Things to do in White River & Nelspruit
Got a couple of hours extra or are keen to explore hyper local sights? Here are some ideas close to the guest house.
Lowveld Botanical Garden: A sight not to be missed, especially when the crocodile river is in full flow. Spectacular waterfalls, bridge over the crocodile river, walking trails, board walks in an African rain forest, and nice children's play area. The “Botanical Garden Restaurant Mbombela” is a perfect place to start or end your visit to the garden.
Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre: is an outdoor shopping & entertainment centre and a great place to spend a couple of hours. If you are looking for souvenirs to take home, do not miss out on “Africa Joy”.
We recommend the Motor Museum & White River Art Gallery and a taste of locally produced coffee at Sabie Valley Coffee. The antique and furniture shops are worth a look, even if only for window shopping: “Hans van der Merwe & Sons” and “Antiques & Artifacts”.
This is also the best place for a car wash (082 066 21 12), as you’ll have plenty to do while waiting.
If you get hungry you’ll find many good restaurants including Picasso’s, Magnolia and Zanna’s.
Bat Hawk Nest: White River is without doubt the easiest place to see this elusive bird in South Africa. Click here for more information on how to connect with Bat Hawk in White River and exact GPS location.
While on your way there, you can stop at the quaint St George’s Anglican Church for a quick walk in their lovely grounds.
Plantsman Eatery: A nice farm style place for breakfast or coffee, especially with kids. The farm stall sells local produce and plants. Kids will enjoy the rabbits and free-range chicken.
Farm products: White River is a farming town, and you can find locally grown produce at good prices to take home. Honey at “Route 40 Eatery” and next to it blueberries from the farm. Plantsman eatery for a curated sample of local produce.
Quad Biking: GZ Adventures offers quad biking 5-min drive from here (064 942 1417).
MTO Trails White River: the forestry nearby offers miles of trails for Mountain Biking, Walking & Trail Running.
Jogging: You can jog on our walking trails or down the oaks road.
Mafunyane Water Park: Mafunyane in the Nelspruit Riverside Mall is a fun waterslides park for an afternoon outing. Can be combined with a visit to the Lowveld Botanical Garden, a walk, view of the falls in the crocodile river and picnic in the Nelspruit Botanical garden.
Ice rink in ilanga Mall: Fun for kids and adults, especially on a rainy day.
Steiltes Nature Reserve (G235+6M): If you are looking for a short hike nearby, Steiltes is a good option. On the outskirts of Nelspruit, but feels a world apart. Go to the top of the koppie for a splendid view or make the loop through forest, woodland and veld.
Sudwala Caves: The Sudwala Caves are impressive limestone caves about 45 minutes from White River, where you join a guided tour into the cave system.
Off the beaten path
Legogote is a classic sight in the Lowveld. It can be hiked, but is off the beaten path and only for adventurous travellers. The surrounding vegetation is lovely, the 360° view from the top breathtaking, and you can see San (Bushmen) Paintings near the summit.