White Mountain Festival

This year’s White Mountain Festival must surely have been the best to date, numbers for the festival were up and the line-up provided improved variety and quality for festivalgoers.

While my personal pick of the best included the amazingly talented Vusi Mahlasela (who didn’t disappoint fans, producing a soulful, moving and fun set of songs), Ard Matthews, Shannon Hope, Aidan Cornhill, Jack Mantis and Kickstand, there was plenty more to choose from for the knowledgeable crowd which made the trek to Ntabamhlope.

For music fans, rest assured that the White Mountain crowd really know their music, it’s not the kind of place where hundreds of people disappear to watch the Sharks and leave the stage area deserted (although there is a big screen in White Mountain’s warm and inviting pub, and the rugby is always shown there).

It was nice this year to see Vusi Mahlasela and his band mingling with fans and enjoying a drink and a chat . . . an international star he may be, but he’s still aware of the importance of staying in touch with his supporters.

A night with the stars - picture by Sally Scott

And then there’s the food . . . pizza, veggie chow, lamb, burgers, chicken skewers plus coffee, beer, beer and more beer.

By the way, a shorter route was sent out to White Mountain fans on Facebook, which made getting to the festival a lot easier. Take the N3, turn off at Exit 175 (Estcourt/Giant’s Castle). At the stop street turn left to Wembezi/Giant’s Castle. Follow the road for about 25km and you’re there. Easy peasy. Shouldn’t take much longer than two hours from Durban.

For those who aren’t fans of live music, White Mountain Lodge is an affordable family getaway with self catering accommodation offered at extremely reasonable prices. There are also dining options available. The secret to this venue is its soothing, pastoral setting alongside a dam that’s ideal for the kids to have a paddle or to wallow in the shallows.

There’s nothing better than lazing an afternoon away under the trees that line the dam, or you can get active and hit the trails, investigate the fuffi slide, paintball or abseiling options.

If it gets a tad chilly, as it’s wont to do in these parts, grab a blankie and head to the pub. Perch on a bar stool or sink into a comfy couch next to the fire and while away the hours . . . feel those troubles melt away. – Garth Johnstone

For info: info@whitemountain.co.za ; tel: 036 353 3437/036 353 3644

Find info on the festival online or go to the Facebook page.

More travel options

Mahai – Royal Natal Park