We have had to put the “No Room at the Inn” sign up at River
Bend Lodge over the Festive Season…..and we look forward to welcoming everyone
who has booked to spend some time with us over this special period and, indeed,
the rest of the Season.
Jayne and her team have gone to great lengths to create a
Festive atmosphere and we hope everyone has a wonderful time. Bookings for the
Summer and into Autumn have exceeded our expectations…and one of the most gratifying
aspects is the number of returning Guests, which is surely a sign of satisfied
customers….and this shows in some of the reviews we have received lately!!
“River Bend was the
crown of my trip at South Africa. The staff was very kindly, we spent some
times just talking about Africa with Mrs Stephanie and a lot of times in games
drives with Mr Steve. He had a special way to play with kids, looking for the
animals and talking about it and it's food, sleeping time, babies, etc. And the
lodge had little courses of taking pictures and wines to spend some time. The
space in the middle of the rooms was very beautiful, with little trees, a
swimming pool, library.” (Guilherme C –
Sao Paulo)
The River Bend Lodge
is one of the most perfect destinations in the South African Bush. this is
really where one needs to arrive at to really appreciate the wildlife in this
country. We were keen to stay away from the crowds and commercial aspects of
the more popular parks like Kruger and chose the Addo Park instead for which
River Bend was the ultimate gateway. This lodge has the advantage to allow its
guests to exclusive access to areas of the National Park which are not
available to others...the advantage being that the game drives one partakes
allows the wildlife experience to be unparalleled in every way possible, The
rangers at the lodge along with the private and practical vehicles allow the
guests a thorough insight into the flora and fauna in the local areas of the
Eastern Cape in South Africa.
Besides the wildlife
experience supervised by a trained and very friendly group of rangers we also
were spoiled by a very talented and friendly staff at the lodge itself. The
Rooms were very comfortable and provided all the modern conveniences one would
expect at this kind of property. Service levels in all areas especially in the
Food and Beverage area was exemplary as was the quality of the food and its
presentation.
In conclusion it may
be worthy to note that if traveling as a family, this is a truly friendly loge
viz. children who are made to feel very special (our kids just did'nt want to
leave and really enjoyed animal sightings and wildlife experiences thanks to
our ranger Darlington) ...
We visited River Bend
after a 2 day stay at the nearby ********** game Reserve and all I can say is
that had our experience at River Bend been prior to********,we really wouldnt
have enjoyed the ********* experience at all...this (River Bend) is a place we would return
to time and again..truly special and surreal.” (farzanasarup – Bombay)
“ I have just returned
home from a third visit to River Bend Lodge and I have to admit I feel
homesick. I want to go back. I will go back.
River Bend lodge has
it all. It is situated in a beautiful part of Addo Elephant Park with the most
amazing vistas you can possibly imagine. It has great wildlife to admire for
those who enjoy a game drive and the excitement of truly trying to track
animals that are hiding in the thicket. It has the Addo Elephants, gentle
giants that peacefully walk by, leaving their visitors in awe as they go their
way.
But on top of all
that, It is a marvellous place, a gem amongst the game lodges, with a staff
that is absolutely GREAT!
Cuisine is super! It
was a pleasure to eat at River Bend lodge on our previous trips there, but the
new chef has raised the bar considerably. Great place for Vegetarians too -
River Bend Lodge offered a superb, varied vegetarian choice. (Rudi S; Mol;
Belgium)
We spent 3 nights at
the River Bend Lodge in Addo and had a most wonderful time. Everything about
the lodge is 1st class. We had a lovely, spacious room with spectacular views.
The food was excellent and served with great style. The staff was attentive and
friendly. The game drives were awesome with our terrific guide, Mike. We had a
coffee break during the morning drive, wine & snacks during the
afternoon/evening drive, and hot chocolate handed to us as we stepped out of
our vehicle after the evening drive. Trust me, At River Bend, you will be
spoiled!
River Bend is located
within Addo Elephant National Park and the scenery is stunning. We saw
elephants, lions, antelopes, monkeys, Cape Buffalo, giraffes, wart hogs, zebras
and so much more. We had truly amazing, up close experiences with the
elephants! Mike, our guide, was very knowledgeable and used his tracking skills
to the max in order to ensure we saw all the animals at the park. The drives
were so much fun and each afternoon drive extended into night drives because we
spent time simply sitting and watching the animals in their beautiful
environment. I tell you, watching two young elephants playing in the water is
something you just don't tire of doing - we were mesmerized and didn't want to
leave!
My husband and I
really appreciated the fact that we could take the time to sit quietly, each
with our own sense of awe and wonder, and simply "be" with the
animals. Being so close to wild, free animals, watching them do their thing in
their natural home as it was meant to be, all while enjoying a glass of wine?
Well, it just doesn't get much better than that!
The accommodations at
the lodge are top-notch. Free wi-fi is available at the lodge. The outdoor
shower was a fun amenity and showering in the great outdoors watching a herd of
antelopes in the distance is a memory I will enjoy for a long time.
We did the "walk
with Giraffes" that is offered by the lodge. You don't actually walk
"with" them. Once they are spotted, you do get out of your vehicle
and walk towards them and then if they move, which they do when they spot you,
you follow them. We had an earlier experience at our first photo safari at Zulu
Nyala in KwaZulu Natal where we had a more intense and close encounter with
giraffes, so this wasn't as "thrilling" but it was still fun to watch
these beautiful animals - and to watch them watch us!!
If your trip includes
a drive along the Garden Route, which it probably will, and you want to spend
some time in luxury and give yourself a treat, while at the same time
experiencing some wonderful game drives, I highly recommend spending 2 to 3
nights at the River Bend Lodge at Addo - you won't regret it!
Room Tip: I think all
rooms are equally good - you can't go wrong.” (angelika 711; Reno; Nevada Nov 18 2012)
(To view a larger version of the Images just Click on an Image. All photographs the property of River Bend Lodge and may not be used without consent)
