Riverbend Lodge is ideally situated on a private concession inside the Addo Elephant National Park, which was established in 1931 to protect a decimated elephant population. Experience the restored park as it would have been before the elephants and other wildlife were hunted.
Riverbend Lodge offers a variety of accommodation options for our esteemed guests. Book the beautiful Honeymoon Suite, a luxury suite, extra privacy at Pepper Grove House or the seclusion of the Long Hope Villa. Book a Full Board stay, or add meals and Game drives. Create your bespoke experience to suit your needs.
Riverbend Lodge is located on a private concession within Addo Elephant National Park. You have guided access to areas of the park that very few people do, ensuring you have the full experience of Addo Elephant National Park in all its uniqueness and beauty. Our guides are eager to take you out on a game drive through Addo Elephant National Park and share their extensive knowledge of the wildlife and habitat. Have a talk with us to book your drive to witness one of the most unique biomes in the country.
Riverbend Lodge has 8 stand alone, luxury suites, together with an additional outside shower, linked by a meandering path through the lush gardens. Each suite, consisting of a luxurious bedroom, en-suite bathroom with separate bath and shower together with additional outside shower for the more adventurous, offers a distinctly individual, tranquil and private retreat. The spacious suites also boast a private patio where you can soak up the scents and sounds of Addo.
Riverbend Lodge’s game drives are like no other. The Addo Elephant National Park comprises 5 different biomes and each biome offering guests unique and individual experiences, from marveling at the magnificent elephant herds browsing a short distance from you, tracking the movements of the game (both small and large are just as important to the qualified Guides), or even learning about the medicinal values of the bush and the history of the land, ensures that there is never a dull moment while on your private safari.
Riverbend Lodge is one of the few game reserves in the Eastern Cape where you can view the Big 5 all in one wilderness area. Game drives are done in open safari vehicles, on both the exclusive use concession area of Riverbend, as well as inside the public Main Camp area thus ensuring guests get to experience all aspects and opportunities of an authentic safari.
At Riverbend we provide separate game drives for families with children, and where possible, guest parties are hosted on their own game drive vehicles.
Located on the Riverbend Lodge property, set away from the rooms by a meandering path, the Plumbago Spa beckons you to come and submit to relaxation therapy, in serene surroundings. Whether it’s a massage, a facial, a manicure or pedicure, indulge yourself and enjoy a mind and body reset.
All children of all ages are welcome, and special care is taken to ensure that all ages have a truly memorable experience. There are a variety of activities to keep them occupied and give the adults a vacation breather. Ask about our mobile playrooms, mini-rangers programme or Baking-with-the-Chef to make sure the children have an incredible vacation too.
Family safaris are available even with little ones, and this is done in a separate Game viewer to other guests, thus letting Mom and Dad relax with their family while on safari without having to curb the innate curiosity and enthusiasm of the little ones. Please note that Family safaris are unique and that all safety regulations are strictly adhered to with regards to distances from the big game.
Ask us for our extensive bird list or the link to the live birding geocaches to find your feathered friends. Our knowledgeable guides will help you tick off the boxes for any tricky identification, as well as make sure you have the time to capture them on camera and in your memory. If you want a specialist game drive for birding, we have the guides with the expertise you require.
Riverbend has access to some of the most beautiful cycling and hiking trails in the area, located just outside the Big 5 fence line. Bring your own kit, your high energy, and in-between the pampering and safari’s, we will be happy to assist you onto the hiking and cycling trails.
Should you be a keen cycling and adventure enthusiast, and interested in participating or finding out more about our Big 5, Addo Cycle Tour, do get in touch with us. This exclusive Big 5 Cycle Tour is on a very limited basis and is only done from within Riverbend Lodge into Addo Elephant National Park concession, up close and personal amongst the Big 5. A bucket list, right there.
