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Introduction
Situated only 23 kilometers east of the East London city centre Areena Riverside Resort has become a sought after holiday and corporate destination. Nestled on the banks of the kwelera tidal river, is the Eastern Cape's best kept secret!
Areena offers everything from well grassed camping sites, 4 star self catering accommodation, adventure village and game reserve, conference facilities, to an upmarket family restaurant and pub.
Areena is the perfect place for fairy tale weddings, conferencing, corporate teambuilding and school and church camps.
At Areen, there is always something for everyone!
The dream of Ed and Karen Rathbone to have a unique family resort became a reality some 28 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 Four 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.
Areena offers everything from well grassed camping sites, 4 star self catering accommodation, adventure village and game reserve, conference facilities, to an upmarket family restaurant and pub.
Areena is the perfect place for fairy tale weddings, conferencing, corporate teambuilding and school and church camps.
At Areen, there is always something for everyone!
The dream of Ed and Karen Rathbone to have a unique family resort became a reality some 28 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 Four 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.
Contact Info
Address:
Corner of Schafli & Glengarriff Road, Kwelera
East London
Eastern Cape 5259
South Africa
East London
Eastern Cape 5259
South Africa
Tel:
043 734 3055
Fax:
043 734 3312
Website:
http://www.areenaresort.com
Offering
- Rondavels
- Double En-Suites
- Cottages
- Timber Chalets
- Camp sites
- Caravan Park
- Restaurant
- Wedding Venue
- Conference facilities
- Team Building
- River cruises
- Abseiling
- Paintball
- Obstacle course
- Canoe
- Kayak trails
- Game Viewing Quad Bike Safari
- Pellet Gun Target Shooting
- AmaZing Zing Zipline
- Archery
- Hiking
- Bow Hunting
- Brewery Tours
Hours of operation
From | To | From | To | From | To | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Monday | Open | 8:00 | 17:00 | ||||
Tuesday | Open | 8:00 | 17:00 | ||||
Wednesday | Open | 8:00 | 17:00 | ||||
Thursday | Open | 8:00 | 17:00 | ||||
Friday | Open | 8:00 | 17:00 | ||||
Saturday | Open | 8:00 | 17:00 | ||||
Sunday | Open | 8:00 | 17:00 |
Meet Our Team (5)

Anita Pieterse
Receptionist / Reservations

Carolyn Turnbull
General Manager / Marketing

Ed Rathbone
Owner

Jarred
Head Guide

Karen Rathbone
Owner