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mfranks911
Edgware, United Kingdom

A true five star safari experience

5.0 of 5 bubblesReviewed 03 Jan 2024
We have just moved on from a four night stay at River Bend Lodge. Very friendly and helpful staff and extremely well run by Debbie who puts her hand to everything.
The property is like an English Country House Hotel in a private game reserve. The rooms are lovely and comfortable and very well furnished. Breakfast is nice although I would have liked to have seen a few more cold options on the buffet. Lunch and dinner are both very good with friendly service and the inclusive wine list was excellent.
Game viewing is perhaps not the best you can experience but the star of the show for us was our Ranger Leo Herbst who was exceptional and possibly the best we have had in many years of safari. Highly informative with a lovely way and his interest in birds was a great benefit for us. He deserves to have a great career
This is very much a luxury Lodge and we spent New Year there. Certainly one to return to sometime.
Date of stay: January 2024
Room Tip: All rooms are comfortable. The lodge is 7km off the main road and the approach is bumpy so an SUV...
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
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Debbie Carinus, General Manager at River Bend Lodge, responded to this review
Responded 06 Jan 2024
Dear mfranks911,

Thank you for your absolutely awesome review, and for choosing RiverBend for your holiday.

We are so delighted that you loved RiverBend as much as we do, and that your holiday was one that you enjoyed.

The wildlife were definitely playing 'Hide n Seek' with us over a good portion of the holiday, especially over the rainy colder days.

Do take care and all the very, very best for 2024.

Sincerely

Debbie & The RiverBend Lodge Tram
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Reviewed 2 January 2024

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.

Date of stay: November 2023
  • Trip type: Travelled with family
    • Value
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    • Service
Thank Nao186338
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.
Debbie Carinus, General Manager at River Bend Lodge, responded to this reviewResponded 6 January 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

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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Reviewed 4 December 2023

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.

Date of stay: November 2023
    • Value
    • Location
    • Sleep Quality
    • Rooms
    • Cleanliness
    • Service
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Thank calgcpl1
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.
Debbie Carinus, General Manager at River Bend Lodge, responded to this reviewResponded 7 December 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

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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Reviewed 20 November 2023

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!

Date of stay: October 2023
    • Value
    • Location
    • Sleep Quality
    • Rooms
    • Cleanliness
    • Service
Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Thank MXHLondon
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.
Debbie Carinus, General Manager at River Bend Lodge, responded to this reviewResponded 22 November 2023

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
Reviewed 28 October 2023 via mobile

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.

Date of stay: October 2023
Trip type: Travelled with friends
Thank choward62
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.
Debbie Carinus, General Manager at River Bend Lodge, responded to this reviewResponded 16 November 2023

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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Reviewed 28 October 2023 via mobile

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

Date of stay: October 2023
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Thank Nomad59867280184
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.
Debbie Carinus, General Manager at River Bend Lodge, responded to this reviewResponded 16 November 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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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
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