About KwaMhlanga

KwaMhlanga, Cultural Heartland

Mpumalanga Province is one of South Africa’s most diverse and beautiful destinations in terms of its natural beauty, history, wildlife and culture. KwaMhlanga is a small town set here, amidst what is known as the Cultural Heartland, and is acclaimed for being the spiritual home of the first Ndebele tribe that settled here in the 1700’s.

The Ndebele culture is renowned for the colourful arts and crafts that they produce, their vibrant traditional dress, and the distinctive geometric patterns that infuse many aspects of their lives, creative pieces, and customs. The Ndebele people and their homesteads are fascinating to encounter, and reveal an important aspect of South Africa’s multifaceted identity that adds so much flavour and charm to the Rainbow Nation.

KwaMhlanga has been developed over the generations, and is now the administrative centre for the local governments of the North Western part of the province. As such, it has the facilities and amenities necessary for travellers, adventurers and tourists that want to experience the real essence of the culture here, or who choose this as their stop-over en route to other nearby attractions.

There are two kraals nearby, at which visitors can see the creative designs of the Ndebele. These are the Manala Royal Kraal near Klipfontein and the Ndzundza Mabhoko Royal Kraal in Weltevreden. Small groups of visitors can arrange (in advance) to see these kraals.

Pretoria is less than an hour’s drive from KwaMhlanga. The bustling hub of Johannesburg and its international airport, OR Tambo, is about 1.5 hours away.

Mpumalanga is the proud home province of a number of exquisite attractions and activities. These include the Kruger National Park, Blyde River Canyon, Long Tom Pass, Fort Merensky, Loskop Dam Nature Reserve, and the Berlin Falls.