White River

White River attractions include Kruger National Park, Blyde

White River is an important farming and tourism centre that has its origin around 1890, and is still a base for exploring the Kruger National Park (next door). The various other natural wonders in the vicinity of White River include the Blyde River Canyon, Pilgrims Rest and the Sudwala Caves

Accommodation in White River

• Balcony Manor is a retreat in White River which offers guests solitude and the ultimate in comfort. Here you can rest and revive without a care in the world. Beautiful gardens surround the guest house, providing privacy and the ideal backdrop for a romantic weekend away from it all.
• Embizeni Guest House accommodation near White River is situated on a Natural Heritage site, 15km north of White River in Mpumalanga, South Africa. It offers excellent accommodation in a malaria-free zone.
• Heuglins Farm Accommodation near White River, Mpumalanga is a small get-away Bed & Breakfast house just outside White River in Mpumalanga. The guest house offers B&B facilities close to many amenities but retaining a historic character within a secure, well-wooded area.
• Linga Longa is situated in White River, Mpumalanga Province. The guest house offers luxury accommodation set in tranquil tropical gardens with a swimming pool and outside jacuzzi. All eight en-suite bedrooms are stylishly decorated and with DStv, MNet and air-conditioning
• Olivers Restaurant and Lodge is situated on the secure White River Country Estate and overlooks the first green of the 18-hole championship White River Golf Course.
• Pumelani Bed & Breakfast accommodation in White River. Each cottage in the garden has 3 ¾ beds and en-suite bathroom, self-catering facilities, and a deck with a beautiful view over the valley towards Swaziland. The main house consists of a 2 bedroomed flat with en-suite bathroom.
• Saint Cloud accommodation near White River in Mpumalanga. This up-market resort is situated on a very picturesque farm with some of the most spectacular views in the country. The farm has been declared a South African Natural Heritage Site - The Fern and Forest Sanctuary.
• White House Lodge offers White River Accommodation situated ideally for excursions to Kruger Park, Blyde River, Pilgrims Rest and other attractions and offers bed & breakfast as well as self-catering accommodation.
• Numbela offers b&b accommodation situated in beautiful riverside gardens and is perfectly placed for exploring the area
• Cybele Forest Lodge offers bed and breakfast accommodation in White River. Four star Country Lodge surrounded by timber platations , mountains and meadows, close to the Kruger National Park.
• White River Lodge offers hotel accommodation in a52 room bed and breakfast hotel 30 minutes drive from KNP and an easy day trip to all attractions. The ideal base for tourists and business personnel visiting the Lowveld
• Hulala Lakeside Lodge offers White River bed and breakfast accommodation surrounded on three sides by a deep blue lake, with the ambience of a country lodge. Swimming, walking, bird watching
• Golf Escapes - White River offers very lovely, spacious 5 bedroomed/bathroomed villa in prime position on gorgeous golf estate. Self catering, serviced, elegant. Overlooks the White River, close to Kruger Park and many great tourist activities.
• Greenway Woods Resort offers comfortable 3-bedroom suites alongside a championship golf course. Nearby are many of the lowveld attractions, including the The Kruger National Park, Sudwala Caves and Blyde River Canyon. There are a host of exciting leisure
• Kirby Country Lodge offer White River bed and breakfast accommodation in a charming thatched lodge set on 15 acres of woodland gardens
• White River Pine Lake Inn offers upmarket accommodation in White River Nestling amidst the splendour of the Mpumalanga woodlands and overlooking a vast lake on a golf course estate, Pine Lake Inn exudes peace and tranquillity.
• Ambience Inn offers B&B accommodation in White River in six comfortable en suite bedrooms, with either queen size or twin beds. Additionally, each room has its own veranda and courtyard with a second bushveld shower, open to the sun, moon and stars. Each room has TV and a tea and coffee tray.
• Seringa Lodge offers Bed & Breakfast accommodation in White River. Seringa Lodge is set on a 10-hector farm just outside White River. There are five rooms with king-size or twin beds and one family unit. All rooms are en-suite.
• Thokozani Lodge offers Bed & Breakfast accommodation in White River. All rooms are en-suite and furnished with handmade wooden furniture in rustic style. Bedding and towels are provided. For a safe and peaceful night all beds are equipped with mosquito nets. Each room has a separate entrance and beautiful view
• Ku De Ta Bed & Breakfast. Bed & Breakfast accommodation in White River. Theres a choice of air conditioned rooms, rooms with fan only, most with private courtyards, or spacious verandas. All have TVs, bar fridges and hospitality trays. King, queen or three quarter beds.

Attractions at White River

• Sibelala Tourist Centre
  Incorporates an interesting plant nursery with a special interest in herbs, also handmade furniture.
• St. Georges Anglican Church
  On the Plaston road is a fine example of early lowveld architecture.
• Mission End Trading Post
  Off the R40, 14,7km from White River towards Hazyview then 6,5km from the Arkas Textiles sign, offers antiques and bric a brac in a charming environment.
• Kraal Kraft Curios
  5km from White River is one of the largest curio shops in South Africa representing many local and international styles.
• Lowveld Botanical Garden
  Gives a fascinating insight into the flora of the lowveld. This botanical garden has been described as one of the finest in South Africa.
• Nelspruit Reptile Park
  Is a new and exciting development which has recently been opened and is a must for visitors. The park has a wide selection of snakes and other reptiles, butterflies and a typical farm environment.
• Eloff Studio
  Visit the Studio where you can see a unique collection of original African art, impressionistic wildlife paintings, etchings, handprinted silkscreens, pottery and sculpture.
• Ijabula Boma
  A unique dining experience in an African boma.
• Legogote
  The distinctive rock formation that is White Rivers trademark, resembling a lions head, antelope or, as is the translation of its name, the rock that leans.
• Rottcher Estate
  A lovely home set in a sunny garden, boasting a winery, nuttery and equestrian centre. Wine tasting, daily tours and light lunches on offer 

At the end of the Anglo-Boer-War, a settlement for demobilised soldiers was established on fertile land on the farm Witrivier (White River). A canal, 26 km long, was built to channel water from the Mamazimhlope (White Waters) River and smallholdings of 40 ha were offered on easy terms. The holdings proved too small to be economically viable, and in 1914 a syndicate purchased the area and planted 60 000 citrus trees. Today, more than 3000 farmers live on smallholdings within 8 km of the town of White River which developed to serve this densely cultivated area. Vegetables, sub-tropical and tropical fruits, flowers and timber are produced. It is an area of summer rainfall and is fairly densely populated. Farmers, miners and industrialists live and work here and the area abounds with holiday resorts, residential areas, nature reserves and game viewing lodges.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Barberton 65 km, Bourke’s Luck Potholes 113 km, Graskop 70 km, Hazyview 40 km, Komatipoort 124 km, Lydenburg 94 km, Malelane 80 km, Nelspruit 19 km, Pilgrim’s Rest 81 km, Sabie 47 km

Altitude: 950 m above sea level

Average Temperatures

Summer 26°c – 40°c; Winter 10°c – 22°c

Banks

Absa (ATM), FNB (ATM), Standerd (ATM)

Mountains

Legogote Mountain

Rivers

Crocodile River, Sabie River

HISTORICAL VIEW

St George’s Anglican Church

Historical building. On the Plaston road, approximately 2 km on the right. Fine example of early Lowveld architecture.

NATURE

Legogote Mountain

Commonly knowns as the ‘Lion’s Head’ (depending on the angle at which it is viewed) is regarded as ‘ The Landmark’ of White River. The name has various interesting derivations, among which are ‘the rock leans over’, the ‘klipspringer’ (a Swazi interpretation) and ‘the place of skins’.

Lowveld National Botanical Gardens

Scenic Routes

Take the R40 to Hazyview. Turn off at Klipkopje Dam (approximately 15 km out of White River). Lovely forest drives and walks. No fires allowed.

Witklip Dam

Drive towards Nelspruit. Approximately 2 km out of town, take the Sabie Road right and travel approximately 14 km. Turn off at the Witklip Dam sign. Lovely forest walks and cycle trails. Sailing permitted. No motor boats. Braai areas and picnic spots

ATTRACTIONS

African Hut

Curios

Burpak Da Gama

Avo and Macadamia Oil Factory. Drive along R40 towards Hazyview. Watch for sign near Da Gama Dam ( 30 km). Tours in season

Eloff Studio

A unique collection of original art under one roof. Impressionists wildlife paintings, drawings, etchings, hand prints, silkscreens, pottery and much more.

Emnotweni Casino

Situated on the White River / Nelspruit Road approximately 15 km from White River on the left hand side. Slot machines and tables. No persons under the age of 18 years.

Kraal Craft Curios

Nelspruit Reptile Park

Mission End (Handelspos)

Antique shop and textile printing factory worth visiting. Approximately 15 km from White River on the R40. Turn at the Arkas Textiles sign and follow the road for 7 km.

Rottcher Wineries, Nut Factory and Art Gallery

Liquor tasting and tours of the orange winery.

ACTIVITIES

Hiking

Blyderivierspoort Hiking Trail

This 65 km trail traverses the Blyde River Canyon Reserve and private land adjacent to the reserve. It is a five day, four night excursion which required a fair level of fitness. The trail starts at God’s Window leading to Watervalspruit Hut, then on to the Clear Stream Hut, to Old Mine Hut on to the third night, then to Blydepoort Hut and finally to Swadini on the Blydepoort Dam, where the trail ends. Carry waterproof and warm clothing, particularly in winter, good hiking boots, a hat and sun screen. All food, bedding and toilet requirements must be carried. Water is drinkable on parts of the trail only. Groups of up to thirty people. Book well in advance.

Geelhout Hiking Trail

This is an ideal two day weekend hiking trail which criss crosses the Belvedere Valley. A great opportunity to watch birds, and particularly the interesting variety of raptors. Carry waterproof and warm clothing, particularly in winter, good hiking boots, a hat and sun screen. All food, bedding and toilet requirements must be carried. Hikers in this area should wear bright clothing especially in misty conditions. Maximum ten hikers – book early.

Protea Hiking Trail

This is another Blyde River Canyon trail which takes the hiker from Bourke’s Luck Potholes across the face of the Canyon on a three to four day hike finishing back to the starting point. Groups of up to ten people. Carry waterproof and warm clothing, particularly in winter, good hiking boots, a hat and sun screen. All food, bedding and toilet requirements must be carried. Booking essential.

Outdoors

Aeroplane Flips, Air Safari, Ballooning, Bird Watching

Fishing

Crocodile River (Tiger fish), Da Gama Dam (Kurper, Black Bass), longmere (Black Bass), Primkop (Yellow fish, kurper, barbell, carp), sabie River (Trout), Witklip (Black Bass) Game Viewing, Mountain Biking, Nature Walks Witklip Dam. Paragliding, River Rafting, Sailing, Swimming

WHERE TO STAY

Pumelani B&B

The unique cottages are situated on a small indigenous farm on the outskirts of White River – 5 km. Decorated with ambiance and flair, situated well away from the main house. The deck has a spectacular view on the Lebombo mountains. Swimming pool, lapa, sauna. Close to Kruger National Park and all major attractions of the Lowveld.

Accommodation in and around White River