What to Expect During Your First Two Weeks at White River Manor

Rehab can be a daunting process for anyone, but the results are often life-changing. For most people entering a drug or alcohol rehabilitation for the first time, there’s a lot of anxiety surrounding the unknown that lies ahead.

We know the process can feel overwhelming and uncertain, so we want you to know what to expect during your first two weeks of rehab at White River Manor. Rest assured, you’ll be supported from the moment you arrive.

Here’s a detailed plan to put your mind at ease as you prepare for your stay with us.

Arrival and welcome experience

Your journey begins the moment you depart for White River Manor. We’ll be with you every step of the way to assist with travel arrangements, visas, flight connections, villa selections, dietary preferences and more. If you’d like us to accompany you directly from your home—we’ll be there. With our personalised services, your transition will be as seamless and stress-free as possible.

When you land at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, a White River Manor representative will be waiting to greet you and assist with your luggage to our complimentary luxury pick-up service. All you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the scenic drive.

From your first moments with us, our goal is to make you feel at ease

Upon arrival at our beautiful estate grounds, the staff will be waiting to warmly welcome you with a refreshing glass of homemade iced tea or lemonade.

After checking in, the staff will brief you on the facility rules, meal schedules, medication routines, and gym access and answer any pressing questions you might have. Afterwards, our dedicated staff member will give you a private tour of the grounds, where you’ll orient yourself with the new surroundings while learning about the wellness centre facilities, therapy rooms, outdoor spaces, dining area, and the 100-year garden. Afterwards, there’s plenty of time for you to settle into your luxurious accommodation.

Our team is available 24/7 to ensure that you feel comfortable and informed from the start of your stay.

What to expect during your first week

We understand that adjusting to a new environment can be overwhelming and take a bit of time. Our top priority is to make this transition as smooth as possible for you. During these first few days, our caring staff will help you learn the daily schedules, program rules, and the resources available to you. Along the way, you’ll meet and connect with the WRM team and other residents.

Days 1-3: The initial assessment process

Once you’re settled into your accommodation, your journey to recovery truly begins with a focus on understanding your needs and goals.

The first full day includes settling in and building trust while undergoing comprehensive medical and psychological evaluations. The multidisciplinary WRM team works together to assess and understand your unique history, physical health, and goals.

During the first few days of your stay, you’ll also meet with our Clinical Director for a therapeutic orientation session. You’ll begin one-on-one private sessions with your primary therapist and be given the option to start group therapy sessions or join a 12-step Programme.

We introduce Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) early in your journey. These therapies help you explore the root of your addiction and create a recovery plan that addresses both your immediate needs and long-term goals.

It might seem like a lot for the first few days. Still, these meetings are vital to helping us personalise a treatment program specifically for your needs, preferences and aspirations while also setting expectations for group sessions, individual therapy, and family involvement. These early days are focused on building trust, creating a safe space for healing, and helping you feel supported.

Days 4-7: Creating a regular routine

After a thoughtful assessment and orientation in the first few days, you’ll begin to build a rhythm and experience the full scope of our holistic treatment approach.

In the first few days, you might feel uncertain or even overwhelmed—that’s completely natural. Remember, you’re not alone. Our compassionate team is always nearby to listen, guide, and ensure you feel supported every step of the way.

As the healing process begins to take shape, you’ll learn grounding practices and mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and forest bathing.

During these days, you’ll experience a balance of structured therapy sessions, wellness activities, and personal downtime. We will introduce a variety of therapeutic approaches, such as:

• Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) helps individuals safely process trauma and reduce emotional distress, creating space for healing and growth.
• Music and Art Therapy
• Equine Therapy 
• Mindfulness Therapy

Mindfulness is integral to Dialectical Therapy and complements Cognitive Therapy by creating a deeper degree of awareness—the catalyst for change.

In addition to one-on-one therapy sessions and group therapy, your schedule may include guided meditation practice in the 100-year garden, equine therapy with our experienced practitioners, or a soothing art therapy workshop—all tailored to your progress and preferences.

Your daily schedule is thoughtfully designed to include therapy, holistic activities like yoga, and personal time to recharge—ensuring your recovery journey feels harmonious and balanced. By the end of your first week, you’ll begin to feel a sense of structure, balance, and renewed hope as you progress in your recovery.

What to expect during your second week

Congratulations! You’ve got this!

With the first week behind you, week two focuses on deepening your recovery progress. Weekly, regular check-ins with therapists and medical professionals allow us to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. Four individual therapy sessions, plus group discussions and experiential therapies, assure clients of unparalleled personal attention and care.

In order for recovery to be successful in the long term, practical skills and new coping strategies need to be developed. All clients at White River Manor participate in workshops on emotional regulation, stress management, and relapse prevention. These empowering programs include CBT—and DBT-focused groups, step work sessions, and anxiety management techniques.

You’ll also begin exploring outdoor therapies and connecting with South Africa’s breathtaking natural landscapes. Science-backed evidence concludes that connecting with nature significantly improves psychological and physiological recovery, so we offer activities like guided nature walks and adventure therapy to boost your overall sense of well-being.

Comfortable and luxurious accommodations

Your environment plays a crucial role in your recovery. At White River Manor, you’ll enjoy luxurious, private, en-suite accommodations designed to feel like a home away from home. Each space is thoughtfully appointed with elegant furnishings and serene views. For those needing to balance professional work commitments with their recovery, all accommodations feature private workspaces and WiFi.

Whether you’re enjoying a refreshing swim, a fitness session in our state-of-the-art gym, a spa treatment, or a quiet moment in our peaceful garden, every aspect of our facility is designed to support your physical and emotional health.

Clients can enjoy themed gourmet dinners, outdoor movies, cooking classes, and a variety of leisure activities, such as mountain biking or a safari at nearby Kruger National Park.

On-site and wellness options and amenities

At White River Manor, we want you to feel as relaxed as possible during your stay, which is why we offer a wide variety of amenities and wellness options. This is the perfect opportunity to devote time to trying something entirely new!

Wellness Options

• Spa
• Mountain biking 
• Boot camp with a personal trainer in our on-site gym 
• Swimming pool access
• Gym access
• Bowls
• Volleyball
• Basketball
• Cricket
• Soccer 
• Badminton 
• Pool table 
• Table tennis 
• Darts
• Foosball 
• Constructive leisure activities

Amenities:

• Collection from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport 
• 24-hour Nursing staff
• Welcome bag and stationary
• Three daily main-course gourmet meals in the dining room 
• Daily housekeeping and laundry service
• Luxury bathroom amenities
• Daily turndown service
• Complimentary WiFi
• Air conditioning
• DSTV (Executive Villas, Executive Suites, Manor Suite, Royal Suite, Presidential Suite and main TV lounge)
• Coffee bar
• Themed dinner evenings 
• Master cooking classes
• Outdoor movies
• Tranquil river deck
• Spacious gardens
• Nature walks
• Quaint outdoor chapel
• Selection of books
• Inclusive Leisure Package for both the Wellness and the Dependency Program

Building supportive connections and family integration

Healing doesn’t happen in isolation. At White River Manor, we foster a sense of community and build supportive networks that help clients connect with others on similar journeys. Peer support, group therapy, and social activities create an encouraging, non-judgmental environment where lasting relationships can flourish.

Family support is vital in the recovery process. For those who wish to involve their families in the recovery process, we offer family therapy sessions—either on-site or via Zoom—to help rebuild trust and strengthen bonds. These sessions, facilitated by our skilled therapists, ensure that loved ones are part of the healing journey.

Conclusion

Taking the first step toward recovery can be incredibly daunting, but at White River Manor, you’re never alone. With a holistic approach tailored to your unique needs and a calm environment designed for healing, your first two weeks will set the foundation for lasting change. If you or a loved one are ready to begin this transformative journey, our dedicated team is here to help you heal and grow. 

Reach out today to learn how White River Manor can help guide you or your loved ones toward lasting recovery.