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Anchored on endless horizons and flanked by the Zuurberg Mountains, RiverBend Lodge is situated within a 14 000 ha private concession area of the Addo Elephant National Park thus allowing private use for RiverBend Lodge guests only.

Experience the warm hospitality famous to the region as you acclimatize to the comfort of RiverBend Lodge.

Enjoy plentiful game activities guided by professional guides who will not only enlighten you in Africa’s splendid creatures but also reveal the fascinating history of this revitalized wilderness.

From marvelling at the magnificent Elephant herds grazing a short distance from you on your private game drive, tracking the movements of game on foot, surrounded by the roaring of the lions and learning about the medicinal values of the bush, RiverBend Lodge offers a diversity of activities to enjoy.

All at your own pace and pleasure.

RiverBend Lodge offers a range of treatments in our Plumbago Beauty Salon to help relax and immerse oneself in the beauty that surrounds one.

Accommodation at Riverbend Lodge:
Luxury Suite
The Lodges 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.

RiverBend Lodge 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.

RiverBend Lodge 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, hair dryer and tea & coffee facilities. 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, “Silvert Thorns Restaurant”, a comfortable lounge, bar and library. A tranquil Day Room offers a more informal environment and is equipped with a TV and selection of DVDs for all ages.

There is a fully fenced swimming pool that offers a cool retreat on a warm summer’s day.

The Plumbago Spa has a variety of massage treatments and beauty therapies to be enjoyed by resident guests only.

Suites with inter-leading doors are available for families.

Exclusive Use Villa
Our Exclusive Use Long Hope Villa is approximately 1 km away from the main Lodge and offers guests their own chef and guide.  It 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 Bushmans 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)

Activities:

River Bend Lodges 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.

RiverBend Lodge is one of the few game reserves in the Eastern Cape where you can view the Big 5 all in one wilderness area.

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, RiverBend Lodge is home to over 300 bird species an extensive list by any experts’ 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.

RiverBend Lodge is an important contributor to SA Bird Society and many first time sightings have been made by our specialist guides.

Rooms and Units Available:

Honeymoon Suite
The Honeymoon Suite is a luxury individually decorated double suite. The suite has an en-suite bathroom and outdoor shower. The Honeymoon Suite leads out onto a secluded patio, garden and plunge pool where romantic candle-lit dinners can be served.
Sleeps 2 Adults

LongHope Villa
Exclusive use of Villa with 3 en suite Luxury rooms. Spacious open plan living & dining area. A private pool set in luscious gardens, private viewing deck and barbecue for outdoor entertainment. Exclusive Chef & Private Game drives included.
Sleeps 6 Adults

Luxury Suites
Luxury suites offer a distinctly individual, tranquil and private retreat. The spacious suite opens up onto a private patio from where guests can soak up the scents and sounds of the bush veld. Every suite is also equipped with a private outside shower.
Amount of similar units: 7
Sleeps 2 Adults

PepperGrove House
PepperGrove Cottage is a large, luxurious 3 bedroomed house with 2 full bathrooms. Offering Families or Groups, the opportunity of sharing together the 'extra private' space, and the experience that comes with 'living' in the African Bush together.
Sleeps 6 Adults

Facilities & Services available:

Honeymoon Couples
Babysitting Service
Laundry Service
Ironing Service
Limited Room Service
Special Meals on Request
Team Building
Bar on the Premises
Dining room
Restaurant
Spa
Cots available
Fireplace on the Premises
Garden
Library
Parking (off-street - open)
Wi-Fi
Afrikaans
English
Xhosa / Zulu
Communal Television
Communal Satellite TV
Swimming Pool
No Pets Allowed
Nature
Birdwatching
Safaries

Cancellation Policy:

-  60 days notice - 75% of total cost being refunded
-  59 to 30 days notice - 50% of total cost being refunded
-  29 to 15 days notice - 25% of total cost being refunded
-  14 to 0 days notice - 100% of total cost withheld

Directions:

From Port Elizabeth, take the N2 towards Grahamstown (Do not take the Motherwell exit as this is not a safe road)

Continue on the N2 past Colchester (approximately 44km / 27 minutes)

Continue on the N2 to Nanaga (approximately 14,6km / 14 minutes)

*At Nanaga take the N10, towards Cradock and Paterson (approximately 21,8km / 13 minutes. 

At Paterson turn left onto the R324 towards Addo (approximately 25,7km / 17 minutes)

Turn right onto the gravel road signposted, Zuurberg Pass road (approximately 3,5km)

RiverBend Lodge gates (white) will be on your right

Press the Reception Intercom button, and our staff will let you in.


Map Place holder
Click to display the map

Children Policy


All children of all ages are welcome

Bookings / Enquiries
Please enter the dates of your stay above to check Rates and Availability
  • Guests Rating: (3)
  • Accommodation Type: Game Lodge, Guest Farm and Private Game Lodge
  • Sleeps: 28
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM
    Check-out: 10:00 AM