River Bend, Eastern Cape

rooms

There are eight spacious rooms, all with private terraces and open views. The ethos is very much traditional luxury- meets modern convenience. Set in cottages surrounding the gardens and swimming pool, all have air-conditioning, heaters and mini-bar as well as tea and coffee making facilities on request.

Long Hope House is an exclusive villa with three en-suite bedrooms, ideal for those travelling with family or friends and seeking privacy. With a private chef and game drive vehicle, you can enjoy a very personal and flexible safari experience.

facilities & activities

4WD Game Drives take you to into the Addo Elephant Park and also the private concessions which are not open to the public.

The Intsomi Conservancy is 7,500 hectares of private land, home to a great many species including giraffe, zebra and antelope but no predators, so safe for walks!

The Nyathi Concession is home to free roaming lions, elephant, rhino and buffalo. There is a wildlife rehabilitation centre located in the private conservancy, currently breeding wild dogs and serval. It is also home to an orphaned leopard and white rhino family.

One of the most appealing inclusive activities are the Giraffe Excursions, which allow guests to spend a few hours walking with these graceful creatures. Simply enquire with the lodge.

There is a good-sized swimming pool in central gardens, fenced for safety whilst The Vitality Studio offers a range of body and beauty treatments (at a charge).

Finally, why not enjoy a picnic amongst the orchards of the lodge's Citrus Farm.

dining

The Dining Room serves breakfast and dinner. Light meals are served around the pool, on the veranda, or in the privacy of your room.

Drinks can be enjoyed in the lounge and mezzanine library area, or on the viewing deck.

Picnics can be arranged for the orchards or for trips to the nearby attractions.

family

Children of all ages are welcome at River Bend. There are no age restrictions on game drives and children will love the Mini Rangers Programme, which takes them on their own safari adventure- equally popular with parents needing a bit of child-free relaxation.

Between game drives children are welcome to join the chef for a spot of cooking. Younger guests will also enjoy the playroom, equipped with toys, games, art and craft supplies and bikes. Free of charge, it is open from 08:00 – 17:00 daily. The lodge also have 'mobile playrooms' which ca be brought to your suite or garden for playtime.

For something a bit different, how about a snake viewing experience? Children will be taught about the different types of snakes found not only in the reserve but in South Africa as a whole.

In terms of practical considerations, there lodge offers a children's menu and bespoke meals if required. Babysitters can also be arranged on request for a fee.

Up to two children can share with adults on mattresses/bunk beds whilst inter-connecting rooms are also available. Long Hope House, which sleeps up to six people in three rooms is ideal for larger families.

location

Anchored on endless horizons and flanked by the Zuurberg Mountains, RiverBend Lodge is a one hour drive from Port Elizabeth, situated within a vast private concession area of the Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa's Eastern Cape Province.