Welcome to Areena Riverside Resort!
Areena Riverside Resort is situated on the banks of the Kwelera tidal river, 23 km east of East London city centre, at the beginning of the Cape Wild Coast. The dream of Ed and Karen Rathbone to have a unique family resort became a reality some 23 years ago and soon grew from strength to strength. After a lot of hard work and dedication, the Caravan Park was voted S.A. Top Resort 2004, after gaining public interest and became the hideout for those wanting to experience quality family time in the heart of nature.
Areena is 4 Star and AA Highly Recommended where you can wake up to the call of the Fish Eagles.
We offer you unsurpassed views of the river, wildlife, birds and surrounding wild coast vegetation where cruises to the river mouth and beach can be arranged.
You can virtually fish from your tent on river front sites, and also park your boat along the jetty directly in front of you. And everyone loves to meet Abby, our friendly giraffe!
Most early mornings will provide you with a spectacular visit of buck, monkeys and dassies on the other side of the river.
Access to the beach is either by boat, river ferry, or a short trip by car. For the energetic, an interesting hike.
Self-Catering Accommodation
Choose from a variety of options in our 4 Star, AA Superior self-catering accommodation nestled near the main facilities of the resort.
Rondavels
Our three rondavels are an open-plan design with a queen size bed downstairs and single beds in a loft room upstairs, sleeping from 4 to 6 people. (These units are not suitable for very young children as the wooden stairways to the loft rooms are fairly steep.)
Cottages
Cottage 1 is a single level two-bedroomed unit which can sleep 4, with a queen size bed in the main bedroom and a double bunk in the second bedroom.
Cottages 2 and 3 each have three bedrooms and can sleep up to 8 people with a queen size bed in the main bedroom, two single beds in the second bedroom and four single beds in the third.
Cottage 4 and 5 are high-pitch thatch, open-plan units with a bathroom en-suite to the main bedroom downstairs, and four single beds in a loft room leading from the lounge, sleeping up to 6 people.
Double En-Suites
Ten generously sized, open plan en-suites are ideal for 1 or 2 persons. There are two twin beds in each, made separately, but pushed together against a king-size headboard. One of these units is available as king-size, if requested when making a reservation.
Timber Chalets
Five timber chalets are set on the banks of the river, a few hundred metres from the main hub of the resort. They are exquisitely furnished and offer a truly peaceful riverside stay. Each chalet has a queen size bed in the main bedroom with two single beds in the second bedroom, comfortably accommodating 4 people. The covered timber deck facing the river is the perfect spot for viewing the game that often wanders through the garden in this area.
Caravan & Camping
A visit to our stunning caravan park will make it clear why Areena has been voted a Top Resort by the readers of Caravan and Outdoor magazine since 2004.
Many camping enthusiasts have returned to our caravan park time and time again to stay on one of our 110 generously sized caravan or tent sites. Most sites are well grassed and shady, with more than half of the sites spread along 800m of river frontage.
Each site has one 15-20 amp electrical outlet and a braai with a grid. Water taps and sparkling-clean ablution blocks are placed within easy reach from each site.
Facilities
Moor your boat at one of our many wooden jetties to give you easy access to the indigenous valley leading to the silver sands of the quiet beach at the river mouth.
Back at the resort, children and adults alike spend hours fishing, crabbing or playing in the river or in our huge split-level swimming pool.
A tennis court, playground and 3 trampolines are popular with the young active ones, whilst the clubhouse offers table tennis and pool tables indoors. The roads around the caravan park are perfect for riding bikes and trikes, so bring them along!
Delicious meals are available from Areena Quays, the restaurant at the slipway. Take a break from cooking to enjoy tasty light meals and snacks, or juicy steaks and seafood. With a pub and big screen TV, this is also the place where you can cheer for your favourite sports team!
Two laundries with token-operated washing machines and tumble dryers make washday a breeze – windy driers are also available to hang washing in the fresh country air.
The romantic and picturesque setting next to the river makes Areena a special venue for a country wedding for up to 120 guests.
For smaller weddings our upstairs thatched conference room is a cosy setting for the ceremony. For more than 80 guests, the clubhouse area downstairs provides a view of the river and a backdrop of indigenous vegetation. There is also the option of an outdoor, open-air ceremony along the riverside.
With the main venue so close to the slipway and a long jetty, the bride can arrive on the river cruiser – or the “just marrieds” could wave goodbye and sail away into the sunset…
Areena Quays – the fully licensed restaurant at the slipway, offers flexible menu options to suit your budget.
With unique photo opportunities, accommodation available for out-of-town guests and a Honeymoon Suite nestled in the natural bush along the riverside, you will search long and hard to find another venue with so much to offer you for your special day.
Relax and unwind on our sundeck in the tranquil surrounding of nature, while enjoying a sundowner and a delicious meal. Our family Restaurant and fully licenced bar is situated on the rivers edge under a giant Wild Fig tree. This picturesque setting is perfect for a intimate country wedding, corporate event, family function or a simple meal. For sport lovers, this is the ideal spot to watch your favourite game on our big screen tv.
Our restaurant and event complex is the perfect setting for your dream wedding, special occasion or corporate function. Fully equipped for strategic meetings and corporate retreats.
Life is Short, have more FUN!
Ama-ZING-ZING Zipline Skywalk
It's here! Finally, so grab your friends and family, get out for a day and enjoy our hottest, newest adventure activity in our adventure village. There are a total of 10 Zip lines, the longest being 150 meters and the highest being 70 meters. The tour takes place in our private game park overlooking the Kwelera Riverine valley. Experience the true beauty and get in touch with nature.
Quad Bike Game Viewing
This is our most popular activity. Our guides will teach you how to drive one of our semi-automatic quads and take you on a guided game drive through our game reserve. You are likely to get closer to many species than if you were on foot, or even in a vehicle! Anyone over the age of 14 can ride their own quad, while the younger folk are welcome to be a passenger.
Paintball
Groups of 6 or more can play on our natural paintball course. With plenty of obstacles to hide behind, teams can play a game of strategy and skill, using our semi-automatic paintball guns. Safety gear is provided, ensuring that serious injury is avoided. Another popular choice for kids parties (over 8yrs), bachelor parties, corporate team-building and fun-lovers in general.
Teambuilding
Ten outdoor activities are designed to promote teamwork and highlight leadership skills. There is no need to be an athlete to enjoy these activities, and there is no upper age limit. Corporate groups have seen the benefits of bringing their colleagues to have fun in the open air and improve working relationships. The games are changed regularly, so each visit is a new experience.
Obstacle course
Poles, ropes and cargo nets make the obstacles across a dam of water a test of your balancing skills. A super group activity that is as much fun cheering from the side as it is navigating the obstacles!
River Cruise
The Kareena takes groups of up to 30 people on a leisurely cruise along the Kwelegha tidal river through the picturesque indigenous valley to the mouth. Cruises can be booked at high tide and are perfect for an hour and a half of peaceful relaxation. Snacks and drinks can be arranged to add to the enjoyment of the outing.
Abseiling
Take a leap, conquer your fear! Our graded 50m abseil site has been used for many eco-challenges and adventure races. An activity that is popular amongst adrenalin junkies as well as corporate groups looking for that exciting and memorable experience. The view from the top of the cliff is truly breath-taking, and the sense of achievement once you’ve abseiled down to the base is incomparable.
Archery
Try your skill at the ancient art of archery, where you are shown the correct stance and method to aim at the target. Hitting the bull’s eye is possible for a first-timer! The principles of archery give a great analogy for corporate groups – and teach a lesson in focus in a fun and practical way.
Pellet Gun Target Shooting
Shoot at metal ducks and see how many you can hit! For groups of 4 or more, this activity is suitable for even the non-athletic.
Hiking
Explore the wonders of nature on a guided hike through our game reserve. At any time of the year, you are bound to discover something new!
Canoeing
Our Indian-style, wide-bottomed canoes are a great way to explore the nooks and crannies along the river, or take a scenic 4km paddle to picnic on the beach!
Brewery Tours
Experience the wonders of a Brewery. Groups are transported from Areena to Chintsa East, where Emerald Vale Brewery is situated. To end of the tour, the group is taken to the Barefoot Café for a lovely meal before returning to Areena