Many travellers drive past White River on their way to the Kruger National Park and only on occasion stop to wander. A mistake that many have realised! The town of White River rewards its visitors with its welcoming village feel and vibrant arts community.
Jed Barendse, Junior Content Creator at ANEW Hotels & Resorts, shares her four favourite Instagrammable spots in and around White River that will make you want to linger longer in this vibrant community.
A spirit tested and proven
In 1995 during profound political change we hosted the Rugby World Cup. It was not just a tournament, but it was a statement of courage, unity and confidence. Winning it proved we could hold our nerve, welcome the world and redefine ourselves and our history. That instinct returned many more times, in different years, different trials, but with the same courage. As a nation, built on resilience, we perform under pressure and we rise together.
Within travelling and hospitality, this spirit carried us through the Covid-19 pandemic. When local borders opened, and hospitality faced its darkest hours, it was domestic travel kept us alive. Teams and businesses pivoted, and adapted and our people stepped up proving that success is not avoiding pressure, but standing in it together. Even when it is not perfect. That lesson is what travel must remember today.
Carrying that feeling into the future
Travel is fragile right now. Routes have been disrupted, plans and major events require changes, and a plan B or even plan C. Corporate and leisure travellers are reassessing where and how they move. And through it all, we stand positive.
Resilience is not born in comfort. It is forged in challenges, and life here is complex with daily struggles, social and economic pressures, and security worries. But we stand strong, we rise and we hold steady.
South Africa is not a stopover, or Plan B
We pivot, we adapt, we and boy, do we excel! Our foodie scene draws the global curious and very particular. Our service is exceptional at every coffee shop, bistro and five-star restaurant. We deliver moments that resonate even when societal conditions are far from simple.
This resilience has been earned through history, experience and many challenges. We thrive to give guests more than a checklist. And through this our timing to excel matters.
Our business centres, world class events and leisure experiences all converge to create fewer trips with greater impact. Our position as a destination become stronger than ever! And the numbers show it.
The Plantsman Eatery
A few minutes outside White River, The Plantsman Eatery & Bakery has earned a devoted following. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, it is a genuinely pretty spot with plenty of character to point a camera at. The food is fresh, the bakes come straight from their own bakery and your four-legged family is welcome too.
Jed’s top tip: Explore the rose garden and the orchard before you sit down. Shoot early, the morning light in the Lowveld is something else entirely, and a breakfast table surrounded by greenery with that quality of light needs very little else going for it.
The White River Gallery
On the R40 at Casterbridge Lifestyle Centre, the White River Gallery presents contemporary fine art originating from Mpumalanga and other talented South African artists. The gallery is also one of the most architecturally interesting buildings in White River. The stylish rustic building with its corrugated metal exterior and mature trees framing the structure, absolutely deserves a space on your Instagram feed.
Jed’s top tip: Start outside. The corrugated metal exterior framed by mature trees and open glass frontage is striking and completely unique. Do check the gallery’s photography policy before shooting inside, but the exterior alone is worth the stop.
Gin & Co
Gin & Co is a micro-distillery and one of the prettiest spaces in White River whether you are a gin enthusiast or not. There is something beautifully alchemical about the space, with an old world feel, yet entirely modern too. Copper pendant lights, luxurious velvet couches, patterned tiles and dark steel shelving lined with small-batch bottles, offers endless photo opportunities.
Jed’s top tip: The bottles and interior décor are the main event. Position yourself so they sit between you and a light source, either a window or the bar lighting. If you are doing a tasting, photograph the glass before you drink it. The clarity of a well-made gin against natural light makes for a beautiful shot.
ANEW Resort White River Mbombela
The restaurant at ANEW Resort White River Mbombela offers a warm, contemporary indoor setting for striking photographs. Earthy textures, woven pendant lighting, terracotta-toned banquettes, lush indoor greenery and generous natural light create a relaxed backdrop that photographs beautifully whether you’re stopping in for breakfast, coffee or a leisurely lunch.
Jed’s top tip: The large windows flood the restaurant with natural light during the day, making it ideal for bright, airy photos. Start with a wide shot to capture the character of the space, then move to the bar area where the timber slats and warm lighting create a striking composition.
As seen in: Getaway, African Safaris
