Emgwenya, formally Waterval Boven

Emgwenya means: 'Place of the Crocodile'. (Ngwenya, is an Nguni surname, meaning the same thing!) Emgwenya was formally Waterval Boven and can be found at the top of the Escarpment (as its original name of Waterval Boven suggests- this in Afrikaans means: 'above'- above the Elands River Waterfall.) The 75m Eland Falls is best seen from viewing platform just outside the Town. This platform gives great views of the stunning Escarpment, rich in plant life and bird species.

Established in 1895, as a supply Town, along the NZASM Railway Line that took goods from Pretoria to Delagoa Bay, in Mozambique. Waterval Boven soon grew into a flourishing Town where locomotives, would stop for refueling and repair. Only in the Mid-60's, did Waterval Boven run out of steam, as the locomotive industry slowed down and the Town had to look for alternative sources of income. Now it is not the railway that draws the crowds but the rocky Escarpment, as Emgwenya has been renowned as one of the top climbing destinations in Africa, if not the World. With over 700 testing routes, that suit both novice and experienced climbers alike. The Town’s “Restaurant – on the edge of the universe!” There are also a number of amazing hikes through the Elands Valley, choose your routes carefully as some are perfect for beginners but others will challenge the fittest of hikers. This is however one of the best ways to see the Area surrounding this fabulous Town. There are also a number of great horse trails and there is wonderful trout fishing!

For those looking to stretch their minds rather than their bodies, the Town is home to a number of National Monuments. These include the beautiful sandstone 5-Arch Bridge and NZASM tunnel, leftovers from a bygone era. (the tunnel is featured in the picture above) For the even more mentally adventurous, take a trip to the Stone Circle Museum and Bistro, where the story of Adam’s Calendar is told. Possibly the oldest man-made Monument known to man! 

Waterval Boven Heritage Centre (also referred to as “the Centre”) is a community led initiative to establish a Museum and Tourism Centre in Emgwenya that will highlight the History and Culture of the Area. They inform visitors about the local activities to engage in and demonstrate how Emgwenya connects into a larger network of Historical and Touristic Sites, in Mpumalanga. (It is their objective that the Centre will be a lively and community-based organization that caters to the needs of both tourists and the local community. As it is one of those Towns that as soon as you start looking around it you realise you needed to stay for longer. There are so many fascinating buildings, tales, activities and adventures to be had here. So make sure you book your stay for longer than a day!)