In 1851, the Norwegian Missionary Society established a station on the banks of the Mpangeni River. The river was named after the profusion of Mpange trees growing along its banks, and the settlement that formed around the station took the slightly Anglicised name of the river.
The root of the world, like the trees, is in the soil, as it refers to its remarkable fertility. This attribute led to the growth of what is now the commercial, agricultural and communications centre for the sugar cane and timber industrial area of the coast above the Tugela River.
Empangeni is a thriving, friendly town in the beautiful surroundings of the Mpangeni Valley.
Activities
Empangeni Art & Crafts Centre
Variety of arts and crafts made by the local communities.
Empangeni Art & Cultural Museum
A fascinating museum boasting regular temporary exhibitions and a permanent display including Zulu heritage art and the Harrison collection of the pioneer sugar farmers.
Empangeni Country Club
Tenni, golf, bowls, squash or conferencing in beautiful natural surroundings.
Enseleni Game Reserve
A 295ha reserve, whose name is isiZulu for 'lair of the badger'. Mangroves, papyrus and many antelope species are some of the wildlife attractions.
Felix Mill
A small village near Empangeni housing a sugar mill labour force. The sugar mill here is one of the largest in the country.
Game Ranches
Hunting/nature trail facilities and accomodation are offered by the Nayala and Mfuli ranches.
Jabulani Crafts
Wonderfully made crafts by physically handicapped persons are on sale.
University of Zululand
The attractive campus of this university, founded in 1959 can be visited.
