Areena Riverside Resort

The Wild Coast


Hugging the tree-shaded shore of the Kwelera River, Areena has self-catering rondavels, thatched cottages, timber chalets, riverside tents and caravan sites – and a 3.5-sq-km wildlife reserve with herbivores. There's a tennis court, a bar-restaurant open Wednesday to Sunday (mains R70 to R120), plus abseiling, ziplining, sea kayaking and river cruises. It's low-key, unpretentious and family-oriented. Located 8.5km south of Chintsa.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby The Wild Coast attractions

1. Inkwenkwezi Game Reserve

3.34 MILES

The private Inkwenkwezi is well worth a visit (or a stay). It's beautiful, upmarket, well organised and features the Big Five (although the elephants and…

2. Nahoon Beach

9.61 MILES

This pristine beach will appeal to sunbathers and surfers alike, and it's usually uncrowded. There are lifeguards on duty, and there's a surf school here…

3. East London Museum

12.19 MILES

Given the Eastern Cape's rich past, this museum is worth a visit, with an excellent natural-history collection, a great section dedicated to Xhosa culture…

4. Ann Bryant Art Gallery

12.39 MILES

This mixed late Victorian and early Edwardian mansion has a good collection of South African paintings from landscapes to city scenes, featuring the likes…