Emgwenya Heritage & Tourism Information Centre

10/09/2026

*Craft & Artisan Market* -- _Scan the QR code and stand a chance to win a weekend away!!_

Calling all gift shops, guest houses, lodges, tourism businesses and lovers of handmade products!
Join us on *Saturday, 3 October at the Emgwenya Heritage & Tourism Information Centre* for a Mpumalanga Craft & Artisan Exhibition.

Discover beautiful handmade products from 20–30 talented crafters from across Mpumalanga, all in one place. From beadwork and textiles to woodwork, jewellery, art and more, this is a fantastic opportunity to:
- Meet the makers behind the products
- Find unique stock for your gift shop, guest house or business
- Shop for one-of-a-kind gifts for the festive season
- Build new connections with local artisans

Together with *IMPAC (Inclusive Mpumalanga Partnership Artists in Community)* , we're creating opportunities for local crafters to connect with new markets and helping more handmade products find their way into shops across Mpumalanga.

WHEN: Saturday, 3 October 2026, 9am - 3pm
WHERE: Emgwenya Heritage & Tourism Information Centre

03/09/2026

01/09/2026

The Emgwenya Heritage and Tourism information Centre is launching this September and we are inviting our Emgwenya family to come get a sneak preview and a free coffee before anyone else sees us open!

This Saturday, the Boven Country Market is happening, and for this time and this time only, you are invited to receive a free coffee voucher at the market when you take a walk through our heritage display! Bring friends and family and be amazed at how far we have come in our vision to make Emgwenya a place to explore!

We can’t wait to see you and look forward to this spring get together at the same place and same time every month!

24/08/2026

🚀 WOMEN & YOUTH ENTREPRENEUR SEMINAR 2026! 💼✨

Are you a woman or young entrepreneur, aspiring business owner, or someone with a great business idea? This is your opportunity to learn, connect, share ideas, build networks and discover opportunities that can help you grow! 🌱📈

📅 26 August 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM
📍 Emgwenya Heritage Centre, Waterval Boven

Come and be inspired, gain practical entrepreneurship skills, and connect with people who can help take your business to the next level! 🤝💡

📞 Contact: Patricia: +27 68 131 1500 | Claude: 076 120 5766

19/08/2026

Why Is Our Town Called Emgwenya?
What's in a name?
Our town is officially known as Emgwenya, a isiZulu name meaning "Place of the Crocodile." Many people also know it by its former name, Waterval Boven, reflecting the town's rich and layered history.
Place names are an important part of our heritage. They tell us about the people who have lived here, the languages they spoke, and how communities and identities have changed over time.
Whether you've always called it Emgwenya, still say Waterval Boven, or use both names, each reflects a different chapter in our shared story.
History isn't only found in museums or books—it also lives in the names of the places we call home.
How long have you called Emgwenya home? We'd love to hear your story.

13/08/2026

Let’s be real for a second.

We have some of the most stunning heritage, scenery, and people in the region—so why are neighboring towns getting all the weekend crowds while our people hustle twice as hard for half the business?

Starting September, the new Tourism Desk is stepping in to change the narrative. Our goal is to turn pass-through traffic into bookings, local tours, and steady paychecks for our community.

If you had 30 seconds to suggest an attraction to a traveler passing through, what would you tell them to do first?
Comment below to help us guide visitors to the best spots!

11/08/2026

Why Are There So Many Waterfalls Around Emgwenya?
Ever wondered why our area is famous for waterfalls?
The answer lies beneath our feet.
As rivers flow from the Highveld towards the Lowveld, they cross the dramatic escarpment that surrounds Emgwenya. Over millions of years, water has carved its way through layers of hard and softer rock, creating the beautiful waterfalls that visitors enjoy today.
These waterfalls are more than scenic attractions—they are part of the geological story that shaped our landscape and helped make Emgwenya one of South Africa's favourite destinations for hiking, climbing and outdoor adventure.
The next time you visit one of our waterfalls, take a moment to appreciate that you're seeing millions of years of Earth's history at work.
Nature has been shaping Emgwenya for far longer than any of us have been here.

06/08/2026

The Emgwenya Heritage & Tourism Information Centre (EHTIC) is excited to partner with IMPAC—a Mpumalanga-based organisation that supports and develops local crafters and creative enterprises—to bring you a special Crafter Exhibition and Gift Shop Showcase.
Discover the work of 30+ talented crafter cooperatives from across Mpumalanga, all in one place!
🎁 Looking for unique stock for your gift shop?
🏡 Want locally made products for your guest house or lodge?
🎄 Searching for special Christmas gifts?
✨ Or simply love supporting local creativity?
Then this is an event you won't want to miss!
📅 Saturday, 3 October 2026
More details coming soon—we can't wait to share this incredible showcase of Mpumalanga's creativity with you!

05/08/2026

The Story Begins Beneath Our Feet
The story of Emgwenya began long before people lived here.
When we think about history, we often think about people and events. But every story has a beginning—and ours starts with the landscape itself.
The rocks around Emgwenya are more than 2 billion years old, making them some of the oldest in the world. Over millions of years, powerful geological forces shaped the mountains, valleys and escarpment that make this area so distinctive today.
These ancient rocks have influenced everything that came later—from where people settled, to where the railway was built, and why visitors travel here to enjoy our incredible scenery. The next time you admire the views around Emgwenya, remember that you're looking at a landscape that has been millions—indeed billions—of years in the making.
Come and discover more about the fascinating geology of our area at the Emgwenya Heritage & Tourism Information Centre.

28/07/2026