Thabazimbi
Thabazimbi is a bushveld town in the Waterberg District of north-western Limpopo and the seat of Thabazimbi Local Municipality. It lies at the foot of the Ysterberg, ringed by the Witfonteinrand and Boshofberg with the Kransberg behind it, and includes the township of Regorogile. Long an iron-ore mining town, it now relies on platinum mining nearby, game farming, hunting and eco-tourism around Marakele National Park.
History
The name means 'mountain of iron', after the iron-ore reef discovered by J. H. Williams in 1919. The railway from Rustenburg arrived in the 1930s and large-scale mining followed; the town was proclaimed in 1953. Kumba Iron Ore's mine sent about two million tonnes of ore a year by rail to Mittal's steelworks until operations ended in 2015 after a major rock fall. In 2003 the town made headlines as the site of the Springboks' controversial 'Kamp Staaldraad' training camp.
Getting there
Roughly three hours' drive north-west of Johannesburg and Pretoria. The R510 runs south to Northam and Rustenburg and north to Lephalale, while the R516 links Thabazimbi east to Bela-Bela. Marakele National Park is about 20 km north-east of town.
Weather & climate
Hot, semi-arid bushveld climate with summer rainfall: hot summers with afternoon thunderstorms and dry, sunny winters with mild days and cold nights.
Things to do
- Golf at Thabazimbi Golf ClubBushveld course in Ben Alberts Reserve where game wanders across the fairways; visitors welcome every day.
- Marakele 4x4 TrailSelf-drive 4x4 route inside Marakele National Park climbing into the Waterberg mountains. sa-venues.com/things-to-do/limpopo/marakele-4x4-trail
- Thaba'Nkwe MTB & Hiking Trails15 km mountain-bike loop with variations, from easy family rides to steep climbs, on a 350 ha game reserve; also used by hikers. Riders sign indemnity at the lodge. sa-venues.com/things-to-do/limpopo/thaba-nkwe-mtb-trails
Things to see
- Ben Alberts Nature ReserveAbout 2,000 ha reserve just outside town with giraffe, white rhino, eland and zebra; rated highly for birding and home to a vulture restaurant and the Thabazimbi golf course.
- Marakele National ParkSANParks Big Five park in the Waterberg mountains about 20 km north-east of town, known for yellowwood and cedar trees, 4x4 routes and one of the world's largest Cape vulture colonies; camps are Bontle and Tlopi. sanparks.org/parks/marakele
- Waterberg MeanderScenic route through the Waterberg biosphere savannah, starting at Marakele National Park in the south-west. sa-venues.com/things-to-do/limpopo/waterberg-meander
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Thabazimbi Guest House
Guest house in Thabazimbi town.
Guest Houses & B&Bs
Thabazimbi, Limpopo
The Seed Pod
Three-bedroom self-catering farm house near the south side of Marakele National Park with a lapa braai and outdoor bath.
Self-Catering
Thabazimbi, Limpopo
Thulani Game Lodge & Eco Estate
Game lodge with self-catering chalets, stilted tents and a family villa, plus a pool, bush spa, restaurant and game dri…
Lodges & Game Lodges
Thabazimbi, Limpopo
Tumbeta Private Game Reserve
Family game-lodge camp in the Matlabas river valley with six units for up to 24 guests, a boma, waterhole braai area an…
Lodges & Game Lodges
Thabazimbi, Limpopo
Valozone 70 Guest House
Fifteen en-suite rooms with kitchenettes, air-conditioning and smart TVs, plus covered parking and a backup generator.
Guest Houses & B&Bs
Thabazimbi, Limpopo
ValView Guest Lodge
Guest lodge in the Kwaggasvlakte Valley about 5 km outside Thabazimbi with air-conditioned en-suite rooms, some with ki…
Guest Houses & B&Bs
Thabazimbi, Limpopo
Villa June
Three-bedroom self-catering villa.
Self-Catering
Thabazimbi, Limpopo
Villa Louzelle
Self-catering villa with three en-suite bedrooms.
Self-Catering
Thabazimbi, Limpopo
Villa Toscana Guesthouse
Guest house in a quiet residential part of Thabazimbi.
Guest Houses & B&Bs
Thabazimbi, Limpopo
Property in Thabazimbi
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