A volcanic pipe resulted, richly loaded with minerals and metals such as phosphate, copper, zirconium, vermiculite, iron, mica and gold. 

On the surface the mouth of the pipe is approximately 10 square kilometers in extent.

Centuries ago Sotho tribes first settled in the area bounded by the Olifants and Letaba rivers.

Finding themselves in an unfavorable area, they returned to this fertile bushveld valley. 

They named the region Phalaborwa meaning "better than the South" and settled there, leaving evidence of mining in clay smelting ovens of iron and copper.

Today Phalaborwa is the true Gateway to the Kruger National Park. This spectaculour park is the world's most famous nature reserve, situated less than 2km from Phalaborwa.

Phalaborwa offers a vast and varied range of accommodation, a vast range of opportunities to view The Big Five amongst other wildlife up close and personally by means of safaris, wilderness walking trails, a river safari takes one down the Olifants river on a 3 hour Olifant River Cruise game viewing meander, allowing one a unique vantage point.

A neatly laid out town with shopping malls, modern banking facilities and all the major chain stores represented, allow the visitor all the excuse needed to spend time shopping. 

Known as the town of "Two Summers", Phalaborwa experiences mild winters, and summer days are cooled off by air-conditioning, fans and swimming pools.

Phalaborwa is also situated near the luxorious golf estate ' Hans Merensky Club.'