Anchored on endless horizons and flanked by the Zuurberg Mountains,
River Bend Lodge is situated within a 17 000 ha private concession area of the Addo Elephant National Park.
Experience the warm hospitality famous to the region as you acclimatize to the comfort of River Bend Lodge.
Enjoy plentiful game activities guided by professional guides who’ll not only enlighten you in Africa’s splendid creatures, but also reveal the fascinating history of this revitalized wilderness.
From marveling at the magnificent Elephant herds grazing a short distance from you on your private game drive, tracking the movements of game on foot, learning about the medicinal values of the bush to strolling through the citrus orchards of our adjacent farm, River Bend offers a diversity of activities to enjoy.
All at your own pace and pleasure.
River Bend Vitality Studio offers a range of treatments making use of world renowned Dermalogica. Treatments are arranged at your convenience in the Vitality Studio or in the privacy of your suite.
Accommodation at Riverbend Lodge: Luxury Suite The Lodge’s beautiful seven luxury double suites are spacious and individually decorated in a colonial style. Each of the suites has an en-suite bathroom and leads out onto a private patio which offers majestic views of the Eastern Cape landscape.
River Bend’s central philosophy is to retain a standard of living that those who understand five star luxury typically would expect. All our suites are beautifully and tastefully appointed in accordance with our “Five Star Plus” rating.
River Bend is “Five Star Plus”. All suites are air-conditioned. Our king size beds use percale linen for that extra luxury demanded by our guests. Rooms are equipped with ceiling fans, electronic safes, a mini bar, satellite TV and hair dryer. The en-suite bathroom has a separate bath and shower and is fully stocked with all the typical amenities guests would require.
Suites with inter-leading doors are available for families. WiFi access is available in all rooms.
Honeymoon Suite The Honeymoon Suite offers newlyweds the perfect romantic and private retreat. The lavish suite leads out onto its own private veranda and secluded plunge pool and garden. Spend the day reading a book or enjoy uninterrupted romantic candle-lit dinners on the private veranda which faces the African bushveld. The en-suite bathroom also has an outside shower for the more adventurous.
The Honeymoon Suite offers a luxury and an indulgence that will draw couples together in a perfect setting for the romantic getaway of a lifetime.
The Honeymoon Suite is equipped with its own Nespresso coffee maker, for those who wish to lie in bed a little longer in the morning!
Facilities at Riverbend Lodge: The individual suites surround a magnificent garden containing indigenous trees that date back to the original settler days.
The main Lodge area offers the formal dining room, "Silverthorns", a comfortable lounge, bar and library. A tranquil Day Room offers a more informal environment and is equipped with a TV and selection of DVD’s for all ages.
There is a fully fenced swimming pool that offers a cool retreat on a warm summer’s day.
The Lodge offers “River Bend Mobile Playrooms” which comprise age appropriate toys and playthings for your little ones, and also the not so little ones.
The Plumbago Spa has a variety of massage treatments and beauty therapies to be enjoyed by resident guests only.
The Lodge also has a small business centre for those who cannot leave the office!
Our professional photographer has a fully equipped studio where photography courses and photo editing take place.
Suites with inter-leading doors are available for families.
Exclusive Use Villa Our Exclusive Use Villa is approximately 1 km away from the main Lodge and offers guests their own chef, guide and is the perfect “home away from home” for those wanting a longer and more homelike stay.
Addo Elephant National Park: Now the third largest national park in South Africa, Addo Elephant National Park has expanded to conserve a wide diversity of biodiversity, landscapes, fauna and flora. Stretching from the semi-arid Karoo area in the north around Darlington Dam, over the rugged Zuurberg Mountains, through the Sundays River valley and south to the coast between Sundays River mouth and Bushman’s River mouth, Addo covers about 180 000 hectares (444 700 acres) and includes the Bird and St Croix Island groups.
The original elephant section of the park was proclaimed in 1931, when only sixteen elephants remained in the area. Today this finely tuned ecosystem is sanctuary to over 550 elephants, lions, buffalo, black rhino, spotted hyena, leopard, a variety of antelope and zebra species, as well as the unique Addo flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo.
Restaurant Established in 2000, River Bend Lodge set out to follow a standard of cuisine not normally associated with the South African game lodge experience. “Excellent, contemporary and world class” were established as the benchmarks for culinary offerings at River Bend.
Recently renovated, "Silver Thorns Restaurant" is available to our guests only and is a unique destination restaurant which showcases the culinary offerings of River Bend.
In keeping with the theme that guests determine their own daily agenda, we also offer an In Room Dining menu for those who either do not want a full meal or whom simply want a little snack at odd hours.
At River Bend we are mindful that some guests have specific dietary and religious requirements and these are accommodated accordingly. (Advance notice is required)
Riverbend Lodge Activities:
River Bend Lodge’s game drives are like no other. The Addo Park comprises 5 different biomes and each biome offers guests unique and individual experiences. Whether you’re marvelling at the magnificent elephant herds grazing a short distance from you on your private game drive, tracking the movements of game on foot to learning about the medicinal values of the bush and history of the land, there is never a dull moment.
River Bend Lodge is one of the few game reserves in the Eastern Cape where you can view the Big 5 all in one wilderness area.
At River Bend we provide separate game drives for families and where possible guest parties are hosted on their own game drive vehicles.
Due to our unique climatic area and 5 different biomes, River Bend is home to over 300 bird species – an extensive list by any expert’s standards. Our guides are all trained bird watchers and should you wish to spend the day away from the Lodge, our guides will take you on a private birding trip with a packed lunch.
River Bend is an important contributor to SA Bird Society and many first time sightings have been made by our specialist guides.
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Riverbend Lodge Guest Reviews
Average Guest Rating:
5.0
out of 5
based on
3 reviews.
We stayed at the Long Hope Villa for 2 nights which included all food, drinks and 2 game drives per day. I have to say we had an amazing time! The staff at the lodge are faultless and make your stay as comfortable as possible. They made us food throughout the day and even baked a cake for a birthday we had in the group. During the game drives we say 4 out of the 5 big five and plenty of other animals. It was truly an experience we will not forget.
Rating:
Reviewed by Mitul Lakhani over a year ago
The staff at the Lodge were extremely friendly, helpful and went out of their way to make our stay extremely enjoyable.
Rating:
Reviewed by Stephen Kelly over a year ago
Really enjoyed; fantastic people.
Rating:
Reviewed by Hannes Cilliers over a year ago
Other Accommodation near Riverbend Lodge:
Accommodation options within 8km from Riverbend Lodge include:
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Grading:
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Guest Rating:
(3 reviews)
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Grading:
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Guest Rating:
(1 review)
Experience true African accommodation when staying at Chrislin African Lodge in traditionally built mud huts located on an eco-friendly farm, just 12 km from the main gate of the Addo Elephant National Park. Family friendly.
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I have seldom experienced such an efficient help and support like from you! Thank you so much. We will do all the bookings during the next few days and I will revert to you with the end result or maybe with a little... 
