River Bend Lodge
Zuurberg Road, Addo Elephant National Park 6105 South Africa
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About
#2 of 4 lodges in Addo Elephant National Park
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Situated on a 14,000ha private concession within the Addo Elephant National Park, RiverBend is a mere 45 minute drive from Port Elizabeth. Home to an abundance of wildlife including elephant, lion, hyena, buffalo, black rhino and a variety of antelope and over 300 bird species, RiverBend is an ideal malaria-free safari addition to a Garden Route holiday. Children of all ages welcome. Pampering treatments are available at Plumbago Spa. Personalized game drives are led by enthusiastic and experienced guides, who will ensure you have a truly memorable safari experience.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Free breakfast
Canoeing
Game room
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Spa
Secured parking
Wifi
Pool / beach towels
Outdoor pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast buffet
Breakfast in the room
Snack bar
Special diet menus
Horseback riding
Evening entertainment
Massage
BBQ facilities
Baggage storage
Concierge
Gift shop
Non-smoking hotel
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
24-hour front desk
Private check-in / check-out
Laundry service
Ironing service
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Room features
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Room service
Safe
Seating area
Minibar
Flatscreen TV
Complimentary toiletries
VIP room facilities
Wake-up service / alarm clock
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Room types
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Luxury
Great View
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans, Xhosa
Location
631Reviews7Q+A82Room tips
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River Bend Lodge is a fantastic premium experience. The game accommodations and food were fantastic, the staff were friendly, knowledgeable and experienced. I can't speak highly enough of the whole experience from the welcome to the goodbye. The guides know the park and are able to deliver on the wide variety of flora and fauna to be found there. The kitchen staff are very accommodating and were able to cater for all our needs. Can't wait to go back.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
This was our 4th visit to the Riverbend over the last 15 years and it’s just charming and wonderful. Debbie and her team work so hard to look after you. We stayed in peppergrove for first time and loved the space and views. Moses was great and Ryan stepped into some big shoes to guide us perfectly with wonderful enthusiasm and knowledge. Think you guessed it - we will be returning!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: October 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Debbie Carinus, General Manager at River Bend Lodge
Responded 2 weeks ago
Dear MXHLondon, Wow!! and Thank you for your stunning review, and for taking the time to put pen to paper. We just love the fact that your Home from Home is still exactly that, and I am so delighted that you loved PepperGrove, that extra space is such a blessing. I will pass on your comments to Moses, who is an absolute treasure and to Ryan who will be very relieved that he was able to carry the baton on from Darlington. We wish you all a super family Christmas and may the 2024 year be only kind to you all. See you soon. Sincerely Debbie & The RiverBend Lodge Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
A fabulous lodge in Addo Elephant National Park. Spacious and luxurious accommodation with a large bath, separate shower, even an outdoor shower. We were in cottage 2 but our friends were in 1 which included a private outdoor pool. There is also a good sized communal outdoor pool. The game drives were good, and our driver Ryan was excellent, although quite new to this area was still very knowledgeable of the park and was good at spotting the animals. Saw lots of elephants of course. To food was nice and well presented. Would definitely go back again.
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Debbie Carinus, General Manager at River Bend Lodge
Responded 3 weeks ago
Dear Choward62, Thank you for your great review, and for taking the time to put pen to paper. Ryan is proving to be a great part of our team and I will definitely pass on your feedback to him, as I know it will mean so much. We are delighted that you loved your stay with us , and look forward to the time when we will be able to Welcome you back. Sincerely Debbie & The RiverBend Lodge Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This lodge is absolutely stunning. The staff and management are attentive and seem to anticipate what you need. For example we arrived with a slow puncture and Debbie (mahager) quickly arranged for the internal maintenance staff to fix it. Our guide, Ryan, was really good and we had great game sightings. The weather was a bit cool, but the fireplaces were lit and inside the rooms and lodge were cosy and comfortable. We took the all inclusive package and enjoyed three magnificent meals with high tea and good wines. I highly recommend this lodge for luxury and comfort
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Debbie Carinus, General Manager at River Bend Lodge
Responded 3 weeks ago
Dear Nomad59867280184, Thank you so much for taking the time to write up such a wonderful review, it is appreciated. I will pass on your compliments to the Team. As we get closer to Christmas and the New Year, we wish you and your loved ones nothing but the very best. Sincerely, Debbie & The RiverBend Lodge Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
We visited them in September for our honeymoon. Honestly this was the BEST lodge I’ve ever stayed at. We were welcomed by everyone upon arrival. Staff there is very very very friendly. Restaurant food and service is amazing, safari tour guides Leo and Ryan were very knowledgeable, super friendly and professional. They have a private area for the tour so you will not disturbed by other tourists and can fully enjoy the real safari. I also loved how they respect the boundaries between animals. We stayed in South Africa almost a month and the safari part was the best part of our trip. If you are thinking of visiting there, this is absolutely worth it!!!!! 200% recommend!!!!
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
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Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Debbie Carinus, General Manager at River Bend Lodge
Responded 03 Oct 2023
momokao302, Thank you!!! Thank you so much I have just read your letter / review to the staff and they all started clapping. You taking the time to acknowledge them means the world, and what a great review. We are delighted that your time with us was great. That is what it is all about, sharing and enjoying this most wonderful space that is RiverBend Lodge. Do take care and we hope to see you again soon. Sincerely, Debbie & the RiverBend Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We travelled as a family of six and stayed in the 3 bedroom lodge. We booked all inclusive and that came with a private chef and wait staff plus 2 game drives per day. The chef was excellent and prepared us delicious breakfasts, lunches and dinner as well as home cooked snacks. The lodge had a large fenced garden and private pool with plenty of outdoor seating. We came in winter so never got use of the pool but I’m sure it would be a real treat in the summer. We saw zebra, antelopes and baboons from the lodge. After our afternoon game drives, we came home to a camp fire and drinks. It was such a lovely experience. Our game driver - Leo - was excellent. Really passionate about the animals and super engaging. We travelled with 2 young kids - 9 and 12 - and he went out of his way to keep them involved including showing them how to track which animals had recently been there and stopping the car to pick up bones to show them closer. We saw plenty of elephants, buffalo, rhino, warthog, various antelope, zebra, baboons and velvet monkeys. Plus jackal, meerkats and more. Unfortunately we weren’t lucky enough to see the Lions as there are only 3 in the park. The lodge has a back up generator so loadshedding wasn’t really noticed. …
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Debbie Carinus, General Manager at River Bend Lodge
Responded 03 Oct 2023
Dear cbriss561645, Thank you so much for the most wonderful review you took the time to write. WOW I will pass on your wonderful points to all the staff and Leo. We are so delighted you Loved your stay with us and that the children loved their time with us as well. Thank you once again. Sincerely Debbie & The RiverBend / LongHope Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We spent 2 nights in the wonderful lodge with the pepper Grove House at our complete disposal. We were incredibly pampered by the whole staff and enjoyed 2 superb dinners (one of them a lovely braai under the stars and the other in the elegant lounge with a big warm fireplace) and 2 superb breakfasts. The building and location are just perfect and the 2 games we enjoyed with Leo were the most interesting and the ones in which we learnt more about animals and Nature among all the ones we enjoyed during our trip. Next time will bring him with us to the Kruger! ;-) A 5 stars without any doubt in all aspects...would love to come back!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Debbie Carinus, General Manager at River Bend Lodge
Responded 10 Sept 2023
Dear Anacombalia, Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review on your stay with us at RiverBend Lodge. We are so glad that PepperGrove House worked out the best for your stay. All that extra space it offers families and groups is absolutely value for money. mmm Im sure Leo would LOVE to go to Kruger with you.... :) just not sure we could do without him. We would love to Welcome you back to RiverBend, anytime. Do take care Sincerely Debbie & The RiverBend Lodge Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This was another repeat visit for us to River Bend Lodge. We can't quite remember whether it is now five or six visits - but that alone should tell you enough! As ever, it did not disappoint. All the staff are so friendly, welcoming and helpful. The rooms are all lovely and all have great views of the reserve. Food and wine was, as always excellent, and served with a smile. Game drives are a highlight here in the magnificent Addo national park and River Bend always feels that little bit special being on its own concession away from the crowds. Our guides were friendly and knowledgeable and took great care of us at all times. In short, it is difficult to fault River Bend - we will almost certainly return !
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Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: The WiFi at the lodge can be a little variable - we found that the bar and the pool was best !!
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Debbie Carinus, General Manager at River Bend Lodge
Responded 29 Aug 2023
Dear bonedetectives, Thank you so much for taking the time to give us a written review, it is really appreciated. We are delighted that RiverBend is your official 'Home away from Home' and we cannot wait to Welcome you back again soon!! We are currently having the hottest of days, can you believe it especially after that cold spell, and again we had a little more rain. As always so needed. Do take care until we see you again. Sincerely Debbie & The RiverBend Lodge Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stayed for 4 nights at this lodge. Beautiful place, very clean, spacious and beautifully decorated rooms. In and ouside shower. Also the main areas are decorated in style. Very kind staff. However, we wonder how it is possible fur such a place not to have solar power available, as loadshedding is going on for several years now ? The eclecticity power cuts get longer and more often . Also the WiFi is very weak, and we know that even the most remote places can provide decent WiFi. Also the vieuw is not to die for, as disturbed by electrical poles. Having said this i must say we had a great time, our ranger Salomon's knowledge of wildlife and plants was unbeatable, often spieced with a good sense of humor. And last but not least, the food was excellent. Bravo to the kitchen staff who managed to serve very nice, excellent dishes at breakfast, hight tea, and dinner taking into account the loadshedding going on for hours sometimes. . …
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Date of stay: February 2023
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: Ask for game drives in main Addo area in case you have a bad back, as the drives within the...
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Debbie Carinus, General Manager at River Bend Lodge
Responded 23 Aug 2023
Dear Viv015, Thank you so much for your review, it is greatly appreciated and taken note of. I am so glad that you enjoyed your stay with us, and that the staff delivered and met your expectations. Loadshedding, as a follow up after COVID, what a nightmare and although our generator runs during these load shedding times it was never installed to be the sole source of electric power, thus the shortfall during loadshedding. However, I am delighted to inform you that we have been looking into Solar Options even before COVID and had COVID not depleted all our available funds (used to ensure no staff were retrenched) it would have already been in place. Having said that I am delighted to advise that we have picked up the reins and are in the final stages of selecting a solar provider and installer. Very excited to take this next step. Again, Thank you for your review, and we can't wait to be able to share the news that we are 'off grid' Take care. Sincerely Debbie & The RiverBend Lodge Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Already arriving at the lodge is a pleasure, the personal reception, warmth and kindness are felt from the start throughout our (too) short stay. The cottages are spacious and well equipped. (even a Nespresso machine available). Nearly invisibly service provided. Extended flexibility in serving delicious dinners. Las but not least - the absolute high point and a "must" is a safari with Sam. We were lucky to enjoy not only a stunning sunset (accompanied by a glass of wine), severel animals (elephant) in the dark but to learn about an amazing African skies and stars. Shame all good things must come to an end. Will revisit!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: March 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
Response from Debbie Carinus, General Manager at River Bend Lodge
Responded 10 Apr 2023
Dear Violettabuchmann, Thank you so very much for your wonderful review. It means the world to us when our GUESTS fall in love with RiverBend Lodge. I will pass on your comments to the Team, as it also means the world to them. Do take care, and we look forward to Welcoming you back with open arms. Sincerely Debbi & The RiverBend Lodge Team
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PRICE RANGE
US$477 - US$611 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
river bend hotel addo elephant national park
LOCATION
South AfricaEastern CapeGreater AddoAddo Elephant National Park
NUMBER OF ROOMS
8
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Claim Your ListingRIVER BEND LODGE - Reviews & Price Comparison (Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about River Bend Lodge
Which popular attractions are close to River Bend Lodge?
Nearby attractions include Parque Nacional dos Elefantes Addo (2.5 km).
What are some of the property amenities at River Bend Lodge?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
Which room amenities are available at River Bend Lodge?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at River Bend Lodge?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at River Bend Lodge?
Yes, free parking and secured parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to River Bend Lodge?
Conveniently located restaurants include Addo Wildlife Tangelo Restaurant, Addo Cattle Baron, and Cattle Baron Addo.
Are there opportunities to exercise at River Bend Lodge?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at River Bend Lodge?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Afrikaans, and Xhosa.
Is River Bend Lodge accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.