Empangeni

Empangeni

Empangeni is situated in the sunny province of KwaZulu-Natal in Zululand. The weather in Empangeni is warm, humid and wet in summer, and mild, dry and humid in winter. The town is approximately an hour and a half’s drive from Durban, and situated in the beautiful Mpangeni Valley, while Lake St Lucia is approximately two hours from Empangeni.

Established in 1851, the town's name was taken from the local river, Mpangeni, and anglicised to "Empangeni". Today the town is the centre of the sugarcane and timber industries above the Tugela River.

You can enjoy tennis, golf, bowls, squash or conferencing facilities at the town's country club, while those who are more interested in Zulu arts and crafts made by locals, can visit the Empangeni Arts and Crafts Centre. Jabulani Craft Market also sells crafts made by physically handicapped people. You can also step back in time, by visiting one of the town’s oldest buildings, the Old Town Hall, which is now the Empangeni Art and Cultural Museum, and is host to exhibitions and information about local heritage.

The town serves as a convenient stopover for tourists making their way to the surrounding game reserves and sea resorts, such as iSimangaliso Wetland Park (formerly known as The Greater St Lucia Wetlands National Park). Wildlife parks include Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, Nayala Ranch, Mfuli Ranch, and the Phinda, Mkuzi, Ithala and Enseleni game reserves, all offering the chance to view the Big Five, along with all types of accommodation.