NATURES REST – EAST LONDON

 

Natures Rest is exactly what the name implies……restful, in nature, sea close by, birds in abundance and a river running through it.

About 20 minutes from the centre of East London, turning off the main road towards Cove Ridge, down a little further, like 800 metres, lies Natures Rest offering camping, caravanning as well as self catering rondavels.

Upon entering the gate, one gets a feeling of isolation and quiet.  The resort is surrounded by natural forest and rock with an abundance of birdlife.  We chose our campervan site quite carefully facing our living area away from the wind.  The view from our door was a sheer rockface covered with natural vegetation.  At the foot was a stream which we think is fed from mountain streams.    The water flowed quite slowly so it is definitely not tidal.   Some of the birds we identified included a Knysna Loerie, a giant Kingfisher and John saw a jackel buzzard.  Awesome for birders.

The ablutions although old, are well maintained and clean.  There is also a laundry with two washing machines and tumble driers.  Ample space to hang washing, but please bring your own pegs.  Price per wash and dry is R15.  Discs can be obtained from Reception.

The resort has an abundance of entertainment for the kids including a swimming pool, a basketball or netball court, playpark, trampoline and tv lounge.

Security is maximised in season with a guard at night and during the day.  Because of some incidents, the security guard accompanies all guests to and from the beach, but in a discreet way.  Of course, if you have two big hunks like Gypsey and Quince to accompany you, then a security guard is not needed.

From our campsite the beach is a 5-10 minute walk.  Access is given through a gate which is locked at night.  The walk takes us along the stream then up on to a dirt road.  The beach is right ahead.  This is definitely not a swimming beach as the rip currents are quite strong.  A definite for picnics and fishermen, or just for a stroll along the rocks.

In season rates are R270 per night, per site.  Because it was ‘in season’ when we stayed I didn’t enquire what the out of season rates were but am sure that these could be negotiated if they weren’t busy.

We were also allowed to have our dogs with us, so thank you Amelia and Lance.

The only negative that I had was that there were too few taps for the amount of sites.