A new community-driven initiative, White River Wander, has been officially launched, offering residents and visitors a single, curated platform to explore the best the town has to offer.

It features creative workshops, farm tours, boutique cinema events, and family-friendly activities.

Modelled on Midlands Meander, White River Wander brings together locally owned tourism products, independent creators, unique experiences and small businesses on one easy-to-browse website: whiteriverwander.co.za

According to the project’s leader, Lucille de Villiers, it grew from a clear need in the area.

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“Visitors often stay in White River, from where they explore the Kruger Park or Panorama Route, not realising how much else there is to enjoy. We wanted to create a platform to encourage travellers to stay longer and enjoy more of our town, at the same time reminding Lowvelders how much White River has to offer. From our boutique cinema at Casterbridge to unique coffee and macadamia tours, wire-beading workshops, craft gin tastings and so much more. We want others to share this richness,” said De Villiers.

The platform was developed with strong support from the Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism, which funded the website.

A tourism consultant based in White River, Lisa Gordon-Davis, said: “White River is full of creative people, small producers, interesting activities and one-of-a-kind experiences, but until now there hasn’t been a platform to highlight this. White River Wander fills that gap.”

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Currently the site includes a wide range of eateries, shops, artists and various activities, as well as the events calendar which is expected to play a major role in improving community planning and helping residents support more local activities throughout the year.

More products, experiences and small businesses will be added as the platform continues to grow.

“White River Wander welcomes Lowveld residents, visitors and tourists to explore the website, follow the growing social media platforms and discover (or rediscover) the charm, creativity and diversity of White River,” Gordon-Davis concluded.