Bushveld Terrace Hotel on Kruger

Johannesburg & Pretoria to Phalaborwa:
Phalaborwa is ±500km from Johannesburg and Pretoria. There are two routes to choose from. Both routes have double highway for the first 200kms with a dual carriage way thereafter. The routes are scenic and most likely to get you into the holiday spirit. At the moment the road via Polokwane is in better condition whereas the road via Dullstroom is pitted with potholes.

From Pretoria, travel via Polokwane, Haenertsburg, Magoebaskloof, Tzaneen, Gravelotte and on to Phalaborwa. There are some interesting places to eat in Haenetsburg and Magoebaskloof and for the adventurous the canopy tours in Magoebaskloof makes for a fun time.

From Johannesburg or OR Tambo International Airport travel via Belfast, Dullstroom, Lydenburg, Ohrigstad, through the JG Strydom tunnel (look out for the waterfall and hoot when going through the tunnel), bypass Hoespruit to Mica and then onto Phalaborwa. Make a trip of it and stop for lunch and shopping in Dullstroom. It’s the half-way point between Joburg and Phalaborwa and good place to take a break and stretch your legs.

Try some trout at the famous Mrs Simpsons Restaurant - a small, quaint restaurant off the main road. Other interesting places en-route are the Echo Caves outside Ohrigstad, and curio shopping at the entrance to the JG Strydom Tunnel. Once you through the tunnel open your windows and feel and smell the air of Lowveld.

Durban to Phalaborwa:
Phalaborwa is ±1000km from Durban, KwaZulu Natal. There are three self-drive options to choose from.

Durban through Swaziland via the Kruger National Park. Enter the Kruger National Park at either Crocodile Bridge, or Malelane and travel through the Park to Phalaborwa. Travel tip: When travelling through the Park the speed limit is 50km per hour so be sure to calculate your travel times adequately. It might be an idea to book a night in the Kruger and continue onto Phalaborwa the next day. You will need up to date passports for the Swaziland portion.

Durban via Swaziland, Nelspruit, Bushbuck Ridge, Hoedspruit onto Phalaborwa. Travel tip: Stop in Hoedspruit for a meal at The Hat & Creekor visit the Rock Fig Centre and have a nibble at Mad Hams Deli. Borwse their shop next door which is full of quirky African inspired decor.

Durban via Pietermaritzburg, Ladysmith, Dundee, Volksrust, Ermelo (half way), Carolina, Lydenburg, Ohrigstad, Mica and onto Phalaborwa. Travel tip: for the best biltong look out for the biltong shop just before you enter the town of Volksrust. You will be glad you did.