Phalaborwa Gate

About Phalaborwa Gate

By comparison with the more frequently visited southern section, the north is dry, there is a propensity for Mopane trees with their beautiful butterfly-shaped leaves (the major vegetation of the north), and there are fewer animals. But do not let that stop you.

Did you know? Palaborwa Gate gives you access into the northern section of the Kruger National Park in the Limpopo Province.

Elephant love the Mopaneveld, which is why you will find more than half the elephants at Kruger live in this northern section of the park. Dryness can work in visitors' favour as dry river beds serve as some of the best game spotting areas, their low lying areas covered in long grass.

As with everything, it is a case of knowing where to look. Sabie waterhole at the foot of the Vudogwa Mountain draws plenty of elusive sable antelope, and you're likely to spot wild dogs around Phalaborwa. But best of all is the knowledge that anything north of Phalaborwa usually means you can drive for an hour or so without seeing anyone else. And for that alone it is worth venturing into the northern section of Kruger.

Phalaborwa Gate has compelling scenery – granite koppies, mopane woodlands, bushwillows and acacia trees.

From Phalaborwa Gate you have a couple of drive options

The H14 to Mopani Camp in a northerly direction
Either the H-9 or S131 east towards Letaba

Three rest camps fairly close to the Phalaborwa Gate entrance

Boulders Bush Lodge features raised platform chalets, and no perimeter fence.
Shimuwini Bushveld Camp is on the banks of the Letaba River with 20 km of road for residents' exclusive use, including the Shimuwini Dam that retains water even into the dry season.
Mopani Rest Camp is newer and overlooks the Pioneer Dam.

Game to look out for

elephant
buffalo
wild dogs
sable antelope
zebra
giraffe
jackals