Empangeni is a town in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. It is approximately 160 kilometres north of Durban , situated in hilly country side of the Uthungulu District, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It overlooks a flat coastal plain and the major harbour town of Richards Bay only 15 kilometres away. The City of uMhlathuze was formed by joining the towns of Empangeni and Richards Bay together. Transportation to other places in South Africa is provided by the N2 freeway that runs through the town.
The climate is sub-tropical with an average temperature of 28.4°C in summer and 14.5°C in Winter. Empangeni's population is 16,500.
Source: Wikipedia
Established as a Norwegian Mission in 1840, Empangeni is the commercial centre of the City of uMhlathuze and occupies 13% of the municipality's 796km² area. Empangeni is situated 150m above sea level in the heart of sugar cane country. The subtropical climate makes Empangeni a perfect all year round holiday destination. Despite being a developing modern town, 
Empangeni manages to maintain its original small town charm, and visitors can expect to be treated to warm friendly hospitality that is synonymous with Zululand .
The local museum offers visitors a look at the history of the sugar pioneers who forged the path of development in EmpangeniZululand with the opening of the mill in 1911. Other exhibits include Zulu cultural and contemporary art displays. With true flair, the arts and crafts centre, a community upliftment project allows visitors to witness first hand the making of authentic Zulu crafts, taste traditional Zulu cuisine and purchase charming Zulu momentos.
Sporting enthusiasts can enjoy a round of golf on the spectacular 18-hole golf course, challenge the local talent to a game of squash, and cool down in the Olympic size public swimming pool.
The name 'Empangeni ' was, according to folklore, derived from the Zulu word 'panga' (grab) because of the many crocodile attacks on water bearers and visitors to the nearby crocodile infested stream – Mpangeni.
PLACES OF INTEREST
Empangeni Art And Cultural History Museum
Non-profit gallery with a permanent collection and rotating exhibitions. The Empangeni Museum, housed in the old Town Hall (1916) offers a look at the history of the sugar pioneers who forged the path for development in the town with the opening of the Zululand Sugar Mill in 1911. Extensively renovated in 1995 it was reopened as a museum in April 1996. It houses a representative collection of contemporary art from KwaZulu-Natal including works by Andrew Verster, Trevor Makoba, Dennis Purvis, Andries Botha, Gert Swart, Raphael Magwaza, Diamond Bozas, Bonnie Ntshali and Nesta Nala. Other exhibits include Zulu cultural and contemporary art displays. The museum is open Tuesday to Fridays from 9am to 4pm and on Saturdays from 9am to 12 noon. Entry is R1,00 for adults and 50 cents for children. Visitors can also enjoy a meal at the adjacent Around Africa Restaurant. A monthly fresh produce and craft market is held at this centre.
Empangeni Arts and Crafts Centre
The Arts and Crafts Centre is a community upliftment project that allows visitors to witness first hand the making of authentic Zulu and other crafts, taste traditional Zulu cuisine and purchase charming Zulu and other mementos. These include traditional beadwork, basket weaving, wood sculpture, and fine art as well as tasty homemade treats. Craft workshops are hosted regularly.(Zululand Unwrapped- KwaZulu Natal, South Africa)
Empangeni overlooks a coastal plain with rolling hills of sugar cane. The local country club has an 18-hole golf course. A refreshment stop and visit to the Empangeni Art and cultural History Museum with displays on Zulu Culture, the sugar Pioneers and contemporary art, offers the tourist a better understanding of the region.
Close proximity to the game reserves, battlefields , the ocean and Durban , makes Empangeni an ideal stop-over. Places of interest include the Empangeni Art and Cultural History Museam, Enseleni Nature Reserve, Stewarts Farm and Jabulani Crafts, New Cultural Centre. Bus network to Durban & Johannesburg. Hotels and B&B network. Access to five game reserves.
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