Sishen (Kathu) Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

The Sishen area is primarily a mining centre, but the surrounding Kalahari offers quiet natural and historical interest.

• Kathu Forest — A rare, protected woodland of large camel thorn trees growing within and around the town.
• Kathu Pan — A nationally important archaeological site where Stone Age tools spanning hundreds of thousands of years have been found; visits are usually by arrangement.
• Sishen mine viewpoints — The area is home to one of the largest open-pit iron-ore mines in the world, whose scale is striking even from a distance.
• Kuruman — A nearby town known for the Eye of Kuruman, a large natural spring, and the historic Moffat Mission.
• Wonderwerk Cave — Between Kuruman and Danielskuil, a cave with evidence of early human activity stretching back a very long time.
• Kalahari landscapes — Red sands, open savanna and star-filled night skies make for memorable drives and sunsets.

The Sishen area has a semi-arid Kalahari climate. Summers, from about November to March, are very hot, with occasional thunderstorms bringing most of the year’s limited rain. Winters, from June to August, are dry and sunny by day but can be very cold at night, with frost common.

Autumn (April to May) and spring (August to October) usually offer the most comfortable temperatures for exploring the outdoors. Whatever the season, the air is dry and the sun strong, so plan activities for the cooler parts of the day.

Sishen Airport is a small airport close to Kathu and the Sishen mine, used mainly by business and mining travellers on domestic flights.

Most visitors are met by company transport or hotel shuttles, which are best arranged in advance. Car hire may be available but should be booked ahead, and taxis are limited. A car is the most practical way to explore Kathu, Kuruman and the surrounding region.

Accommodation is concentrated in Kathu and caters largely to business travellers.

• Kathu town — Hotels, guesthouses and restaurants near shops and services; the most convenient base for business visitors.
• Guest farms and lodges — Rural lodges in the surrounding Kalahari suit travellers looking for quiet and nature.
• Kuruman — A larger historic town nearby with guesthouses; a good base for exploring the region’s heritage sites.

• Money: Cards are accepted in most shops and hotels in Kathu, and cash machines are available; carry cash for rural areas.
• Getting around: Distances are long and public transport is minimal, so arrange a car or transfers; keep the fuel tank topped up.
• Heat and sun: Drink plenty of water, wear a hat and sunscreen, and pack warm clothing for winter nights.
• Safety: Mining areas are restricted; only visit with permission and follow all site rules.
• Language: English is used in business, while Afrikaans and Setswana are widely spoken in daily life.