The phrase “a piece of heaven” is often at the tip of the tongue when describing a beautiful, serene place.
The words couldn’t be truer for two of the Eastern Cape’s destination jewels — the Areena Riverside Resort and Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve, both nestled just outside East London.
The Dispatch, along with content producer Vumeka Nxulu, a momfluencer, had front row seats as the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) showcased spectacular game viewing, unforgettable encounters and adventurous adrenaline-pumping offerings they offer.
As someone who likes exploring, travelling to these two destinations has always been on my bucket list.
I jumped at the opportunity to experience the thrill, awe and fulfilment of finally immersing myself in what they offer.
I’d heard the hype, but nothing could have prepared me for what awaited.
From Inkwenkwezi’s gates, it felt like stepping into a whole other world — vast savannahs stretched out under the blue sky, and the air carried that earthy, wild scent you only find deep in nature.
A thrilling sight was spotting several zebras not far from the gates.
The first thing that hit me? The silence. Well, not total silence — there was the occasional bird call, the rustle of leaves, and the faint sound of hooves crunching on dirt. But it was the kind of quiet that makes you feel alive.
Tour guide, Devon Enslin, loaded us into an open safari vehicle, and off we went.
Before setting off, Enslin warned that the three-hour safari would start off bumpy due to the stretch of road from the reserve into the wilderness and the dense forest before reaching an open clearing.
Indeed, it was a bumpy ride, but Enslin is an excellent driver.
The reserve has four of the big five animals, save for the elephant.
Warthogs, a variety of impalas, ostriches, donkeys, monkeys, fish in a pond and a variety of birds were some of the other fauna we saw while exploring what the reserve offers.
Despite some time spent searching for the reserve’s lions, we were unlucky not to see them and returned to the reserve’s restaurant for a scrumptious meal.
A highlight was seeing a white rhino going about its day grazing, oblivious to my excitement at seeing it just 15m away.
It’s an absolute tank of an animal but somehow still one of the most majestic creatures on the planet, weighing up to 2,300kg and standing at about 1.8m tall at the shoulder.
Enslin warned that getting closer to it would be dangerous as it could run at a pace of 45km/h despite looking so ungainly.
Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve is an absolute gem tucked along SA’s stunning Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape.
If you’re looking for a mix of luxury and wild adventure, this place has it all.
Plus, thanks to its coastal location, you might even catch a glimpse of Southern Right whales in season.
The reserve offers an incredible variety of landscapes — from lush valleys to tidal estuaries — and is just a short drive from East London’s King Phalo Airport.
You can go on guided bush walks, or even quad biking, hiking, and canoeing if you are feeling adventurous.
The sunset game drives are a highlight as the bush comes alive as nocturnal animals start to stir.
The accommodation includes tented camps with en suite bathrooms that feel like mini nature retreats.
The bush camp sits on a hill overlooking a verdant valley, while the valley camp is nestled close to a river, offering peaceful vibes and private timber decks, perfect for wildlife spotting with your morning coffee.
The reserve’s Emthombeni Restaurant serves up African-inspired dishes with views of the Indian Ocean and the bush.
Inkwenkwezi is also just minutes away from gorgeous Wild Coast beaches, so you can mix game drives with a bit of sand and sea.
Whether feeding your soul with nature or just chilling with a sundowner at their Sunset Lapa, this place is unforgettable.
After the adrenaline rush at Inkwenkwezi, we headed to Areena Riverside Resort.
Nestled along the banks of the Kwelera River, it has a peaceful energy that immediately puts you in chill mode.
The views are so stunning I couldn’t stop snapping photos. But Areena isn’t just about lounging around — it’s packed with activities for the adventurous soul.
And just when I thought the day couldn’t get any better, I met Abby. Taken on a short drive by tour guide Blessed Sigauke, this friendly giraffe was welcoming and approached the car as it arrived.
Sigauke explained that Abby is an orphan. Her parents died when she was still a baby and she was adopted and raised at the resort.
Abby’s partner died a year ago, but together they raised three offspring.
Abby is friendly, slightly cheeky and roams the resort like she owns the place — and honestly, she kind of does.
Feeding her was an experience I’ll never forget; her long tongue reaching for the corn in the 5l bucket I carried, and I couldn’t stop laughing at how gentle yet awkward it all felt.
Second up was the Segway ride around the resort followed by a quad biking trail.
Picture me, helmet on, zooming through rugged terrain, dodging trees and being amazed by the sights of seeing zebras, antelope, ostriches, just to name a few animals, a stone’s throw away.
Inkwenkwezi had given me the thrill of the wild, and Areena wrapped me in its tranquil embrace.
For a first-time visitor, it was the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation — a reminder of just how breathtaking the Eastern Cape truly is.
Accommodation options include timber chalets, family cottages, self-catering units that sleep up to six people, and they’ve got camping sites too.
Other activities include canoeing, zip-lining, fishing, river cruises. It’s suitable for children as well, offering playgrounds and animal feeding.
Areena’s Quays Restaurant is the spot where can grab a casual bite or indulge in a buffet lunch.
And if you need some serious chill time, their spa offers massages, facials, and other treatments to melt away your stress.
All in all, Areena Riverside Resort is ideal for everything from family holidays to romantic getaways or even team-building adventures.
Nxulu said: “I loved that both places offer a diverse range of exciting activities and attractions for visitors.
“From wildlife experiences to breathtaking natural beauty, the Eastern Cape has plenty to offer.”
Inkwenkwezi offers wildlife safaris, game drives, canoeing, and more, all accompanied by their delicious food.
ECPTA CEO Vuyani Dayimani said as Tourism Month approached in September, the agency would host media tours as a way of turning stories into memorable experiences.
The tours bring journalists and celebrated South Africans to engage and share unfiltered experiences in the Eastern Cape.
“We will be taking these groups into the heart of the Eastern Cape to experience its wildlife, vibrant communities and rich cultural landscapes,” Dayimani said.
“We want to ensure the world hears, sees and feels the true spirit of the Eastern Cape.
“These immersive journeys create authentic narratives that inspire travellers, support local businesses and showcase the sustainable conservation influenced by indigenous knowledge, uniquely defining who we are.”
Daily Dispatch
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