SkinnAreena - January 2011            

  This year, we had a record number of entrants to the Potjiekos Competition, who all set out to make the BEST chicken potjie EVER! As always, the jokes flew around the fire as everyone nursed their recipes to perfection. After hours of simmering, the judges set out to taste and tell...

This year, we had a surprise donation of a first prize - these potjie-pot fundi's were cooking to win a 6-jet spa bath donated by Vesta Manufacturing (Pty) Ltd. And the winners are pictured here with the trophy - congratulations to the van Tonders - and a very big thank you to the sponsors!

Born on a rainy afternoon, late on 20 January, Areena welcomed a baby giraffe! Standing only 5 feet tall on shaky legs, the new baby stuck close to the tall legs of Jerry, its mother, as he stumbled along after her, wobbling over the uneven terrain.

Charl Beukes, who sat quietly in a car on the side of the Areena entrance road watching in anticipation, was the first person to see the new baby. Charl told us excitedly that it was one of the most amazing sights he had ever seen! After quite a while the baby finally fell to the ground with a thud. Slowly and cautiously with all four legs wanting to split in opposite directions, a perfectly healthy baby giraffe finally got to its feet.

 This is the third Giraffe calf to be born on Areena Private Game Reserve and by the same giraffe cow, Jerry, who is a protective mother. We are keeping a close and watchful eye over it.

It is still unclear whether the baby is a male or a female as yet, but we are looking for name suggestions for him/her so if you think you have a name that would be perfect for our new baby then please email us, or go onto our Facebook page!

A BIG thank you to all our holiday makers for all the stunning photos that were submitted for the Areena Photographic Competition that ran as part of the Festive Program in the December holidays. We had a record of 26 entries from creative individuals who took gorgeous photos of Areena Resort in the buzzing glory of our festive holiday season.

After reviewing all of the photos (…. And there were many!!!)  we finally chose a winner. Congratulations to Garth Kumm from Johannesburg, for this stunning 'Reflection'. He has won one free night of his 2011 December holiday with us, along with 2 days free canoe hire. Well done, Garth!

At Areena Riverside Resort, we always do things differently and when Father Christmas comes to visit all the good children at Areena, we make no exception! Father Christmas asked us if he could trade us his reindeer and sleigh for one of our speedy quad bikes!

Canoeing and Sea Kayaking has become our most popular adventure activity over the past 2 festive months. It could be because of the fierce heat of Jan/Feb or the stunning natural beauty of our unspoilt rivers biodiversity or because its just fun that the whole family can enjoy together!

Plan a 1 hour paddle to the beach. Pack a picnic lunch organised from Areena Quays Restaurant and come out to Areena Riverside Resort with your family. Hire a canoe for the day and enjoy a back-to-nature experience with the whole family. Visit our web site.

It looks like we’re in for a double wammy this year in the Easter holidays with the holiday dates split down the middle by 9 days of work and school…. This means that Areena is doubling up on the Fun in the Easter program! So don’t delay!! Book now to avoid disappointment.