River Bend Lodge
Full Details
At a Glance
Just seven luxury and one honeymoon suite located within Addo Elephant National Park
Very High concentration of elephants
Malaria free area
Family friendly with Mini Ranger programme
Honeymoon suite with private plunge pool and garden
Two game drives per day
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.
Rooms
Bedroom at River Bend Lodge
Bedroom at River Bend Lodge
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.
All suites are air-conditioned. 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.
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 whic faces the African bushveld.
Facilities
River Bend’s “Introduction to South African Wines” is a wine tasting and food pairing created by the executive chef and hosted by their very own resident wine enthusiast.
The tasting consists of a brief history and introduction to the wines of Southern Africa, the tasting of four wines and food pairing recommendations with canapés.
The "Silver Thorns Restaurant" is available to all guests and is a unique destination restaurant which showcases the culinary offerings of River Bend.
River Bend is home to the luxurious Plumbago Spa where guests can be treated to a variety of indulgent and pampering treatments. After a treatment with our skilled therapist you will leave our haven feeling totally rejuvenated.
Take a dip in the pool
Get a drink at the bar, River Bend Lodge
Meal with views
Take a dip in the pool
Activities
Bush walk at River Bend Lodge
Go on a safari
Bush walk at River Bend Lodge
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 provides separate game drives for families and where possible guest parties are hosted on their own game drive vehicles.
Gallery
Game Drive
Game Drive
Facts
No. Rooms
8
Children
4 years and over
Childminding
Yes
Twin Beds
Yes
Triples
No
Private Pool
Honeymoon suite only
Lodge Pool
Yes
Air-Conditioning
Yes
Room Fan
Yes
Indoor Shower
Yes
Outdoor Shower
Honeymoon suite only
Bath
Yes
In-Room Safe
Yes
In-Room Fireplace
No
In-Room TV
Yes
In-Room Massage
Yes
Spa
Yes
What's included:
Accommodation
All meals
Teas and coffees
All soft drinks, house wines, sparkling wines, local beers and spirit
VAT
Tourism levies and SANParks levies
Two game drives per day
Mini-rangers course for children
Introduction to SA wine (Booking essential)
Gym Equipment
No
Personal Bar
Yes
Telephone
Yes
Hairdryer
Yes
Laundry
Extra cost
Check In / Check Out
14h00 / 10h00
Wheelchair Access
No
Power
220v AC
Internet Access
Yes
Credit Cards
Visa, Mastercard
Malaria Area
No
Airstrip
No
Sleep Out Platform
No
Private 4x4 Safari Vehicle
Depending on availability/extra cost
Land Based Activities
Game Drives
Water Based Activities
N/a
Optional Activities
N/a
What's not included:
Premium wines
Champagne, cognacs, premium brand spirits
Spa treatments
Laundry
Shop purchases
Transfers
Gratuities