Resort Review: Nature’s Rest, EC

The Nature’s Rest caravan and camping resort is one of the most picturesque I’ve ever seen. It is positioned on the banks of the Zamnyama River which meanders its way through the rolling hills of the Eastern Cape, and you’ll find peace and relaxation under the dappled shade of large trees with lush green grass underfoot.

The only sounds will be the chatter of weavers and the splash of fish as they jump out of the water. Keep an eye out for the pair of pied kingfishers that hunt right next to the scenic campsite.

You can spend the day fishing, canoeing, or swimming, or take a scenic walk down to Cove Rock and discover a beautiful beach… the perfect spot for a picnic and fun in the sun with the family. This exquisite beach is used almost exclusively by Nature’s Rest visitors.

The beach is accessible by a footpath from Nature’s Rest, and is about a ten-minute walk which follows the river. Take a camera with you, because you’ll see incredible birdlife, water monitors, and various other flora and fauna that you can tick off on your bucket list.

This is a relatively small resort, with only 35 sites − some of which are for tents only. The sites are clearly demarcated, and each has a braai facility: you can rent a grid from the office for R100 deposit.

If you are not in the mood for the beach, the resort has a swimming pool. And, for those looking for entertainment, there is a volleyball court, a trampoline, a games room, a playground and a TV room.

Pedal boats are available to use on the lagoon. The resort is safe and always kept neat, and the ablutions are cleaned often.

Gré-Marr, the manageress, will tell you all about the long history of Nature’s Rest; and Katherine, the marketing manager, is equally forthcoming about the beautiful resort. I was lucky enough to be offered a boat-trip down the Zamnyana River at Nature’s Rest. What an experience it was, to travel down the estuary with dense forests on either side of the waterway towards the sea.

Nature’s Rest also offers rondavel accommodation, set on the lushly grassed incline above the Zamnyana River. The newly renovated rondavels look great with their tiled floors, new ceilings and revamped décor. They are well appointed, and have all the necessities − the fridge, stove, sink, cutlery, crockery and utensils − to make your stay that much better.

You are sure to bump into Alec, the resort maintenance manager, and his dog Goku, a cross Setter-Labrador. They can often be seen on walkabout early in the morning, or you’ll hear his quad bike in the distance.

Nature’s Rest is just a few kilometres from East London, described as “the city with holiday-town spirit”. It’s worth going on an outing to visit the East London Aquarium, or the Botanical Garden.

To make a booking at Nature’s Rest, simply fill out the contact form below!

Stuart Reichardt