At the end of the Anglo Boer War, a settlement for demobilized soldiers was established on the farm “Witrivier” (White River). A canal, 26km long was built to channel water from the Mamzimholophe (White Waters) River and smallholdings of 40ha were offered on easy terms.
The holdings were too small to be economically viable, and in 1914 a syndicate purchased the area and planted 60 000 citrus trees and soon had a viable agricultural industry. Today, White River is the centre of a well developed industry where vegetables, sub-tropical fruit, flowers, nuts and timber are produced.

There is an endless selection of activities available in and around White River. Anything from white water rafting, abseiling, diving, game drives, micro lighting and hot air ballooning can be found.

Golfing has become a very popular activity and there are three top 18-hole golf courses in the vicinity.Nature trails, either on foot or on horseback, are a wonderful way to see the abundance of flora and fauna.For a truly cultural experience, visit the Shangana Cultural Village. Be entertained with African singing and dancing and traditional dishes around an open fire.Fly-fishing is very popular and there are a handful of stocked dams or else streams in which to pursue your quarry.

Historical sites and villages, old wagon trails and monuments mark events and characters who passed before in search of wealth and adventure. Visit sleepy mountain towns such as Graskop and Sabie with their magnificent views and tumbling waterfalls.

Pilgrim’s Rest is a delightful reminder of the gold rush days with many of the corrugated iron houses having been beautifully restored to now serve as museums, hotels and restaurants.

White River offers an array of fine four-star hotels, lodges, a conference hotel and timeshare resorts. Many of which are situated in and around the lake district – a beautiful wooded area perfectly positioned between the granite hills just outside the town.

Dining
Unsurpassed hospitality and delectable cuisine are the order of the day. Whether it’s fine dining you’re after or even something a little on the wild side, you will find a restaurant that caters to your tastes.

Shopping
The Riverside Mall (conveniently situated between Nelspruit and White River) and the recently opened Crossing Shopping Centre offers all the conveniences of big city shopping malls, and cater for all your requirements.

Casterbridge Farm has been transformed into one of the most original and charming shopping concepts in South Africa. A blend of Victorian and Tuscan architecture complimented by formal magnificently kept gardens make this venue unforgettable. A selection of clothing, linen, furniture and décor shops, as well as restaurants and coffee shops offer exceptional quality and style. Lowveld Tourism is conveniently situated in the centre. Visitors can place bookings for Kruger National Park in addition to acquiring information about accommodation and activities in the area.Visit the White River Museum, with collections of memorabilia and vintage vehicles.

Entertainment
The Barnyard Theatre, situated at Casterbridge Farm, presents theatrical entertainment and live music for all tastes. There is also a cinema which has a regular line up of art-circuit movies.

Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport enables visitors from both overseas and in land to travel conveniently and quickly to the heart of Mpumalanga.

There are two top caliber, independent, co-educational schools, both just a few minutes from White River. Uplands Preparatory and Uplands College is beautifully situated on park-like grounds and surrounded by magnificent forests.

Penryn College, linked to the Methodist church and twinned with St. Stithians College (Johannesburg) is situated on the Boschrand hills overlooking the Crocodile Valley. Penryn consists
of three schools, Pre-primary, Preparatory and College, starting at Grade 00 and going up to grade 12.

Both schools have excellent education levels with Matric pupils writing the Independent Examination Board Exam (IEB) . A vast selection of cultural and sporting activities are on offer to students. Both schools cater for boarders.

The park is one of South Africa’s biggest tourist attractions. Home of the Big Five which include the white rhino and the endangered black rhino, the elephant, the lion, the most elusive leopard and the buffalo. The park stretches 380km from North to South and 60km wide but a mere thirty minute drive from White River to the nearest gate. A vision expressed by President Paul Kruger to put an end to the indiscriminate hunting in the late19th century. For years he called for the protection of wildlife and subsequently the bush between the Crocodile River and the Sabie River were proclaimed into Sabie Game reserve. Later the game reserve was expanded and opened to public. It was then renamed the Kruger National Park.

All Photographs courtesy of Richard Wilson