THE once-struggling Gonubie Caravan Park and Resort has "come around nicely in the past months and is making a difference to the [City's] revenue", says the resort's superintendent, Jermaine Ammiel.

In its tranquil and natural surroundings, it is open for overnight stops, family holidays, getaways and company workshops.

The resort, just eight kilometres from East London on the way to Umtata, has 88 caravan sites, 20 wooden chalets, campsites and a recreation hall. There are six one-bedroom chalets, which can sleep up to four people, and 14 two-bedroom chalets, which can accommodate up to six people.

"During peak season the chalets are always full and at least 80 percent of the chalets are booked during the year."

Some of the chalets are wheelchair friendly and there's an all night supervisor on stand by, he says.

The municipal-owned resort was established in 1984 as a caravan park and the 20 chalets were built in 1993. "Due to this upgrading, the resort has created more jobs and assists with revenue for other municipal services."

There are, however, some avenues that could be followed to continue with these improvements. Ammiel points out that sound policy regulations are needed to prevent people from vandalising the chalets or stealing the furnishings.

"At times you'll find things such television sets and chairs missing after people have left the premises."

The caravan and camping sites have five ablution blocks, a kitchen and a laundry room. Each caravan spot has a plug point, upgraded earlier this year.

The resort is right at the mouth of the Gonubie River, with easy access to the beach. Activities in the area include rock, river and deep sea fishing, hiking and bird watching.

Buffalo City has set aside R1-million to upgrade the resort even further. Plans include adding new furniture to the chalets, installing DStv and upgrading the ablution sites and washing lines.

Renovations have already started, with the leveling of roads, which will be tarred soon, and retiling the ablution blocks.

"Even thought the resort is in a good state, there are some areas that need to be looked into for a better stay for our customers," explains Ammiel. "This is an environment where people expect to relax and take time off from the hustle and bustle of the city, so we are aiming to give them that."

At the caravan park, "we plan to tar all roads and put pebbles on the camping areas".

The recreation hall has a television, a pool table and fridge. "Most of our visitors love coming to this hall for entertainment." The City plans to repaint the hall.

Close to the famous Gonubie boardwalk, Ammiel recommends visitors take sunset strolls and "explore the natural beauty of Buffalo City".

Gonubie Caravan Park and Resort is a two-star self catering accommodation resort. For more information and booking, telephone 043 705 9748/5.