Tuesday, January 7, 2014

What to expect at River Bend Lodge.


One of the greatest compliments any Guest staying at River Bend Lodge is to say…”We absolutely loved our stay, it was just as we expected it to be”. And we are hearing that again and again.

So what can you expect? Here is a typical stay, and the choices you have…with some images to say what words cannot.

Upon check in you will be shown around the Lodge by one of our Hostesses’.



Assuming a late morning check – in Guests will have time to settle in to their rooms and after doing so come down to the bar area or western verandah for a drink and lunch.  Guests have a choice of three courses which enables you to choose according to varying appetites and preferences. Anything from a light salad to something more substantial.







After lunch Guests have leisure time…swimming, afternoon nap, bonding with children or just doing as you feel.


Room 1 ....The Honeymoon Suite


Tea is served in the Lounge area anytime from three o’ clock to three thirty. You will be introduced to your Guide who will explain in detail your options during your stay and what you can choose to do. Your first Game Drive follows at around four o’ clock, (earlier in winter) and can last up until around eight o’ clock should you wish to view some of the early nocturnal animals. Should Guests wish to do a Night Drive this can be arranged and would normally commence after Dinner. Your Game Drive will include a stop over at a vantage point, which could include a view of Elephants and Buffalo grazing as experienced this week by Guests from The Netherlands.






On return from your drive you will be met at reception with a fresh towel and something warm or cool to drink…depending on the weather. Your Guide will again outline your options for the next day or day’s……
…….a morning drive and your choice of time of departure – beverages delivered or make yourself a Nespresso in the comfort of your room.
…….breakfast at your leisure on return
…….a day around the pool (which, with the temperature hovering around 40°C, is the popular choice today)
…….a visit to the Public area of the Addo National Elephant Park, just a 10 minute drive away. You can do this privately or arrange one of our Guides to take you. We normally arrange to take Guests in the event of it bring too wet on our side of the Park.
…….’walk’ with Giraffe
…….a relaxing Spa treatment
…….a Mini Rangers Course for the children (tailored to their age)
…….Introduction to Photography Course
…….evening Introduction to South African Wines presentation whilst on drive or back at the Lodge (in which case your drive will be cut a little short)
or just plain…time on your own!...followed by an evening Drive.








Our motto is “The Luxury of Choice”…….and we like to give you that.

We pride ourselves in our accessibility and personal attention….whilst we fully understand and respect the need for privacy and personal space.

River Bend Lodge is situated in a concession (Nyathi Concession) of the Addo National Elephant Park on an area of around 14 000 hectares. We have a herd (actually a parade) of Elephants numbering around 140 and counting!....Buffalo, Black Rhino, Lions and numerous other game which our Guides delight in sharing the viewing experience with you.








We can accommodate 16 Guests (plus children) at River Bend Lodge and 6 at Long Hope Villa, which is a separate self contained exclusive use Cottage which has been tastefully restored.












Climate.

Summers are warm and the temperatures are normally around the high 20’s to mid 30’s (degrees Celsius)….although they can soar into the 40’s!!! Dinner can be taken on the Western Verandah in the summer and sometimes the additional pleasure of Buffalo wallowing in the waterhole below or Lions roaring nearby can make this a unique experience…..whilst enjoying Chef Kelly Liggett and his teams culinary creations and sipping on a glass of your choice from our carefully selected Wines on our Wine List.

Winters are mild although it can be fairly cold early in the morning and after the sun goes down…..and warm blankets are provided whilst on Game Drive for your convenience. Bring warm clothes. The period from around the beginning of April to mid July can provide some of the most glorious weather in the Eastern Cape….lovely sunny warm days and cool to cold nights.

Please feel free to ask any questions via email to reservations@riverbendlodge.co.za and we will get back to you. Should you want us to Blog more about a specific topic please send your request to the above email address or michael@riverbendlodge.co.za

River Bend Lodge is for you if you want a remote and real Safari experience. The Management care sincerely about each and every guest and their needs and requirements. The staff seem to really enjoyed their jobs and this makes for a really comfortable and relaxing stay in a small (8 room) lodge. The food is exceptional and guides knowledgeable...” 32 Gem on Tripadvisor

“A perfect safari experience - and far superior to staying in the main park. Gorgeous scenery, amazing access to wildlife (elephants, lions, rhino, zebra, giraffes, buffalo...), beautiful accommodation and delicious food. Our guide, Darlington, was very knowledgable and really made the trip for us.” LisaCSF Tripadvisor

 “We visited the Riverbend Lodge for the second time and again we booked the Long Hope villa. And for the second time we were excited. It's a great place to stay. Darlington, our guide, has such a passion for nature and everything that lives and growes in nature. He showed us elephans so close by, lions and and all the...”  PeterE Tripadvisor

Here are the Links to recent reviews:




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