The Emgwenya Heritage Centre
Emgwenya - Waterval Boven Heritage Centre
A World Class Museum and Tourism Centre in Mpumalanga
Emgwenya (Waterval Boven) sits at the edge of the escarpment between the highveld and the lowveld. On the road between Johannesburg and Kruger National Park, Emgwenya is a paradise for history buffs and outdoors lover’s alike. The hills around Emgwenya are covered with ancient stone walled structures, the town has a rich historical significance along the train routes and is a hub for rock climbing, mountain biking, horse back riding and fishing.
Our Mission
Building a world class museum and tourism centre
The Emgwenya - 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, will 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 our objective that the Centre will be a lively and community-based organization that caters to the needs of both tourists and the local community.
Our Vision
Creating quality interactions with tourists, visitors
and locals concerning the area's history and culture.
We believe that history and culture are not static, and that the best way for visitors to know our town and our country is to be able to engage with us directly. Our aim is to create a centre that provides value to the local community so that the centre is used and loved by locals and visitors alike. This will create an environment for interests to be shared, ideas to be exchanged and authentic cross cultural interactions to flourish.
Nelson Mandela
“It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it.”
Providing high quality services to create a stimulating and engaging visit
MUSEUM
Providing interesting and engaging high quality information and displays on the mysterious local stone circles, geological formations, train history, and local culture and history
TOURISM CENTRE
A central hub for all things in the area including what you can do, see, eat and where to sleep. From adventure tourists to history buffs to expert birders, you will be able to find everything that you need to plan a wonderful trip in the area
WATERFALL PARK N' RIDE
Emgwenya has one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the area, but it is hard to access it as there is no secure parking. The Centre will provide a park n' ride for visitors to leave their car and visit the waterfall with a certified tour guide
CAFE
A delicious cafe serving fresh coffee, teas and locally made treats. A place for tourists to rest and recouperate from the drive and for locals to meet, relax and work
SHOP
Showcasing locally produced crafts as well as high quality crafts and goods from around South Africa, the shop will have the perfect momento from your trip or gift for a loved one back home
COMMUNITY SPACE
A meeting space for community initiatives and activities from dance practice to a community garden to feed the needy families within our community