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#2 of 4 lodges in Addo Elephant National Park
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Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
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.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Luxury
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans, Xhosa
Location
Zuurberg Road, Addo Elephant National Park 6105 South Africa
Recently spent 2 nights at River Bend Lodge. The suites are large and comfortable with everything you need. Our guide, Christiaan, took us on 4 amazing game drives . He was friendly, very knowledgeable and an excellent driver. You need to say what you would like to see and they will do their best to ensure that you do! Morning coffee and sundowner drinks and snacks were included on all drives along with hot water bottles and warm blankets for the early starts. We were treated to an impromptu extra drive as the lions were close by and buffalo were approaching them, they thought there might be some interaction, but sadly not. The scenery is stunning, very different from the rest of Addo. There are only River Bend Lodge vehicles in this area of Addo so no crowded sightings, it feels like you are the only ones there. The food at River Bend is outstanding, the chef came to see us each day to say what the choice was for the evening meal. Breakfast started with granola, fruit, yoghurt, croissant, meats and cheeses followed by a cooked breakfast. We couldn't manage lunch as we had such a large breakfast! All the staff were pleasant, helpful and friendly, nothing was too much trouble. Highly recommend a stay here, it is well worth it and we hope to go back on my next visit. Thanks for a wonderful couple of days.
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Date of stay: February 2022
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.
Response from Debbie Carinus, General Manager at River Bend Lodge
Responded 27 Mar 2022
Dear Swalml, Thank you for your detailed review. It really means everything to us, when our GUESTS leave RiverBend Lodge having had expectations met and exceeded. Also a very sincere Thank you for your kind words about Christiaan and the other staff, the Team are a wonderful group of people that take their work to heart. We look forward to welcoming you back to RiverBend Lodge and showing you the other amazing areas of our Private Concession. Until we see you again do take care. Sincerely Debbie & The RiverBend Lodge Team
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We had a wonderful time in the lodge. The location is very unique and the honeymoon suite with its own pool and outdoor shower is highly recommended! The safaris with Leo, Chris and Darlington were exceptional and they did their best to give us an amazing experience. Debbie is a great host, but all of the staff were very accommodating, eg Moses was a real great bartender. The food is fantastic and breakfast at the waterhole is simply wonderful. Sometimes the herd of elephants passes by and you are speechless. Book it now - the only thing you'll regret is not doing it!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: November 2021
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.
Response from Debbie Carinus, General Manager at River Bend Lodge
Responded 10 Jan 2022
Dear Fridge9, Wow Thank you so much for your most amazing review on your stay with us at RiverBend Lodge. It means the world to us when our GUESTS love RiverBend as much as we do. We wish you and your loved ones nothing but the very best for 2022 and be safe until we hopefully have you to stay with us again. Sincerely Debbie & the RiverBend Lodge Team
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This was a return visit to a beautiful venue with warm, welcoming staff who pay close attention to detail. The excellent cuisine is freshly prepared by an accomplished chef. The daily game drives are a joy as the conservancy is large and private and the Ranger is well prepared. The rooms are comfortable and luxurious and the holiday is so rejuvenating. It’s a welcome winter break and a true gem.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: July 2024
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.
Response from Debbie Carinus, General Manager at River Bend Lodge
Responded 13 Oct 2024
Dear 834lesleyc, Thank you firstly for returning to RiverBend Lodge, that in itself means the world to us, and secondly Thank You for taking the time to do a review on your return stay. We are so delighted that even with all the changers that happen in life and by default the Lodge, that your return was a wonderful one and that you were welcomed 'back home' that met and exceeded your expectations. Needless to say we thoroughly loved having you back with us at RiverBend . Do take care as we head into the end of 2024, and we look forward to seeing you again, soon. Sincerely, Debbie & the RiverBend Lodge Team
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Second visit here with my brother and another fabulous time. Staff are excellent and can't do enough for you. Always asking if you would like a drink or a snack, they were very disappointed when we didn't want lunch as we'd had too much for breakfast! The chef comes to discuss the evening menu, we had a choice of fish, meat or veggie option both nights. Breakfast overlooking the waterhole both mornings and evening meals by a lovely log fire. On Game drives they will do their utmost to do what you want, we had some concentrating on birds and also trying to find an elusive lion. We were so lucky last time with lion sightings but not this visit....... We were extremely lucky with other sightings though! Game drives include sundowner drinks or morning hot drinks both with delicious freshly made snacks. Greeted on return to the lodge with hot towels and a further drink in the evening. Game guide is in contact with the lodge with an eta so meals are ready on arrival. For early morning drives your guide delivers tea and a snack to the room. Rooms are spacious with everything you need, including further snacks and drinks, fruit and water, chocolates for the evening. We have already booked our next visit for January 23.
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Date of stay: October 2022
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.
Response from Debbie Carinus, General Manager at River Bend Lodge
Responded 11 Oct 2022
Dear Sue, Thank you so much for your super, super review. It is always so great to Welcome our Guests back 'Home' and you are so right the bush reveals different things at different times, but the beauty of the area and our concession still to this day also soothe my soul. We cannot wait to Welcome you again in January, I know the pups will be happy to see you both as well. Have a wonderful Christmas and travel safely back to us. Sincerely, Debbie & The RiverBend Lodge Team
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We were a party of 5 friends and chose to stay at Long Hope Villa. Although part of the Riverbend Lodge and Addo Elephant Park, Long Hope is a very private villa set in it's own grounds complete with pool. We were met by John (our ranger), Sam (chef) and Queeny (one of the 3 lovely members of staff who came to look after us, Buyiswa and Sinior being the other two). The staff were superb and our every whim catered for. Sam's food was exceptional and of the highest standard. The lodge itself is lovely and has a homely feel to it. it was spotlessly clean and very comfortable. This was our first safari and over the period of 3 days we managed 6 game drives. The game drives times were more or less arranged to suit ourselves and we had our own private jeep. Our ranger John was very knowledgeable and we managed to find 4 of the big 5, along with numerous other animals and fauna during the course of our stay. John also possesses a great sense of humour and entertained us with lots of funny stories. Our time went far to quickly and we felt really sad to have to say goodbye to everyone. Debbie (the manager) kindly showed us around Riverbend just before we left and this too looks to be a great place to stay. What fantastic memories we take away with us! We have loved our time at Long Hope we are now making plans to return again next year!!! Highly Recommended! Thank you All
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Date of stay: February 2020
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.
Response from MANAGER_RBL, General Manager at River Bend Lodge
Responded 24 Feb 2020
Dear SussieP Wow - Thank you so much for your review. I will definitely pass on your wonderful comments to the staff, it means the World to them, when their efforts are noted. John I know loved being with your group, and from what I understand in general the groups humour matched John's. Until we see you again, Travel safely and take care Sincerely Debbie & the RiverBend Lodge Team
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A wonderful place to stay. Relaxing and beautiful. Cottage chalets, stoeps with stunning views, large bath, outside (and inside) shower, log fires in the lodge, cosy bar, helpful and friendly staff... The game drives are superb and magical, the guides knowledgeable and passionate. The vegetarian cuisine wasn't the best and the single restaurant soundtrack may send you round the bend, but breakfast is sumptuous. I highly recommend staying here, though we couldn't have afforded it in "normal" times. (Be aware that a 7.5% park tax will be added to your bill.)
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: June 2021
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.
Response from Debbie Carinus, General Manager at River Bend Lodge
Responded 14 Jun 2021
Good Morning aduran206661, Thank you so very much for taking the time to review River Bend Lodge, and your stay with us. We sincerely take note of every comment and find all feedback to be constructive. I have since your stay been working on the Vegetarian dishes that were served to you and have added to our options there as well. So thank you again for your feedback at the Lodge as well. Oh my gosh - i am so sorry that the tape was not changed up, this was an absolute oversight on our behalf, as we have so may options to play. This has been addressed with the team and it is now a wonderful variety again. Please do take care, and we would love to see you again and WOW you with our Veggie meals. Sincerely Debbie & The River Bend Lodge Team
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We recently spent three nights at lovely Riverbend Lodge. Debbie and her team were welcoming and professional allowing us a very relaxing weekend with excellent food and comfortable accommodation. Nothing was too much trouble - dinner next to a roaring open fire and special dietary requirements attended to efficiently. Darlington (the resident guide) was top class and we were treated to some lovely sightings expertly tracked by him. Definitely a return visit for us.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: June 2021
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.
Response from Debbie Carinus, General Manager at River Bend Lodge
Responded 08 Jul 2021
Dear Robyn, Thank you so much for taking your time to write a review on your stay with us. It always means so much to us when our GUESTS love RiverBend as much as we do. I will pass on to the team your wonderful comments and we sincerely look forward to welcoming you back 'Home' soon. Please do take care out there, stay safe until we see you again. Sincerely Debbie & The RiverBend Lodge Team
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River Bend Lodge is a gem. Overlooking it's own waterhole on a concession in the Northern part of Addo, is this wildlife haven with very limited access. On safari it is like you have the whole are to yourself. Spotted 4 of the big 5 during our two day stay but that is only part of the story. For us the thrill was seeing the more humble creatures such as tortoise, dung beetles, bat reared foxes to name a few. However the highlight for me was the birds. This is down to our ranger Christiaan. His birding knowledge is extraordinary. It also provided a welcome distraction from charging around looking for mammals. No review is complete without mentioning the staff. They were superb. Particularly, their highly commendable efforts to make Christmas lunch a very special occasion. We will always fondly remember the crackers and hats whilst eating a traditional lunch watching elephants at the waterhole. Thank you all especially Christiaan. Tea at 0430 was most appreciated.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: December 2019
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.
Response from MANAGER_RBL, General Manager at River Bend Lodge
Responded 14 Jan 2020
Dear Tim S, It was an absolute pleasure and an honour to be able to create a wonderful Christmas memory for you at RiverBend Lodge. It is so special when GUESTS not only enjoy the wonderful Big 5 sightings but also appreciate and enjoy the little creatures as well, and then our wonderful birdlife is just second to none. Christiaan is exceptional and as you know this is his love and his life....I will definitely pass on to him your wonderful comments - they will mean the word to him. Thank you for choosing RiverBend and until we see you again Travel Safely. Sincerely Debbie & The RiverBend Lodge Team
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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 2023
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.
Response from Debbie Carinus, General Manager at River Bend Lodge
Responded 15 Nov 2023
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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My family and I got to participate in a birding package at River Bend Lodge in October 2022. It was an incredible opportunity to share our passion for birding with likeminded people, and we jumped to do it. This was our first time in the Inyati section of Addo, and our first time at River Bend Lodge - WOW!!! We were blown away by the literal Oasis in Addo. The Lodge itself is fabulous, a garden oasis full of birds and well laid out with walkways, bird baths, garden and pool that the kids loved. The Food was simply amazing, and the lodge manager and staff literally go out of their way to ensure you are well taken care of. The lodge has three rangers who are an absolutely near perfect team, complimenting each others skills and forming a formidable set of expertise that ensure you get the most out of your game drives.
We would highly recommend spending some time at River Bend Lodge!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: October 2022
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.
Response from Debbie Carinus, General Manager at River Bend Lodge
Responded 05 Nov 2022
Dear MarkBrownSA, Thank you so very much for your wonderful review. We are so delighted that you and your family had a great stay with us. Tis Nyati section is a true gem for Birders as we cover over 5 biomes within our private concession, and as you say the bird life is phenomenal, and inbetewwn the birding are the Big 5 sightings that are always a thrill. Again, Thank you so much for your time and for your review, I will pass on your comments to the Team. Sincerely Debbie & The RiverBend Lodge Team
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Yes, as others have mentioned, you can. We did this over 2-3 days and saw some game in the Park itself, though not an enormous amount. Often we saw more game on the road from our accommodation to the entrance of River Bend (a dirt road of a few kilometres if I remember correctly, and one which you take to get to and from the Park), so if you do self drive do look out on this stretch. If you do one of the guided tours from River Bend you leave the accommodation in a different direction, but this is not permitted for self-drive.
Make sure to bring the hats and sunscreen as I am sure we will be blessed with a beautiful sunny summer day. The elephants came and paid us a visit for our Christmas lunch last year, so let's hope that we are part of their plans again this year! We are looking forward to hosting you this Christmas! See you soon
Good day Sheena,
The Long Hope Villa is a beautifully restored farmhouse set in a private location nestled between the Zuurberg Mountains and is situated on our 14 000ha private concession of the Addo Elephant National Park. The Villa offers a high standard of accommodation throughout and provides a peaceful retreat for families such as yours. When staying at the Villa, one enjoys the luxury and exclusivity of the ultimate African experience as a private chef and personal guide are provided. The Villa can accommodate up to six guests in three en-suite bedrooms with walk-in dressing rooms. The activities provided are tailored to your personal needs and wants; these include morning and sunset game drives, birding, wine tasting, photographic support and pampering spa treatments. The Villa has a private pool and sunset viewing deck with a daybed and is the perfect location for some down-time.
The temperatures in August are mild and range from 5°C to 25°C with the evenings and mornings being fairly chilly. In the Eastern Cape we enjoy summer rains thus August is relatively dry as it falls within our winter bracket.
I know that we will be able to provide you and your family with the most memorable African safari experience.
If you have any further questions/queries please do not hesitate to contact us.
Kind regards,
Anthony Lovell and the River Bend Team
Hi Juls,
River Bend has two options, you can either book Bed and Breakfast or an All inclusive option. The All inclusive option will include two game drives per day.
You can contact their reservations department to make arrangements for you.
There are more places to choose from in the Addo Elephant National Park area.
PRICE RANGE
R 10,009 - R 11,988 (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
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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