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:
