The hot mineral waters that filter from a natural spring in
Badplaas were popular with travellers in the mid 1870's. However, the powers of
the water were known to the local tribesmen long before that, naming the waters
'Emanzana', or 'healing waters'.
This thermal spring is situated in the valley of the Komati
River, just 48 kilometres east of Carolina on the Barberton road. According to
legends, the spring was presented as a gift to Jacob de Clerq by a Swazi chief,
and by 1893, it was declared state property.
The alkaline waters of Badplaas are rich in sodium
bicarbonate, and are 50 degrees Celsius when they filter from the earth. This
water flows at about 32 000 litres per hour and is pumped into a warm mineral
pool, as well as the private pools of the resort.
Many people travel to Badplaas with rheumatic ailments to
soak away their aches and pains. They have to, however; vie for space as
holiday makers descend onto this gem to enjoy the facilities offered by the
large resort and nature reserve nearby.
