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Areena Riverside Resort & Private Game Reserve

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Corner of Schafli Rd & Glen Garriff Turn Off East Coast Resorts Kwelera, East London 5259 South Africa
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Traveller (128)
Room & Suite (15)
Pool & Beach (7)

About

#1 of 8 cottages in East London
Location
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Value

Areena Riverside Resort & Private Game Reserve is a family resort, a place to escape the hectic world, relax, reconnect and rejuvenate. A place to become grounded, meet good friends & explore the "Wildly Peaceful" pristine nature of the Wild Coast & Kwelera River.

Situated only 23 kilometers east of the East London city centre, Areena Riverside Resort 4-star self-catering accommodation 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, self-catering accommodation, adventure village and game reserve, conference facilities, to an upmarket family style restaurant and pub. Areena is the perfect place for fairy tale weddings, conferencing, corporate team building and school and church camps. At Areena, there is always something for everyone!

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Property amenities
Free parking
Wifi
Pool
Bar / lounge
Canoeing
Game room
Indoor play area for children
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Paid internet
Outdoor pool
Restaurant
Hiking
Tennis court
Darts
Fishing
Table tennis
Kids' outdoor play equipment
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Conference facilities
Spa
Body wrap
Couples massage
Facial treatments
Foot massage
Full body massage
Head massage
Makeup services
Manicure
Massage
Neck massage
Pedicure
Salon
Waxing services
BBQ facilities
Non-smoking hotel
Shared lounge / TV area
Laundry service
Self-serve laundry
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Room features
Kitchenette
Microwave
Refrigerator
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Mid-range
Great View
Languages Spoken
Afrikaans
354Reviews1Q+A26Room tips
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Vanessa S wrote a review Oct 2023
1 contribution1 helpful vote
5 stars!!! Will recommend this resort to everyone. We have had an amazing experience. Friendly and helpful staff, clean and such a beautiful setting. Lots to do with the kids. Meeting Abby the giraffe was our highlight... Can't thank the resort enough for all they offered us to relax and have quality family time. Grateful to have spent a few days here. Thank you Areena!
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Date of stay: October 2023
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Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip: Don't miss out on this amazing experience!
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Cindy T wrote a review Sept 2023
Bonn, Germany3 contributions
If you are looking for the perfect family holiday. Look no further. Arena will keep your kids entertained for hours. From giraffes with long tongues, to waterskiing to games. Fun for all and highly recommended.
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Date of stay: July 2023
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Location
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Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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svanstaden2023 wrote a review Aug 2023
Gqeberha, South Africa1 contribution
We had a wonderful time at Areena Riverside Resort. Waking up to the beautiful sunrise, hearing the birds singing and having the river right there in front of the chalet was just amazing. It has been our second time at the resort, and I have listed it on my Top 5 places to stay!
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Date of stay: August 2023
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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odingezweni wrote a review Aug 2023
Queenstown, South Africa1 contribution
Love how tranquil the atmosphere is. The stuff is super friendly and warm. Great value for money. Would definitely come back again especially if the rooms were to get modernised for aesthetics 🤞🏾😻🍃
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Date of stay: August 2023
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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kashb66 wrote a review Jun 2023
1 contribution
Best places to get some peace and quiet as well as enjoy some amazing activities. the staff are very friendly and are very accommodating and very helpful. i would recommend this place to anyone, just wanting a a home away from home.
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Date of stay: May 2023
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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rose82023 wrote a review May 2023
1 contribution
We are avid campers and love the riverside sites.. the chalets offer spacious accommodation for the 'non campers'. There are ample ablution facilities which are serviced throughout the day. Areena Riverside Resort offers so much in terms of activities for the young and old alike. The cherry on the top is the truly amazing and friendly staff.
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Date of stay: April 2023
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Journey00706284710 wrote a review Apr 2023
1 contribution
The adventures were fun and the staff is welcoming and helpful. I enjoyed the quad biking the most, I liked how easy it was to reschedule the time on arrival. I even forgot my phone which they couried ASAP.
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Date of stay: April 2023
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Location
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Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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AngiLues wrote a review Apr 2023
Port Elizabeth, South Africa1 contribution
This was our second time staying at Areena Riverside Resort and definitely wont be our last stay. The staff are amazing, informative and so much fun. The activities are well planned. The adults and kids both have fun and relaxation. The resort is safe and clean. Truly a return holiday for our family.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: April 2023
Value
Rooms
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Knapie wrote a review Apr 2023
Hillcrest, South Africa24 contributions6 helpful votes
We recently stayed at Areena and our stay was comfortable, the chalet was very neat and clean. The braai and path ways can do with better lightning. The resort itself I will rate average and think its overrated. It has a lot of potential!!! The restaurant honestly didn't impress us at all, we felt the manager was very unfriendly and the area self around the restaurant was dirty and full of bird poo. Nothing a wet cloth and water cannot fix on a daily basis and just a bit of sweeping will also make it look better. The inside game area was terrible. This is such an important area for the resort, just saying. We were a bit sad about the restaurant area because we planned to eat breakfast at the restaurant daily and unfortunately didn't go as planned. The reception staff was friendly and helpful. The staff at the adventure center was also helpful and friendly, even though we didn't really book any activities except for the giraffe experience which was nice. The camp sites all looks nice and spacious. I would personally not mix the the normal camping with the park homes etc. Just makes things look untidy. Personal choice. A recommendation or tip - perhaps offer your guest a boat trip to the beach in the mornings or certain times with pick up times again, this will be very helpful if this option is possible to join the beach by Yellow sand caravan park. We were a bit disappointed that we could not do the river cruise either, apparently they need 20 pax to fill the boat. Unfortunately there isn't much else to do in the area.
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Date of stay: April 2023
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Room Tip: It is far from anything or any restaurants, plan well.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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chowleselectrical wrote a review Mar 2023
Bushman's River Mouth, South Africa1 contribution
Lovely comfortable stay at the resort. Friendly staff and good service when asked if we could be shown other units for a potential longer booking. The resort is peaceful, felt safe and ideal set up for families. Lovely environment for children to play and run around. We enjoyed our stay, looking forward to going back with our family.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: March 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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PRICE RANGE
US$61 - US$65 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaEastern CapeEast London
NUMBER OF ROOMS
19
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AREENA RIVERSIDE RESORT & PRIVATE GAME RESERVE - Cottage Reviews & Price Comparison (East London, South Africa) - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Areena Riverside Resort & Private Game Reserve
Which popular attractions are close to Areena Riverside Resort & Private Game Reserve?
Nearby attractions include Gonubie Beach (3.3 km) and Gonubie Mouth Bird Sanctuary (3.9 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Areena Riverside Resort & Private Game Reserve?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include a pool, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge.
What food & drink options are available at Areena Riverside Resort & Private Game Reserve?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and barbeque facilities during their stay.
Is parking available at Areena Riverside Resort & Private Game Reserve?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Areena Riverside Resort & Private Game Reserve?
Conveniently located restaurants include The Cricketer, Guido's Gonubie, and Shanghai Chinese Restaurant & Sushi Bar.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Areena Riverside Resort & Private Game Reserve?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Are any cleaning services offered at Areena Riverside Resort & Private Game Reserve?
Yes, laundry service and self serve laundry are offered to guests.
Are pets allowed at Areena Riverside Resort & Private Game Reserve?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Does Areena Riverside Resort & Private Game Reserve have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the river view available here.
Is Areena Riverside Resort & Private Game Reserve accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.