Empangeni, Zululand
Empangeni, a town about 160 km from Durban on the R34 just off the N2, is positioned in the hilly countryside of the Uthungulu district. The area around Empangeni brings to mind sugarcane plantations and hot, sticky, languid days. It is only 15 km away from Richards Bay on the coast and these two towns, together with Esikhawini, Vulindlela, Felixton, Nseleni and Ngwelezane make up the City of uMhlathuze.
Empangeni was originally the site of a Norwegian Mission station established near the stream called eMpangeni. The mission was later moved to Eshowe but a magistracy, called Empangeni, was established here in 1894. The name Empangeni, according to folklore, comes from the Zulu word ‘pangaed’, which means ‘grabbed’, and is thought to refer to the number of crocodile attacks on water bearers in the nearby eMpangeni stream.
The town is a centre for sugar, cotton, cattle and timber and despite its development into a modern town, it has retained its small town charm and locals are hospitable in true Zululand style. The temperatures here rise to as high as 45° Celsius and combined with the notorious humidity of the region, necessitate the purchase of sunscreen. The subtropical climate does make it a perfect all year round destination.
The Enseleni Nature Reserve is about 13 km north of Empangeni and offers a 7km hiking trail in amongst the local animal life, mostly zebra and impala, and a number of picnic spots. Empangeni’s museum is worth a visit to track the history of early sugar pioneers and local Zulu cultural and contemporary art displays. There is also the impressive 18-hole Empangeni Golf Course for golf enthusiasts. Empangeni forms the gateway to the reserves of Hluhluwe and Umfolozi and is a good stopover before venturing further a field.
Travellers' Reviews
1 Review from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified review
Empangeni is a lot more developed than we had anticipated, and we were grateful for that as we have young children. It was extremely hot over January so we would recommend that, if you go there, find out where the best swimming spots are well in advance! You'll need them!
Stacey and Kurt (Edenvale)
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
The Wood House
The Wood House is a charming, family-operated guesthouse nestled in the heart of Zululand, seamlessly blending tradition with modern comforts. Th...
Canefields Country House
Canefields Country House is a traditional sugar cane mansion converted into a homely country hotel. The property provides accommodation in tranqu...
Thula Thula Private Game Reserve
The 4500 ha private game reserve Thula Thula is situated only 45 minutes from Richards Bay harbour and airport, and less than 2 hours drive from ...
Things to do in the area
Empangeni Arts and Cultural History Museum
Any visit to South Africa demands that you explore the arts, crafts and cultures of this country; and the Empangeni Arts and Cultural History Mus...
Boardwalk Inkwazi Mall
The Boardwalk Inkwazi Mall is one of the most popular centres of shopping and entertainment in Richards Bay. Here, more than 65 000 square metres...
Noteworthy attractions
AmaZulu Game Reserve
Situated in Northern KwaZulu Natal, on the banks of the Mkuze River, the Amazulu Private Game Reserve is the home of the Amakhosi and Mkuze Falls...
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
The Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is the only park under formal conservation in KwaZulu Natal where the Big Five occur. Established in 1895, this is the...
Ithala Game Reserve
This magnificent Ithala Game reserve, tumbling from the heights of the Ngotshe Mountains a thousand meters down into a deep valley, carved over t...
Mkhuze Game Reserve
Situated in northern Zululand, this 40 000 hectare reserve was proclaimed a protected area in 1912. Mkuze Game Reserve constitutes the north west...
Mkuze Falls Private Game Reserve
Situated in the heart of historic Zululand in the South African province of KwaZulu Natal, Mkuze Falls is one of only two Private Game Reserves i...
Pakamisa Game Reserve
The Pakamisa Private Game Reserve comprises a pristine malaria free wilderness area of some 2500 hectares. Access to the reserve is restricted, e...
Pongola Nature Reserve
The Pongola Nature Reserve was first proclaimed in 1894 and is the second oldest reserve in the world and the oldest in South Africa. Pongola Nat...
Richards Bay Game Reserve
The Reserve has remnant stands of swamp forest, the Thulazihleka Bird viewing hide in small swamp and the Tidal Mudflats and shallows south of th...
Ubizane Wildlife Reserve
Ubizane Wildlife Reserve boasts a variety of wildlife including white rhino, giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, most species of antelope, and over 350 s...
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