10 Best Things To Do In White River

Mpumalanga is a wonderful spot to enjoy a relaxing holiday and one of the top places to do this is the quaint town of White River. Although small in comparison to some of its’ neighbouring towns, White River is full of fantastic sites and activities as well as being ideally located to enjoy the Kruger National Park and Panorama Route. If you’re thinking of visiting the area, here are our top 10 Best things to do in White River.

Situated just a few minutes outside of White River is the Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre. With such a wide variety of spots to enjoy, choose to start the day with a delicious breakfast, a bit of shopping, a tour of the gardens, or the local favourite open-air market on a Saturday.

Spend time meandering through the unique and surprising shops all while enjoying the beautiful backdrop of mango plantations and manicured gardens. As well as fantastic shopping, the centre also features the renowned Barnyard Theatre so be sure to catch a show during your stay.

Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre is open Monday to Friday 09h00 – 16h30 and on weekends from 09h00 – 16h00.

If history and beautiful automobiles are more up your street, the White River Motor Museum is a must-see during your stay. Get up-close and personal with vehicles from an age-old era including some from 1911; a time just after the first ‘horseless carriage’ was introduced.

The exhibition features an impressive selection of over 60 vehicles including a Model T Ford, a 1936 Jaguar SS100 (one of only 314 ever built, and the only one in South Africa), as well as M- and T-Type MG’s.

As the museum is located at Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre, it adheres to the same opening hours.

Mpumalanga’s Chimp Eden forms part of the international Jane Goodall Institute dedicated to the rescue, care, and rehabilitation of chimpanzees. In South Africa, the chimp residents of Eden are rescued from bush meat trade, beach resorts, circuses, and illegal pet trade and moved to an environment where they can be as wild as possible, free, and interact with each other.

Chimp Eden is split into three separate semi-wild enclosures with viewing points so visitors can get incredible views without interrupting the chimp’s days. Tours take place at 10h00, 12h00, and 14h00.

Magnolia Restaurant is a White River institution and you are more than likely to find it packed with locals enjoying some delicious food and special cocktails. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner during your stay or even indulge in a high tea. Bookings are recommended for dinner.

Walk in the footsteps of gentle giants at Elephant Whispers. Experience the thrill of close encounters with the world’s largest living land mammal and leave with a renewed respect for nature and wildlife. Bring the family along and introduce yourselves to Elephant Whispers six magnificent ele’s.

What says holiday like a local wine tasting? Discover Rottcher Wineries at Casterbridge Farm with their specially produced wines. Expect a tantalizing taste explosion with the Avalencia orange, Avalencia ginger, and Avalencia chili. If you’re lucky, you may even get to meet the winemaker himself.

Surround yourself with stunning scenery while testing your aim at the JW Shooting Range in Mpumalanga. Test out a range of firearms in one of the packages available;

1. Rifle Range – 100-metre rifle range for two shooters and a 200-metre range for three shooters
2. Handgun Range – a 25-metre range for up to six people
3. Sporting Clay Pigeon Shooting

Make your way to Bagdad Shopping Centre for an open-air market filled with delicious food, unique goods, and an abundance of family-friendly fun. Enjoy live music and plenty of kids’ activities.

The market takes place once a month with the next set to take place on the following dates;

• 13 July 2019
• 10 August 2019
• 14 September 2019
• 12 October 2019
• 09 November 2019

Expose yourself to incredible artists, both local and international, through magnificent works of art proudly displayed throughout White River Art Gallery. This activity requires no further description as it is something to be experienced, not told.

Opening times are Monday to Sunday from 10h00 – 16h00.

If White River seems like your perfect place and worth exploring, visit the Casterbridge Hollow Hotel website or email reservations@casterbridgehollow.co.za.