White River

White River (Witrivier) is a leafy farming and residential town in the Mpumalanga Lowveld, about 20 km north of Mbombela on the R40. It is known for tropical fruit, macadamias, vegetables, flowers and timber, for its arts-and-crafts and lifestyle centres such as Casterbridge, and as a base for the Kruger National Park (Numbi Gate) and the Panorama Route. It falls under the City of Mbombela Local Municipality in Ehlanzeni District.

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History

Iron Age settlement in the area is ancient, and Eastern Sotho and later Swazi chiefdoms lived here in the early 1800s. The river was known in siSwati as Emanzimhlope ('white waters'). Malaria and stock disease kept settlers away until the late 1800s, although Scottish trader Bill Sanderson farmed here from 1873. In 1905 Lord Milner set aside land along the river for demobilised British soldiers after the South African War; the scheme struggled and the farms were sold to a citrus syndicate in 1911, which grew into the town. Under apartheid about 3,000 Black residents were forcibly moved to Ngodini in 1968.

Getting there

From Johannesburg take the N4 east to Mbombela (about 330 km), then the R40 north for about 20 km. Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport is roughly 15 km to the south-east. The R40 continues about 45 km north to Hazyview, the R538 runs to Numbi Gate of the Kruger Park and the R537 links to Sabie.

Weather & climate

Mild subtropical Lowveld climate with warm, wet summers and dry, mild winters. Summer highs are typically around 27 °C and winter lows around 7 °C; most rain falls between November and March (January about 170 mm) and June is the driest month. Occasional frost, veld fires and droughts occur.

Things to do

Casterbridge Lifestyle CentreBrowse galleries, décor and craft shops, eat in the courtyard restaurants and catch a film at the small cinema, all in one converted farm complex. casterbridge.co.za
Gin & Co tasting roomTaste locally distilled gins and boutique wines at the Casterbridge distillery shop. gincompany.co.za
Golf at White River Country Club18-hole course in White River Country Estate; visitors can book tee times. wrcc.co.za
Klipkoppie DamEarth dam built in 1960 that allows powerboats and jet skis; has braai areas and ablutions.
Longmere DamGravel-road dam used for fishing, canoeing, sailing and open-water swim training.
Primkop DamLong narrow dam managed by the White River Valley Conservancy, known for bass, bream, barbel and carp fishing; picnics and tents allowed.
Sabie Valley Coffee roastery tourGuided 'Blossom to Cup' tour of the coffee roastery outside White River, including a drink and cake. sabievalleycoffee.com
Witklip DamQuiet dam where only non-motorised boats such as rowing and sailing boats are allowed.

Things to see

LegogoteGranite rock formation near White River said to resemble a lion's head.
The Motor Museum at CasterbridgeCollection of classic and vintage cars at Casterbridge, with a restoration workshop. casterbridge.co.za/the-motor-museum.html
The White River GalleryContemporary fine art from the Lowveld and wider southern Africa. whiterivergallery.co.za
White River Nature ReserveSmall town reserve with the endemic Aloe simii, bee-eaters, porcupines, genets and small antelope; a community effort is reviving it.