Tasting Adventure

For our 25th anniversary, we’ve decided to “hit the road” … just James and me, Tom the Kia Soul, and a brand new tent. After weeks of planning: Googling, reading articles and reviews, asking advice from friends and family … the day of departure has finally arrived. We’ve made a reservation for our first night’s stop at Areena Riverside Resort, but for the rest of the journey, we’re just going to wing it. Travelling out of holiday season, we hopefully won’t have any trouble finding a place to pitch our tent at short notice.

Our “Route map” includes “must see” places which we will do our best to visit, as well as other recommended spots that may or may not make it onto the final itinerary.

We hoped to leave home in Durban by 5am but actually got on the road around 5:30. Without any stops, our ETA at Areena would be around 2:30pm.

However, once on the road, we began to think about things we might have forgotten to pack (it will happen every time, trust me!). So … we stopped at Game in Kokstad to look for an extension cord.

Nearing the end of our first day’s travelling, and in need of food, we stopped in at  Emerald Vale Brewery for a light early dinner. If you’re looking for “simple delicious wholesome homemade pub fare” this is the place. Less than 15 minutes from Areena Riverside Resort – between the Chintsa and Chefani Rivers some 4 kilometres from the Chintsa East coastline, Emerald Vale Brewery is the only craft brewery in the area and is well known for its incredible Ales and speciality beers.

On arrival at Areena, we found that we had a choice of camping sites. We, of course, picked the spot furthermost from everything along the river bank. It was only when the need for the loo arose that we wished we’d picked a spot closer to the ablutions 😀

Situated on the banks of the Kwelera tidal river, 23km east of East London city centre, at the beginning of the Eastern Cape Wild Coast, Areena Resort is set within a private nature reserve, allowing close-up views of the resident giraffes, zebra, various antelope and bird life.

Areena is a family-friendly resort with a range of activities for all levels of fitness or laziness. There is a restaurant and spa on site. The road to Areena Resort is tarred all the way. Take a look at their website for more info and bookings.