About Thabazimbi

Thabazimbi, Waterberg

The private game reserves of South Africa in the Waterberg promise some really stunning accommodation in Thabazimbi. Thabazimbi is easily reached from Gauteng by car or plane, the district has a large concentration of private game reserves.

With the addition of the Marakele National Park, it's easy to understand why Thabazimbi is one of the fastest eco-tourist growth points in the country. Some of the best game reserves are located in the area and they offer conducted game drives, excellent accommodation and outstanding cuisine and are easily reached from Gauteng by car or plane.

Thabazimbi means "Mountain of Iron" and was named after the discovery of iron ore reefs in the area. As the mine's activities increased the town of Thabazimbi grew and prospered around it. Huge mountains are the setting for the mine and the town that has grown around it.

The mine boasts one of the largest mining shafts in Africa and more than 2 million tons of iron ore are mined every year and hauled by train to Mittal Steel. (Mittal Steel South Africa is the largest steel producer on the African continent, producing 7,3 million tonnes of liquid steel per annum - previously known as ISCOR).

Many nature trails and hikes traverse the town's scenic bush veld surroundings and attract particularly birdwatchers and hikers. Thabazimbi is also known as the hunting Mecca of the Waterberg / Bushveld region and is visited by many local and overseas hunters. The Marakele National Park just ten kilometres out of Thabazimbi, is one of the highlights of the area.