White River, Mpumalanga

White River is a small holiday and farming town situated just north of Nelspruit in Mpumalanga, South Africa. The farms in the region produce tropical fruits, vegetables, flowers and timber. After the Boer War the British demarcated land on the Emanzimhlope River, a tributary of the Limpopo River. Emanzimhlope is Swazi for White Waters. The land was used to demobilise Boer soldiers.

The farming tradition of the community that settled here after the Anglo-Boer War has remained virtually unchanged to this day. Lord Milner, administrator of the defeated Transvaal, demarcated land on the 'Emansimhlope' - a tributary of the Crocodile River whose name translates from the Swazi as 'White Waters' - to demobilised Boer and British Anglo-Boer War soldiers.

After a 26km canal to channel water from the river was built, the new settlers planted trees and established new cultivation methods. The agriculture involves largely the production of tropical fruits, vegetables, flowers and timber and tobacco, and is one of the largest in the province.

White River, with three irrigation dams and a number of nearby forest, is a popular holiday destination for those looking to enjoy the splendour of the Crocodile River Valley, and the town has a reputation for its arts and crafts.

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.

Also known as Witrivier (Afrikaans), and probably more well known under this name than the English "White River", named after the river that runs through the town.

White River is also home to the Macgregor Macadamia Nut Farm. A very famous South African family, the Gardees, also reside in this town and have put it on the map.