Things To Do
in Thabazimbi

A South African sausage cooked on a braai (barbecue); ubiquitous at lodges, local restaurants and community gatherings—try it with pap and chakalaka.

Must-Try!

Maize porridge (pap) served with a spicy vegetable relish (chakalaka); a common side dish at local eateries and braais.

Cured, spiced dried meat (similar to jerky) sold at butcheries and markets; great for snacks on drives and hikes.

Lodges sometimes serve venison, impala, kudu or other game prepared as steaks, stews or pies—ask your lodge for current offerings.

Small local stalls selling baked goods, preserves, biltong and seasonal produce; perfect for picking up picnic supplies and regional snacks.

Occasional roadside stands and tuck shops near reserves and main roads offering grilled meats, vetkoek and cold drinks—cash is handy.

Friendly verbal greetings and handshakes are common—use a simple "Hello" or local greeting in Afrikaans or Sepedi when meeting people; show respect to elders.

Ask permission before photographing people or private property, stay on marked paths in reserves, and respect wildlife by keeping distance and following guide instructions.

Daytime dress is casual; modest dress is appreciated in community settings. Avoid loud or disruptive behavior, especially in small-town contexts.

At craft stalls small haggling is acceptable but be polite and reasonable—support local producers by paying fair prices.

Tipping is customary: around 10–15% at restaurants if service is not included, R10–R50 (small amounts) for lodge staff handling bags, and R50–R150 for guides depending on the tour. Tipping taxi drivers is not always expected but rounding up or small change is appreciated.

South African rand (ZAR) is the local currency. Credit and debit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are widely accepted in town and at lodges, but cash is useful for rural stalls, small vendors and tips. ATMs are available in town but may have limited hours—carry some cash when venturing to reserves.

December–February: Hot, humid and wet with afternoon thunderstorms; vegetation is lush, birding is excellent and many animals are active but seek shade mid-afternoon. Expect dust and muddy roads after rains—carry rain gear and insect repellent.

March–May: Transition period with warm days, cooling nights and decreasing rain—good time for game drives, clearer skies and comfortable conditions for hiking.

June–August: Dry, sunny days and cold nights (can be frosty); ideal for wildlife viewing as animals congregate around waterholes and vegetation is thinner. Pack warm layers for early morning and evenings.

September–November: Warming temperatures and wildflowers begin to appear; bird migration increases activity and wildlife calving starts in some areas—great for photography and outdoor activities.

Short to moderate trails on the escarpment offering dramatic views over the bushveld, geology study points and wildflower spotting in season—best with a local guide for safety.

Trails within the park provide opportunities for wildlife viewing, birding and guided hikes; some routes are suitable for self-guided walks while others are guided for safety.

Guided nature walks and trails in a private reserve known for conservancy work and varied wildlife; good for close-up flora and smaller fauna observation.

Short scenic walks along riverbanks and across farmland near Thabazimbi—ideal for easy hikes, birdwatching and photography; obtain permission before entering private land.

Approximately a 1.5–2.5 hour drive depending on route; convenient for visitors combining Thabazimbi with game reserves near Pilanesberg and Sun City.

Main international gateway to the region; roughly 3–4 hours’ drive from Thabazimbi—offers car hire, national transport links and frequent flights.

Regional airport serving Limpopo province; a longer drive but useful as an alternate entry point with some domestic connections.

Small regional airstrip serving local flights and charter services; useful for private charters and quicker access to the Waterberg area.

A significant portion of the population; involved in farming, local businesses and mining activities—Afrikaans language and culture are prominent.

Local Black South African communities with strong cultural ties to the region, languages and traditions of Limpopo; many residents work in services, farming and on reserves.

A substantial working population employed in iron-ore mining, agriculture and related industries; these groups shape the local economy and demographics.

Staff and owners of lodges, guides and small-business operators support the tourism economy around game reserves and outdoor activities.

Rugby is popular in rural and Afrikaans communities; local clubs and school teams are active and often central to social life.

Widely played and supported across communities; local matches and youth programs are common.

Cricket is played seasonally, particularly at schools and community clubs.

Managed hunting and game-farming activities are part of the regional economy and leisure culture on private properties and farms.

Vegetarian options are available but limited in rural lodges—order vegetable stews, salads, pap with chakalaka and sides. Let lodges and restaurants know in advance so they can prepare suitable dishes.

Vegan choices are more limited; self-catering or stay at places that can accommodate dietary needs. Carry snacks and staples if you’re strict about ingredients.

Basic gluten-free options (meats, salads) exist, but breads and baked goods may contain gluten—ask staff and bring supplies if necessary.

Communicate allergies clearly when booking lodges or ordering; small kitchens may have limited cross-contamination controls.