approximately 8% sectional title units (townhouses, flats and apartments in the main).
 
The amount of full title or traditional freehold Phalaborwa properties is indicative of the “open” and spacious outdoor-living that’s sought after by permanent residents in Phalaborwa, and investors seeking to capitalise on the local trade and thriving tourism market. A substantial portion of these freehold properties in Phalaborwa are Bed and Breakfasts and holiday homes, with the ability to generate income year-round.
 
The Phalaborwa real estate market is pretty diverse and you will also find reasonably priced flats, guesthouses, smallholdings, game farm lodges, vacant land for commercial and residential purposes, townhouses and more both for sale and rental in Phalaborwa.

What “stands out” about the town of Phalaborwa?
 
Regarded as Limpopo’s tourism capital, Phalaborwa’s “centrality” makes for an ideal location to explore the regions amazing natural beauty. Phalaborwa is also favoured in that it borders one of the world’s most famous parks – the Kruger National Park– plus, it is surrounded by other nature parks and reserves, each offering a unique experience for tourists and those seeking the ultimate in outdoor freedom and leisurely living!
 
This area is simply bursting with lush, indigenous flora and fauna. Phalaborwa is often referred to as the town of “two summers” as it has some of the warmest winters in SA, with low rainfall, allowing for year-round fine and warm subtropical weather. The original Sotho name “Ba-Phalaborwa” literally translates to “better than the south” and was founded when tribes moved northwards in search of “greener pastures”.
 
Phalaborwa is also listed as the safest town in South Africa and is right up there in the ratings for the “cleanest” town in SA as well!
 
What are some of the major attractions and landmarks in and around Phalaborwa?
 
The lush surroundings, array of wildlife species, the extensive Kruger National Park is only 1.5 kilometres away and various other game and nature reserves attract thousands of tourists each and every year! The scenery in Phalaborwa is like no other on Earth and guided tours, night drives and guided walks are held daily. Guided tours of the mine are held weekly and booking is essential.
 
Phalaborwa property owners and tourists will also be happy to know that the town fringes the renowned Hans Merensky Golf Estate, with its world-class golf course. Phalaborwa remains one of the most unique and distinguished towns, and its location places residents and visitors close to major geographic landmarks and attractions, including the Rondavels, Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window, some of Hoedspruit’s beautiful game farms and Tzaneen’s extensive orchards, among other nearby attractions.
 
What educational, health and recreational amenities are within reach of Phalaborwa property owners?
 
Schooling: There are a number of schooling options including 3 junior schools, 1 high school  (Government) and 3 schools that cater from junior primary right through to Matric (private)available in and around Phalaborwa, and these include Fauna Park Primary, Phalaborwa College, Meridian College and Kingfisher Private Schools. The schools usually offer both an academic foundation as well as environmental teachings.
 
Healthcare: Phalaborwa is well-developed compared to neighbouring towns, and ‘houses’ all the necessary healthcare amenities one would hope to find. Service and healthcare providers include General Practitioners, pharmacies, clinics, optometrists, and the Clinix Phalaborwa Private Hospital to mention a few.
 
Recreational: Phalaborwa is undeniably a nature-enthusiast’s dream come true as, aside from the Kruger, a large number of acclaimed and iconic private game reserves can be explored only a short drive away. These reserves also sometimes hold family events and activities where visitors of all ages can participate and experience nature like nowhere else. In addition to safaris, hiking, bird watching and other outdoor fun.
 
Birdwatching is very popular in the area and the local Bird Club is part of the “Kruger to Canyon birding route.
 
What are the main business activities or industries in the Phalaborwa area?
 
Mining of commodities such as copper and iron remain one of the major income generators, coupled with the booming tourism sector of-course. Mining also attracts tourists, and eco-tourism also sees conservationists and visitors enjoying the great deal of “infotainment” on offer!
 
Tourism is a big player in the area, with over 200 000 visitors per annum reported to visit Phalaborwa just for the Kruger Park alone.
 
Manufacturing and retail are also on the rise, while agriculture and food production remain at the centre of trading activities too.
 
What is the investment potential in Phalaborwa?
 
As the area continues to develop, and Phalaborwa real estate buyers – including discerning investors and entrepreneurs – show marked interest in the area and the value of properties rises steadily.
 
One substantial benefit of investing in a property in Phalaborwa certainly lies in the vast amount of international tourists that frequent the area.
 
Land for sale anywhere in Phalaborwa also holds value since there are so many natural and man-made attractions. Phalaborwa property investments for commercial activities such as accommodation, hospitality, rental and even retail also present fantastic buyer opportunities.
 
Housing in Phalaborwa around the CBD similarly hold considerable potential as tourists can enjoy a “modern stay” with the Phalaborwa gate through to the Kruger Park located just a stone throw away.