Just north of Mbombela, at an elevation of about 1,200 m above sea level, lies the small town of White River, a town perfect for exploring in both summer and winter. Here is a short guide on the highlights not to miss.
The most obvious drawcard is its proximity to Kruger National Park, but there is more to this area than just the Big 5... Nature lovers will enjoy the many beautiful landscapes around White River, with its amazing lush cornfields, nut farms and open spaces making this a wonderful escape, an artist's paradise, and a foodie's heaven...
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Top 5 things to do in the town of White River
1. Visit a Nut Factory Shop
We know the jokes, those ancient knock knock ones... no? You don't?
"Knock, knock?
Who's there?
Cash.
Cash who?
Oh no, thanks, but I'll take a peanut if you have one!"
Although if you tell this joke in White River with all its macadamia farms and almond growing estates... you might find the peanuts come in a tasty second place. So while you are in this area it would be rude not to stock up on some of the local produce, and if you like to do it "in bulk" then look no further then Ambassador Foods Factory Shop.
Ambassador Foods is an amazing place to visit for those of you who are looking for some of the best local products. They also produce 40% of all South African dried fruit & nut products by white labelling for several leading South African brands!
Located just outside White River, this shop is an absolute must-stop if you want to stock up on fantastic quality padkos at great prices.
If you go
- Address: Bahati Centre
Corner R40 & R537 Sabie Road
White River Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm
Saturday, 9am - 3pm
Sunday, 9am - 1pmPublic Holidays, 9am - 1pm
- Tel: +27(0)13 750 1192
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.ambassadorfoods.co.za/
2. Explore Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre
With an incredible food and crafts market every month on the first Sunday, this destination has become a local hub for the community.
If you aren't in town on that particular Sunday, you should still make a point to visit. It hosts many quirky shops from vintage to modern art, and also includes an antique car museum where you can pop in free of charge to admire some of the old automobiles that drove the roads many years ago (pretty impressive when they were dirt roads!)
There are also plenty of other shops in the centre that sell handmade items such as furniture, jewellery, and antiques... and don't miss out on two incredible taste experiences: Gin Tasting at Gin&Co - a distillery, tasting room & retail outlet that does a wonderful gin (or even a local wine) tasting... and dining at Magnolia - a very popular local restaurant.
If you go:
- Address: Corner of R40 & Numbi Road, White River, South Africa, 1240
- Telephone: 013 751 1540 or 082 578 3552
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.casterbridge.co.za
3. Admire the Creativity at White River Art Gallery
This deserves its own destination highlight, even though it too is located at Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre. Founded in 2008 this elegant art gallery showcases regional talent that celebrates the Lowveld area and artists. The pieces, both canvas and sculpture, are presented with a fine curator's eye with changing exhibits & features.
Image courtesy of White River Gallery Facebook page
If you go:
- Website: www.whiterivergallery.co.za
- Address: Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre, R40 cnr Numbi Rd & Hazyview Rd, White River, 1240, Mpumalanga
- Tel: +27 (0)82 784 6695
- Email: [email protected]
4. Enjoy Fresh Baked Produce at The Plantsman Eatery
Grab fresh bread, order a takeaway or better yet, linger longer over a cup of fantastic coffee and a slice of the daily special of cake (Cream Cheese Carrot Cake is one of the best!) AND for those plant based/ vegan fans, there are choices for you too! There is even an amazing array of kiddie-focused activities to enjoy such as a Treehouse (and rabbits) making this an ideal family friendly experience.
Image Courtesy of Facebook Page: The Plantsman Eatery
READ: Discover the Playground of the Panorama Route
If you go:
- Website: https://www.theplantsmaneatery.com/about
- Hours: Weekdays: 7H00 - 16H00 | Weekends: 7H30 - 15H00 | Public Holidays: 7H30 - 15H00
- Address: Portion 699 of the Farm White River, 1240
- Tel: +27 73 767 7188
5. And if you Must... Visit Kruger
The Kruger needs no introduction, but if you choose to base yourself outside the park and visit as a day visitor then Numbi Gate into Kruger is the closest to the town, only 35km away, about a 45 minute drive.
READ: The History of The Kruger
If you go:
Buy your Wild Card to get the best value for multiple entries to the National Park, but also to enjoy access to so many other amazing parks across SA:
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