About River Bend Lodge
On a private concession between the Nyati and Addo main section of South Africa’s Addo Elephant National ...
... Park stands the luxurious River Bend Lodge. It aims at providing pleasurable country life right in the middle of the Eastern Cape’s bush, with a notable focus on families and children. It is a very comfortable base from where to discover Addo Elephant Park, which is famous for its excellent elephant viewing.
River Bend Lodge is very easily accessible by car, and very comfortable indeed – in fact, consciously luxurious. It’s like a small luxury hotel in some ways, although that does come at the cost of any real feeling of ‘wilderness’. Where we think it really excels is in providing a very safe and exceedingly child-friendly environment for families with younger children – who will love the freedom they have around the lodge and the attitude of the lodge team, as well as the proximity of the game.
Our view
River Bend Lodge is very easily accessible by car, and very comfortable indeed – in fact, consciously luxurious. It’s like a small luxury hotel in some ways, although that does come at the cost of any real feeling of ‘wilderness’. Where we think it really excels is in providing a very safe and exceedingly child-friendly environment for families with younger children – who will love the freedom they have around the lodge and the attitude of the lodge team, as well as the proximity of the game.
Accommodation
8 suites
Children
Excellent for children
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Private activities
Traveller reviews of River Bend Lodge
5 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 20 Mar 2018, 2 nights
"River Bend Lodge review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 1 Dec 2017, 3 nights
"Great stay at River Bend Lodge"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 16 Dec 2015, 3 nights
"A very enjoyable safari"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 28 Feb 2015, 1 nights
"superb"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 25 Feb 2015, 3 nights
"Perfect climax of our trip"
Overall rating: Excellent






























Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 30 pictures of River Bend Lodge to get the candid view.
View galleryRiver Bend Lodge: Our full report
On a private concession between the Nyati and Addo main section of South Africa’s Addo Elephant National ...
... Park stands the luxurious River Bend Lodge. It aims at providing pleasurable country life right in the middle of the Eastern Cape’s bush, with a notable focus on families and children. It is a very comfortable base from where to discover Addo Elephant Park, which is famous for its excellent elephant viewing.
At River Bend there are eight luxurious suites including two for families, linked by a path through the lodge’s garden. All of them are air-conditioned and equipped with ceiling fans.
Each of River Bend Lodge’s seven stand alone double suites has a large bed with white percale linen and cushions, a couple of cosy armchairs, a little desk, a mini bar, a tea and coffee station and a concealed flat screen TV. Double doors lead out onto a private patio open to the bushveld. The en-suite bathroom features a shower, separate bath, and a hairdryer. The beige carpet and warm, earthy colours which dominate the rooms help it to feel very homely and comfortable.
There are two ‘inter-leading’ family units at River Bend that can accommodate families. Except of their inter-leading doors and built-in baths, these are similar in style and furnishing to the double suites.
The honeymoon suite at River Bend has some additional amenities like a private deck with its own plunge pool offering nice views of the bushveld, an additional outside shower and an espresso maker.
About one kilometre from the main lodge the separate, private Long Hope Villa can be booked on an ‘exclusive-use’ basis by groups of up to six travellers. It comes fully staffed with a private chef and guide.
The common areas at the main River Bend Lodge include a central lounge, a very formal dining room, a bar, a long terrace overlooking a waterhole on the other side of the fence, which is great for breakfast, a nice and large pool, a Spa and a day room.
River Bend’s stone-floored dining area feels very formal, with white table cloths, white chairs, huge chandeliers, some wooden tables and torch-light lanterns on the wall. It also includes a small selection of books.
The lounge-like, tiled day room at River Bend Lodge offers comfortable wicker furniture to relax on and a TV.
River Bend Lodge’s swimming pool has a very shallow long step covering the whole with two steps down to a deeper area, which bottoms out again at the end.
Activities from River Bend face travellers with the choice between 4WD safaris on the lodge’s private concession and self-drives in the public section of the national park, whose wildlife area is easily accessible for self-driving guests. For more information about wildlife and vegetation in this area, see our Addo Park page.
4WD wildlife safaris in River Bend Lodge’s conservancy are tailored to suit guests’ interests and schedules. There are two safari vehicles: one with three rows consisting of two seats each, with a box in the middle of each row; and one for bigger groups, which has three rows with a total of nine seats. A special highlight on game drives from River Bend is that a resident photographer offers free photography advice to help guests choose the right lens, settings, composition and positioning. At the lodge you can also do free photography courses, from basic introductions to editing and manipulation courses.
As the eagle flies, River Bend Lodge is less than 1.5km from the main, tarred R342 road which cuts through Addo from east to west. This makes the lodges very easily accessible indeed, but the proximity doesn’t lend it any feeling of ‘wilderness’ – and the occasional overhead power line in this area of Addo doesn’t help either.
That said, the lodge’s concession stretches over parts of five biomes and is home to about 300 bird species. Travellers interested in birdwatching might appreciate that all guides at the lodge are trained birders who can take you on a private birding trip.
Other activities possible include walking with giraffes, wine tasting and treatments in River Bend’s Spa, which offers e.g. full body and pregnancy massages. However, please note these treatments will be charged additionally.
Geographics
- Location
- Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa
- Directions
- It’s an easy 60 minutes’ self-drive on tarred roads from Port Elizabeth Airport to River Bend Lodge. Take the N2 towards Grahamstown, then change on the R335 towards Addo. 11.5km after Addo Town you will see the first signposts directing you to River Bend.
Alternatively, road transfers or chartered helicopter flights from Port Elizabeth can be arranged. - Accessible by
- Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- The Classic French cuisine at River Bend Lodge is complimented by some very good South African wines.
- Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room service is available.
Special interests
- Family holidays
- With a very positive attitude towards children and high flexibility, River Bend Lodge offers excellent South Africa family safari holidays. Kids can participate e.g. in baking and a ‘mini rangers’ programme, or go on a self-drive safari in Addo Park with their parents.
- See ideas for Family holidays in South Africa
- Birdwatching
- Embracing parts of five biomes, River Bend’s concession is home to an incredible 300 African bird species – the nearby Addo Park hosts even 400 species. All guides at the lodge are trained birders who can take you on a private birding trip.
- See ideas for Birdwatching in South Africa
- Photography holidays
- A resident photographer at River Bend Lodge in South Africa offers free courses, from basic introductions to editing and manipulation. He also assists guests to choose the right lens, settings, composition and positioning on game drives.
- See ideas for Photography holidays in South Africa
- Wildlife safaris
- At River Bend you can choose between wildlife safaris in the lodge’s private concession, tailored to guests’ interests and schedules, and self-drives in South Africa’s Addo Park. This has a high density of elephants and many kudu, warthog, Burchell’s zebra and eland.
- See ideas for Wildlife safaris in South Africa
- Private villas & houses
- Long Hope is a fully staffed private villa in South Africa’s Cape sleeping up to six travellers. About one kilometre from the main River Bend Lodge, it’s ideally located for visits to Addo Park, which is famous for elephant viewing.
- See ideas for Private villas & houses in South Africa
- Luxury
- Reminiscent of nostalgic and colonial opulence, River Bend Lodge offers a high-quality stay in a rural location. Experience wildlife viewing from your own veranda, African-themed evenings with fine dining and cozy nights at the fireplace.
- See ideas for Luxury in South Africa
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children of all ages are welcome.
- Property’s age restrictions
- None
- Special activities & services
- River Bend Lodge is very used to baby dietary requests and happy to arrange flexible meal times for children. The lodge even has child seats for their game drive vehicles, although it’s more usual for self-drivers to use the car hire seat and attach that to the game drive vehicle.
Baby sitters are available but you shouldn’t expect them to be qualified to European standards.
The lodge offers a selection of toys and DVDs for children. They can bake with the chef, participate in the mini-rangers programme or even get a spa treatment that is appropriate for children, as we are told. - Equipment
- Two sets of rooms have inter-leading doors, so that they can accommodate families. There are also cots and high chairs available at the lodge.
- Generally recommended for children
- River Bend Lodge has a strong emphasis on families with children. On our most recent visit with two young children in May 2013, the staff showed a high level of flexibility and a generally very positive attitude towards children. Therefore we feel it is a very good place to stay for families.
- Notes
- The swimming pool can easily be gated off with proper gates that children really can’t open.
Children under three years sharing with their parents stay free, while 3-16-year-olds pay children’s rates.
Communications
- Communications
- In all rooms at River Bend Lodge there are telephones which go through internationally or just to the reception.
Guests can use the computer in the reception or access free WiFi in their rooms. - TV & radio
- Satellite TV is provided by each suite’s concealed flat screen. Moreover, there is a TV in River Bend’s day room.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- No
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Fire safety
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Private activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- Laundry facilities
- A laundry service is available at an additional cost.
- Money
- Each of the lodge’s suites possesses an electronic safe.
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River Bend Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of River Bend Lodge.
Other lodges in Addo Elephant National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.

Elephant House
Elephant House is a welcoming, owner-run base for those wishing to explore the Addo Elephant National Park and the surrounding area.

Addo Main Camp
Addo Rest Camp offers a variety of self-catering accommodation types to suit all tastes. Overlooking a floodlit waterhole, the camp allows guests to get a closer view of the elephants in the park.

Gorah Elephant Camp
A beautiful safari camp set within Addo Elephant Park. Lovely tented suites and great game viewing make this a great stop along South Africa's glorious Garden Route.

Camp Fig Tree
Camp Fig Tree is a luxurious lodge located just outside Addo Elephant Park. It is well situated for visits to the park itself.

Camp Matyholweni
An easily accessible safari camp in Addo Elephant Park, Matyholweni offers self-catering family cottages, as well as access to the nearby town of Colchester.
When to go to Addo Elephant National Park
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit River Bend Lodge in Addo Elephant National Park
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
South Africa in January
January is considered one of the best months to travel. In Cape Town the weather is hot and generally dry. The Garden Route is also excellent at this time of the year but has a more temperate climate, with slightly lower temperatures and rain can fall at any time of the year. In the Kgalagadi temperatures often top 40°C and short, sharp thunderstorms are also fairly frequent. Wildlife tends to disperse, although birding is excellent.
As this is the high season in the Cape there are numerous events, festivals and outdoor activities to attract visitors. Accommodation books up quickly and it may be necessary to book at least a year in advance. Reservations will often be needed for restaurants and visitor attractions too.
- Hot, largely dry days with clear skies – except on Garden Route
- Wildlife disperses in the Kalahari but birding excellent
- Events, festivals and outdoor activities staged for the high season
- The high season in the Cape, accommodation can cost up to 50% more
- Pre-booking of activities & attractions is essential
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in January
South Africa in February
In February conditions are largely the same as in January, although temperatures can be slightly higher, especially in the interior. The wind in Cape Town starts to ease off. Although the Garden Route can experience some rain, the days are pleasantly warm and largely dry.
The Kgalagadi remains very hot, but the birding is still excellent. Wildlife viewing can be tricky especially if there has been some rain, as the resulting long grass can obscure the animals.
For visitors it’s still the high season, but with the local school holidays over and residents back at work, it is less busy than December and January. Accommodation costs remain high and it’s still advisable to pre-book certain activities and restaurants.
- Hot, largely dry days with little cloud
- Wind starts easing in Cape Town
- Slightly less busy than December & January
- Accommodation costs remain high, activities still best pre-booked
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in February
South Africa in March
March is still a very good time to visit. Conditions remain dry and very warm in Cape Town, although temperatures start dropping off towards the end of the month. The wind has usually died right down.
The Kalahari remains very hot and in years of good rains vegetation is at its most lush – making wildlife viewing tricky.
Typically, the crowds dwindle, but it can get very busy if Easter falls in March. It is also worth bearing in mind that during major events in March, including the Cape Town Cycle Tour, Cape Epic Mountain Bike Tour, The Cape Town Carnival and the International Jazz Festival, accommodation can get very full.
Attractions remain busy but booking is less essential.
- Temperatures start falling towards the end of the month
- Cape Town hosts a number of world class sport and cultural events
- Wildlife in the Kgalagadi disperses, game viewing more challenging
- Crowds diminish as the high season comes to an end
- Accommodation can get busy during major events
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in March
South Africa in April
April is South Africa’s “shoulder” season and is often the most pleasant. Not too hot, not too cold, some rain but not masses. In Cape Town and along the Garden Route days are usually sunny, warm, windless and largely dry, although in Cape Town the chance of rain increases from the end of the month.
In the Kgalagadi the rainy season is typically over and migratory birds are starting to make their journey back up North. Vegetation remains lush but wildlife viewing starts picking up towards the end of the month.
The region is still relatively busy (especially of its still Easter) but it gets quieter towards the end of the month thus availability improves. Accommodation rates start to decrease, and it becomes less important to book restaurants and attractions in advance.
- Temperatures still warm and very pleasant, with little wind.
- Rain starts easing in the Kalahari and migratory birds start to depart
- Less busy, especially towards the end of the month - busy over Easter
- Accommodation frees up and prices start to come down
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in April
South Africa in May
May marks the start of the dry season in the Kgalagadi. Days are warm and dry with almost zero rainfall. Night-time/early-morning temperatures can drop towards 0°C. Wildlife viewing is at its peak as animals concentrate around the few remaining water sources.
Days can still be warm and sunny in Cape Town and on the Garden Route, but the weather becomes a lot more variable. May heralds the start of the rainy season in Cape Town and the winelands. Night-time temperatures rarely drop below 10 degrees in the coastal areas.
With far fewer tourists, accommodation prices are at their lowest. There is rarely any need to pre-book activities, but reservations are still advisable at some of the top restaurants.
- Higher chance of rain in Cape Town & the Winelands
- Day time temperatures drop significantly
- Wildlife viewing peaks in the Kgalagadi
- Low season so rarely busy & very few crowds
- Low season rates at the hotels & lodges
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in May
South Africa in June
Winter is now in full swing. Maximum temperatures in Cape Town rarely reach 20°C and the rainy season is well under way. Outdoor activities therefore become limited, but a number of high-quality indoor events are organised.
The Garden Route has, in general milder weather and less rain than Cape Town.
June sees the arrival of the first whales which migrate to the South African coastline to give birth.
In the Kgalagadi, daytime temperatures are warm but nights and early mornings are bitterly cold. Wildlife viewing is excellent as animals are drawn to the few remaining permanent water points.
Overall tourist numbers are at their lowest, as are the costs of flights and accommodation.
- Cold & wet weather in Cape Town, Kgalagadi warm days but cold at night
- One of the best months for wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
- Whales start arriving to have their calves
- Low visitor numbers & no crowds
- Accommodation & flight prices remain low
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in June
South Africa in July
The winter weather continues with very cold nights and early mornings in the Kgalagadi and virtually no rainfall. Vegetation here is really thinning out now and water even more scarce – so wildlife is easy to spot.
Despite the winter and local school holidays, Cape Town remains a great place to visit. On a wet and cold day, the Two Oceans Aquarium, Zeitz Mocca (art museum) and the Cape Town Comedy Club all make for great days out, as does a trip to the wine country or the annual Oyster Festival at Knysna.
By mid-July most of the whales have arrived to give birth. Hermanus is the best place to see them.
At the height of the low season, so accommodation and flight prices remain low.
- Generally cold & wet in the Cape, but good quality indoor events
- Very good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
- Oyster festival in Knysna
- Local school holidays can make places a little busier than usual
- Accommodation and flight prices remain low
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in July
South Africa in August
While August experiences mostly wintry weather it does mark the very beginning of spring with temperatures starting to rise. Visitors are drawn to the West Coast and Namaqualand to see the wildflowers, which start blooming in late August and can be seen until mid-September. Whales are still in abundance now too.
The Kgalagadi is now very dry and wildlife vieiwng is still good. Temperatures start climbing towards the end of the month.
Despite the weather , visitor numbers can be high as the northern hemisphere schools close for their summer holidays. It may be a good idea to book certain attractions and restaurants in advance.
Simlarly, although accommodation prices are still low, flight prices can be a little higher than in previous months.
- Temperatures start rising – but still potential for cold & wet weather
- Wildflowers on the West Coast & in Namaqualand
- Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
- Whales continue to attract visitors
- Can get busy due to northern hemisphere school summer holidays
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in August
South Africa in September
Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi continues and daytime temperatures increase quite dramatically. Mornings and evenings are still on the chilly side, but not as cold as they are in June, July and August.
The 1st of September is officially the start of spring in Cape Town. Days become warmer but not quite warm enough to enjoy the city’s beautiful beaches. Venues all over Cape Town play host to various artists during the Cape Town Fringe Festival.
Rainy days are fewer, but night times can still get chilly. Many hotels are still charging low season rates making September great value for money.
Elsewhere, Hermanus hosts the popular annual Whale Festival, and in the West of the Cape, wildflowers continue to bloom until the middle of the month.
- The start of spring; temperatures start rising
- Whale festival in Hermanus
- Cape Town Fringe Ferstival attracts a wide range of artists
- Wildflowers blooming well until the middle of the month
- Good wildlife viewing continues in the Kgalagadi
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in September
South Africa in October
The weather starts warming up nicely, Cape Town experiences pleasant days, with much less rain, nights can still be quite cool, but not cold. Some days are now warm enough to enjoy the beach. This is one of the best months to visit the Cape Region.
October is one of the hottest months in the Kalahari. Water remains very scarce, so the wildlife viewing is still very good. Towards the end of the month the odd spectacular thunderstorm is possible with much lightning and thunder. Migratory birds start to arrive, and resident species gear up for the breeding season.
The whales are still present with Hermanus and False Bay the best places to see them.
- Days start warming up; fewer rainy days in Cape Town
- Very hot in the Kalahari – thunderstorms season starts
- Migratory birds start arriving & resident birds start breeding
- Whale watching still excellent in Hermanus and False Bay areas
- Start of the high season, getting busy and accommodation prices rise
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
South Africa in November
By November Cape Town is experiencing summer conditions with hot, clear days and warm, pleasant evenings. It’s a great month to enjoy the beaches before the peak holiday season in December. There are no real downsides to visiting in November and you may even get a few accommodation specials before prices go up for the festive season. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens begins their summer outdoor concerts with local and international artists performing.
The Kgalagadi remains hot but thunderstorms are a bit more regular. With the rains, water sources become more plentiful and wildlife disperses but this is when herbivores such as Springbok start lambing. Photography improves as conditions become less hazy.
This is the last month for regular whale sightings – they tend to migrate back down south by early December.
- Summer now in full swing, with temperatures often reaching 30°C
- Rainy days scarce; evenings warm & very pleasant
- Antelope start lambing in the Kgalagadi; wildlife generally dispersed
- Last month for regular whale sightings
- Good time to visit Cape Town before the peak holiday season
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in November
South Africa in December
December is usually Cape Town’s hottest month when temperatures frequently breach 30°C. You can expect hot and cloudless days, and almost no rain but December does see the occasional very windy day.
The Kalahari is still hot, but temperatures are not quite as high as previous months. With the rainfall the bush transforms into various shades of green. Wildlife disperses as water become more widely available.
The Garden Route enjoys warm to hot days with rain at any time but usually not over an extended period.
Mid to late December becomes incredibly busy with concerts, festivals and various outdoor activities in Cape Town. Hotel prices rise, tourist attractions and beaches are crowded and most popular sites and restaurants need to be booked in advance.
- Long, hot sunny days
- Kgalagadi bursts into life as rainy season kicks in
- Wildlife viewing a bit trickier as wildlife disperses
- Cape Town buzzing with concerts, events, festivals etc
- Peak season: attractions get very busy & accommodation costs rise
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in December

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