THABAZIMBI HISTORY AND INFORMATION

Thabazimbi is situated in the western corner of Limpopo, South Africa.

Thabazimbi is named after the exceptionally lucrative iron ore that is found in the vicinity and means 'mountain of iron' in Twana.

The area around Thabazimbi lended itself for cattle farming and has a high standing in South Africa's beef industry, and are now being transformed into conservation, game farming and eco-tourism.

Its rugged mountains borders an relatively unspoiled bush-covered plain.

Thabazimbi is an iron mining town in the Limpopo province of South Africa. The town is situated at the feet of the Ysterberg and is surrounded by the Witfonteinrand and Boshofberg with the majestic Kransberg in the background.

The name Thabazimbi means mountain of iron because of the large iron ore reef that was discovered in 1919 by J.H. Williams. The mine boasts one of the largest mining shafts in Africa. More than 2 million tons of ore are mined every year and hauled by train to Mittal's iron and steel works. The railway line from Rustenburg reached the area in the 1930s and full scale iron and steel production began.

The town was proclaimed in 1953. Kumba Iron Ore, previously Kumba Resources, is now the principal operator of the iron ore mine. The Marakele National Park about 20 km north-east of the town and situated in the heart of Waterberg Mountains characterised by contrasting mountain landscapes, hills and valleys, as well a variety of wildlife. Marakele National Park is also the home of some of the Tuli Elephants that were caught up in controversy in 1999 involving animal cruelty in South Africa.

In the post-apartheid era, the town made headlines in 2003 as the site of Kamp Staaldraad, the Springboks' infamous training camp prior to the Rugby World Cup. The excesses of Kamp Staaldraad helped lead to an almost complete housecleaning of the upper administrative levels of South African rugby union.

It is about 2 hours drive from Pretoria, malaria free, and part of the very special Waterberg Biosphere.

In the last decade Thabazimbi, Limpopo has developed into an Eco Tourism and especially hunting mecca in South Africa with a large selection of game farms, hiking trails, bird watching, varied accommodation options and several other tourism activities. There is a great variety of holiday and tourist accommodation available, ranging from B&B accommodation to lodges, chalets, guest houses and backpackers. Thabazimbi business community serves this sector and the mining in the area, and hosts the annual Game and Tourism Expo.

Marakele National Park is situates 15km from town. Named after the Twana word for 'sanctuary', the big 5 and other wildlife has been re-introduced. The park is characterised by contrasting landscapes of mountains, grassy hills and deep valleys. It is home to the largest colony of the Cape Vulture and boasts around 800 breeding pairs.

Not far from Thabazimbi is the town of Lephalale (Ellisras), Limpopo where you will find the world largest dry cooled power station called Matimba. Other tourist attractions include the Art Weekend at Thandanani and some of the most fascinating San Artwork to be seen in South Africa.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thabazim

The name Thabazimbi means mountain of iron because of the large iron ore reef that was discovered in 1919 by J.H. Williams. The mine boasts one of the largest mining shafts in Africa. More than 2 million tons of ore are mined every year and hauled by train to Mittal's iron and steel works. The railway line from Rustenburg reached the area in the 1930s and full scale iron and steel production began.

The town was proclaimed in 1953. Kumba Iron Ore, previously Kumba Resources, is now the principal operator of the iron ore mine. The Marakele National Park about 20 km north-east of the town and situated in the heart of Waterberg Mountains characterised by contrasting mountain landscapes, hills and valleys, as well a variety of wildlife. Marakele National Park is also the home of some of the Tuli Elephants that were caught up in controversy in 1999 involving animal cruelty in South Africa.

In the post-apartheid era, the town made headlines in 2003 as the site of Kamp Staaldraad, the Springboks' infamous training camp prior to the Rugby World Cup. The excesses of Kamp Staaldraad helped lead to an almost complete housecleaning of the upper administrative levels of South African rugby union.

It is about 2 hours drive from Pretoria, malaria free, and part of the very special Waterberg Biosphere.

In the last decade Thabazimbi, Limpopo has developed into an Eco Tourism and especially hunting mecca in South Africa with a large selection of game farms, hiking trails, bird watching, varied accommodation options and several other tourism activities. There is a great variety of holiday and tourist accommodation available, ranging from B&B accommodation to lodges, chalets, guest houses and backpackers. Thabazimbi business community serves this sector and the mining in the area, and hosts the annual Game and Tourism Expo.

Marakele National Park is situates 15km from town. Named after the Twana word for 'sanctuary', the big 5 and other wildlife has been re-introduced. The park is characterised by contrasting landscapes of mountains, grassy hills and deep valleys. It is home to the largest colony of the Cape Vulture and boasts around 800 breeding pairs.

Not far from Thabazimbi is the town of Lephalale (Ellisras), Limpopo where you will find the world largest dry cooled power station called Matimba. Other tourist attractions include the Art Weekend at Thandanani and some of the most fascinating San Artwork to be seen in South Africa.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thabazimbi

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