White River lies just north of Nelspruit not far from the border with the Kruger National Park. It is not a large town but it is certainly an area of stunning scenic beauty. The climate is said to be one of the best in South Africa, lovely and hot days in summer when rainfall is at its highest and cool nights during the winter. The farms tend to be relatively small but the agriculture is intensive with tropical and citrus fruits in abundance, and vegetables and cut flowers readily available.
White River is above the malaria risk area, amidst rolling hills. The town itself has a charming history. It has produced some of South Africa's finest artists and is home to many internationally famed artists. Discover the Casterbridge Centre, with its cinema nouveau, the Barnyard Theatre, and many unusual specialty shops.
The area abounds with things to do. The White River golf course is outstanding and has one of the finest opening holes in the country. The course was designed by South Africa's two greatest golfers, Bobby Locke and Gary Player, and has a 6036m layout. Besides golf, there are well-stocked trout streams in the highlands, many private game reserves in the wildlife-rich Lowveld, and the Kruger National Park is about 30 minutes away. Myriads of waterfalls, lakes, caverns, such as the Sudwala Caves, Bourke's Luck potholes and God's Window, occur all along the dizzying drop of the escarpment to the Lowveld.
Some of the finest cuisine may be found at various venues in and around White River, and Mpumalanga is rich in history of pioneers and explorers, and is evocative of the old Africa of romance and adventure. Jock of the Bushveld, the mining towns of Pilgrim's Rest and Barberton, and South Africa's first stock exchange, are just some of the picturesque and colourful chunks of history to learn about and experience. For the more adventurous, 4 x 4 trails, hiking, horse-riding, birding, rafting and much more are readily available. For the artistic, art tours are arranged from time to time, and for keen photographers, book a photographic safari. |
The country of South Africa occupies the southern tip of the African continent and is bordered by five countries including Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Botswana. Within South Africa lies the independent kingdom of Lesotho. Often described as “a world in one country”, South Africa offers the visitor a breathtaking variety of scenery, from desert and lush forest, to soaring mountains and vast empty plains. Culturally as diverse as the landscape, many visitors are drawn to experience for themselves the miracle of the peaceful overthrow of Apartheid. Others are attracted by endless golden beaches, big game, diving or snorkelling or bird watching. Whatever their reasons, visitors will find South Africa positively inviting, with world-class infrastructure, transport and accommodation.
Travel formalities
- Foreign visitors should check before arriving whether a visa is required. Visas are issued free of charge.
- Visitors must have at least one blank page in their passports.
- Tourists must have return or onward tickets.
- Those coming from yellow-fever areas should be able to prove inoculation.
- Foreign tourists may have their Value-Added Tax refunded upon departure.
- For safety, emergency and other information, phone 083-123-2345 (24 hours a day) when in South Africa.
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