Why White River is one of the best small towns in SA
Breakfast with Martin Bester visited the small town of White River during Jacaranda FM’s 40th Birthday Feel Good Tour, and we could immediately see why so many people find this town appealing.
On the second day of Jacaranda FM’s 40th Birthday Feel Good Tour, Breakfast with Martin Bester stopped in White River, Mpumalanga, and did a live broadcast from Rob Ferreira High School.
We stayed at The Rustic Butler Guesthouse in the heart of this peaceful town and were met with the utmost grace and hospitality.
The owners, Annelize and Danie, welcomed us with open arms, and it truly felt as though we were visiting family living in a distant town.
We immediately fell in love with this town and its people, and it makes perfect sense why. There is something truly special about White River.
White River was named Small Town of the Year at the Daily Maverick’s awards in December 2025.
Located just north of Mbombela, White River is a hub for both farming and tourism.
It is famous for producing tropical fruit, timber, vegetables and flowers, but the town has also built a name for itself as a creative centre for arts and crafts.
The town is just 30 minutes away from the Kruger National Park’s Numbi Gate and is perfectly positioned on the route to iconic landmarks like God’s Window and the Blyde River Canyon.
The Mozambique border is only 95 km away.
For families, the town offers stability and top-tier schooling, as reported by BusinessTech.
With easy access to essential services and the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) just a short drive away, the town balances convenience with quality of life.
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Image: KLCBT