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.
Reflects recent average nightly prices reported by our partners, and may not include estimated taxes or fees. Price at checkout may differ.
Cheaper
Average
Higher
About
4.5
#2 of 4 lodges in Addo Elephant National Park
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
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
Park View
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans, Xhosa
Location
Zuurberg Road, Addo Elephant National Park 6105 South Africa
I had the most wonderful time staying at River Bend. The lodge is situated on a private concession to Addo national park. Even though I was there during the worst drought since over 100 hundred years, I was baffled by the amazing abundance of wildlife, especially birds. In five days I saw no less than 85 birdspecies! This was made possible by the absolutely amazing guide, Chris. His knowledge about wildlife is astounding. He is passionate about what he does and it shows. He does everything he can to make the gamedrives even more impressive and fun than they already are. I learned and saw so much in just a few days, it was incredible. The lodge does everything to make your experience unforgettable. It is small scaled and personal. For two days I had private game drives. They could have put me in with other guests but they didn’t because they want to tailor to your wishes. I was amazed. All the staff will do their utmost to tend to your every need and the approach is very personal and kind. The food was absolutely amazing. The rooms are spacious and very private. They are actually seperate cottages with beautiful views on the surrounding bush. There were zebra grazing just a few meters from my room. And behind the central lodge is a large waterhole that attracts various wildlife. The gardens are beautiful and attract many birds. I saw crowned hornbills and green wood hoopoos from just a few meters away. Amazing photo opportunities!
Read more
Date of stay: July 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
Der BarbaraB, Thank you so much for taking the time to give us feedback on your stay with us. Indeed RiverBend is an exquisite gem, and we are so delighted to have been able to share it with you. Chris, is a wonderful Guide, one of whom we value highly. The Lodge has been blessed to find Guides who believe and carry through the Aim of the owners,...' create an opportunity to awaken a passion for conservation ' Again Thank You so much for your wonderful review, and just to let you know we miss seeing you on your pool lounger, as you sort through your treasure trove of 'phenomenal' photos from the day. Please do take care and be safe until we see you again. Sincerely, Debbie & the RiverBend Lodge Team
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Had a lovely stay over Christmas even though the weather wasn't as hot as expected! This was our 4th visit but the 1st over Christmas and we have already booked the same rooms for Christmas 2024! It was so nice to return and be greeted like friends and family. Debbie and all the staff work so hard to make your stay as pleasurable as possible, they get really disappointed when you don't have lunch as you ate too many snacks on the morning Game Drive and then had a massive breakfast! The guides are excellent, we had Ryan this time, ask what you're interested in and what you'd like to see on your drives. We managed to find Jess! Recommend staying All Inclusive as this includes 2 Game Drives a day at times to suit you. The scenery in this section of Addo Elephant NP is stunning, so different to the main sections of the park. Only River Bend vehicles allowed so you feel as though you are the only ones there!
Read more
Date of stay: December 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 11 Jan 2024
Dear Susie Bimingham, We just loved having you back with us, your appreciation for nature in its balanced environment is such a pleasure to behold, as is your appreciation for the efforts made by the Team. We look forward to Welcoming you back into your Home from Home, and until then all the very best for 2024 travel safe and see you soon. Sincerely, Debbie and the RiverBend Lodge Team
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
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!
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: August 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 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
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
River Bend Lodge has it all. It’s situated in a large private concession of Addo elephant park and is home to not only the big five, but also a stunning amount of birdspecies - one even more spectacular than the next. You don’t even have to leave the lodge to get up close and personal to many bird species, because the lodge’s garden is a birders paradise. Barbets, hornbills, bee-eaters, wood hoopoos to name a few all frequent the garden, giving spectacular photo opportunitites. There is a waterhole right outside the perimeter of the lodge that attrackts herds of elephant, kudu, zebra, buffalo and eland. You can admire them while being spoiled with a lavish breakfast or lunch.
But the best thing is you get to go on undisturbed gamedrives with awesome guides without any disturbances or pressures. If you want to stay a lottle longer (to take photos in my case) you can just ask. If there’s something you want to see or a place you want to go, just ask and they’ll domtheur utmost. That makes a world of difference while out on safari!
The staff in the lodge also all go out of their way to make you feel at home and pampered. Even when travelling alone, I felt welcome and cherished. The lodge really feels like a ‘home away from home’ and makes me want to return again and again. The rooms are spacious and very comfortable (I love the bed, the view and the airo!) and the food is fantastic. You can sit on the terrace and enjoy the night sky and the sounds of the bush while having all the comforts (and more!) of home. I love this place, can’t wait to be back!
Read more
Date of stay: May 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 05 Jun 2024
Dear Okiedokieyeah, Wow, Thank you so much for taking your time to write such a phenomenal review on your stay with us. We are so, so delighted that your stay with us was all and more than you expected, and that you were well looked after and got to enjoy your time in this most beautiful wild bush, that is the Addo Elephant National Park. As to the birding and photography that you got to do as well, that is such a lovely extra value add that is a part of RiverBend Lodge and I am just delighted that you were given the RiverBend Lodge attention to make it so special for you. We cannot wait to Welcome you back 'home' to RiverBend Lodge. Until then do travel safely. Sincerely, Debbie & The RiverBend Lodge Team
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
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. .
Read more
Date of stay: February 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 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
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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.
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: November 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 06 Dec 2023
Dear Calgcpl1, Thank you so much for taking the time to do a review for us, and what a super review again Thank You. The fact that you have grown to love RiverBend like we do means the world to us, and we cannot wait to see you again. Do take care until then and may we in advance take this opportunity to wish you, and your loved ones not only a family filled Christmas with loads of Love and hugs and laughter, but may your New Year of 2024 be an excellent one for you all. See you soon! Sincerely Debbie & The RiverBend Lodge Team
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
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!
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: March 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 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
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Another excellent stay with fantastic food lovingly prepared by Sam, Great drives with Darlington covered just about every peak and valley on the reserve, awesome viewings. The villa was neat and tidy but is showing its age in some areas, a few repairs and it will be top notch. We will be back soon!
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: March 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 04 Apr 2021
Dear MaryAfrica, We are so delighted that you had a wonderful stay with us, while at our Long Hope Villa, and got to experience the diversity and beauty of the concession. Those valleys and peaks are just spectacular The team at Long Hope Villa are just the best, who really do give nothing but their best. We, are also happy to state that now that the paining, and the sealing of the newly sanded wooden floor boards are completed, we will definitely now focus on the smaller items, that next need our attention. Please take care until we see you again, and be safe. Sincerely, Debbie & The Long Hope Team
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
It was like I would have have imagine the days long gone bye. Food was excellent, beautifully presented by an excellent Chef. Service was excellent, nothing being too much trouble Location in their own game park, was an added luxuary.
Read more
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
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 08 Mar 2020
Dear Psimon197656 Thank you so much for your review. We are so glad that you had a wonderful stay with us. I will pass on your comments to the Team. We do take our feedback to heart as it helps us keep a finger on the pulse of the business our GUEST. Until we see you again travel safely Sincerely Debbie & The RiverBend Team
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This place is truly wonderful! We were here with our 2 year old son and they COULD NOT have been more accommodating. The rooms are gorgeous, the communal bar and dining areas are lovely and the pool is heavenly (it was very hot when we where there). Moses and Ntumbi where amazing! They made our stay so magical! Nothing was too much trouble for them and they made our son's food outside of the normal hours and were just brilliant. The food is excellent! Eating an incredible breakfast whist wanting a massive herd of elephants playing in the watering hole for a good hour is something we shall never forget. The safari was amazing - our guide Paul was perfect and so warm and friendly with our son, keeping him involved, letting him taste fruits and leaves and teaching him about tracking the footprints and just made it a wonderful experience for us all. A month after we left he still talks about 'Paul's truck' and all the animals we saw! THANK YOU.
Read more
Date of stay: November 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 06 Jan 2024
Dear Nao186338, Thank you so very much for your wonderful review, and for taking the time to write it, this means everything to us as this is how we keep a finger on the pulse of RiverBend, our GUESTS. I will pass on your wonderful compliments to the RiverBend Lodge Team Wishing you all a safe, happy and healthy 2024. Sincerely Debbie & The RiverBend Lodge Team
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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 7,939 - R 10,275 (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.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
