Overview of RiverBend Lodge

Situated within a 14 000ha private concession of the Addo Elephant National Park, and surrounded by the beautiful Sundays River Valley, River Bend Lodge offers a stylish approach to country living. Ideal for a family vacation, the lodge not only cares about guests of all ages, but also about the conservation and rehabilitation of local wildlife. The beautiful lands surrounding River Bend boast a wide variety of vegetation, including thick, forested valleys and wide savannah plains.

Explore these lands as you enjoy personalised game drives into the nearby Zuurberg Mountains or get closer to nature by tracking wildlife on foot. Children will love the tracking courses offered at the lodge and the many other child-orientated outdoor activities while you enjoy a quiet stroll through the citrus orchards of the adjacent farm or learn about the medicinal values of the different bush plants.

Rates

Competitive rates for unforgettable experiences
Select your preferred currency to view rates by season
Date Board Price
01/10/2023 - 30/04/2024 Fully Inclusive Plus (All Meals, Selected Beverages, Selected Extras) $655
01/05/2024 - 30/09/2024 Fully Inclusive Plus (All Meals, Selected Beverages, Selected Extras) $530
01/10/2024 - 30/04/2025 Fully Inclusive Plus (All Meals, Selected Beverages, Selected Extras) $705

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Our rates are per person sharing unless we note differently.

Please treat all pricing as a guide only:
  • All rates are subject to availability and may change without notice.
  • Single supplements may apply.
  • All rates are subject to availability and may change without notice.Request a quote or speak to one of our African Safari Experts for the best, most current rates available.
Best price
Our Best Price Promise

If you’re able to find a better quote for your itinerary let us know and we’ll match it.

Highlights & Activities

What's on offer whilst on this itinerary?
  • Located in the greater Addo, on a private reserve
  • Game drives in the Zuurberg Mountains
  • Exciting wildlife tracking on foot
  • Beauty therapies in the comfort of your suite
  • Delicious and hearty cuisine
  • Endless entertainment for the children
Bird watching

Bird watching

Cultural visits

Cultural visits

Day tours

Day tours

Elephant interactive experience

Elephant interactive experience

Game drives

Game drives

Historical tours

Historical tours

Horse riding

Horse riding

Rooms at RiverBend Lodge

Unwind and relax, in your own private luxury
  • luxury-suite-2

    Luxury Suite

    The four Luxury Suites are spacious and beautifully decorated and boast elegant en suite bathrooms as well as private veranadas. For groups and families, these suites have interleading doors to provide a more social atmosphere.

    • honeymoon-suite-exterior

      Honeymoon Suite

      For romantics, the Honeymoon Suite offers the ultimate in luxury and complete privacy. With your own veranda from which to watch the sunset, outdoor shower and private plunge pool, you’ll easily spend hours in this exclusive haven.

      General Facilities

      The River Bend Vitality Studio offers a range of treatments that you can enjoy in the comfort of the Vitality Studio or in the privacy of your own suite.

      The special tracking courses for children are very popular among the younger generation and make for a memorable experience of the African wilderness.

      There are also a range of other fun children’s activities on offer like guided walks, cookie baking and mini beauty treatments.

      Babysitting service

      Babysitting service

      Bar

      Bar

      Children's club

      Children's club

      Curio shop

      Curio shop

      Library

      Library

      Private garden

      Private garden

      Restaurant

      Restaurant

      Room service

      Room service

      Spa

      Spa

      Swimming pool

      Swimming pool

      Dining

      The cuisine at River Bend Lodge is a blend of traditional old world food and a Pan-African fusion, bringing modern interpretations and age-old traditional recipes together. All meals are paired with exceptional South African wines.

      The dining room offers a spacious, social area in which to enjoy these delicious meals, but you’re also encouraged to make use of the various verandas where you can enjoy your meal in private as you gaze over the countryside.

      For an even more romantic approach, candle-lit dinners in the privacy of your room can also be arranged.

      Expert Opinion

      We know because we go
      Mary Keet

      Mary Keet

      Africa Safari Expert

      This is the perfect safari lodge for families and couples alike - ideal if you don't want to compromise on your experience or service but still want great value for money.

      Why travel with Go2Africa?

      Based in Cape Town, our team of experts are all born and raised in Africa.
      When you travel with us you’re assured of the Big 5 Guarantee.

      We Are Safari Experts

      We have first-hand knowledge of every single destination, lodge and activity we recommend.

      Our Best Price Promise

      If you’re able to find a better quote for your itinerary let us know and we’ll match it.

      Positive Impact

      The money from your trip stays in Africa, supporting local communities and conservation projects long after you return home.

      Full Service, 24/7 On Safari Support

      We take care of every detail, offering 24/7 assistance and local know-how from the right time zone, until you return safely home.

      Complete Financial Protection

      Our clients are fully covered by our supplier default insurance, and Our accreditation bond with the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association

      Interested to know more? Click the link to find out all about Go2Africa’s Big 5 Guarantee

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      Traveller Reviews

      • RP

        We had a wonderful experience at River Bend in Addo. Our tracker was great and we saw lots of animals. Food was good. Staff was great.

        Robin Phillips
      • VN

        River Bend Lodge service was exceptional and the food gourmet. The food rivaled any high end restaurant. The guide was exceptionally knowledgeable. I saw two of the Big 5 at River Bend.

        Valerie Naquin
      • DT

        River Bend Lodge was very nice and the staff was great. They have great food and the cottages are very nice.

        David Thal
      • BF

        Our trip was fabulous to say the least. We really enjoyed Addo’s River Bend Lodge. The warmth of the hospitality and the passion that the staff showed in doing their job.

        Bernard Fanchette
      • DR

        River Bend Lodge staff printed off our boarding passes while we went on our last safari also they gave us a free pass to drive through the elephant park on our way to the airport, on our last night our bedroom and bathroom were decorated with petals and tea lights and I was given a birthday cake, all the staff sang Happy birthday to me

        Deborah Rutter
      • AJ

        We had amazing stay in all the places we visited and were very pleased with River Bend. River Bend was the highlight of our trip, it really exceeded our expectations. They were extremely good with children and my daughter was overjoyed to see all the animals in the wild (we were lucky to see 4 of the Big 5) and also play with other children.

        Andreas Julin
      • AJ

        We had amazing stay in all the places we visited and were very pleased with River Bend. River Bend was the highlight of our trip, it really exceeded our expectations. They were extremely good with children and my daughter was overjoyed to see all the animals in the wild (we were lucky to see 4 of the Big 5) and also play with other children.

        Andreas Julin
      • AJ

        We had amazing stay in all the places we visited and were very pleased with River Bend. River Bend was the highlight of our trip, it really exceeded our expectations. They were extremely good with children and my daughter was overjoyed to see all the animals in the wild (we were lucky to see 4 of the Big 5) and also play with other children.

        Andreas Julin
      • LL

        We had a wonderful time in South Africa and can’t thank you enough for the wonderful experience. It was a trip of a lifetime and I think it will be hard to beat. Riverbend Lodge was out of this world! We cannot say enough about this place, the services, the food, and the safaris. We left reviews on Tripadvisor as well, top notch!

        Luc Larocque
      • LL

        We had a wonderful time in South Africa and can’t thank you enough for the wonderful experience. It was a trip of a lifetime and I think it will be hard to beat. Riverbend Lodge was out of this world! We cannot say enough about this place, the services, the food, and the safaris. We left reviews on Tripadvisor as well, top notch!

        Luc Larocque
      • LL

        We had a wonderful time in South Africa and can’t thank you enough for the wonderful experience. It was a trip of a lifetime and I think it will be hard to beat. Riverbend Lodge was out of this world! We cannot say enough about this place, the services, the food, and the safaris. We left reviews on Tripadvisor as well, top notch!

        Luc Larocque
      • HP

        As for River Bend: absolutely superb, befitting its five-star status. Extremely friendly staff, huge attention to detail, wonderful safari guide, fantastic wildlife and landscape. To have it to ourselves as it were, due to the concession being private, just added to the experience. We left with great reluctance!

        Hew Prendergast
      • HP

        As for River Bend: absolutely superb, befitting its five-star status. Extremely friendly staff, huge attention to detail, wonderful safari guide, fantastic wildlife and landscape. To have it to ourselves as it were, due to the concession being private, just added to the experience. We left with great reluctance!

        Hew Prendergast
      • HP

        As for River Bend: absolutely superb, befitting its five-star status. Extremely friendly staff, huge attention to detail, wonderful safari guide, fantastic wildlife and landscape. To have it to ourselves as it were, due to the concession being private, just added to the experience. We left with great reluctance!

        Hew Prendergast
      • HM

        The service couldn’t have been better. Everyone was more than accommodating. Rooms were very spacious. Meals were great. Because we were the only ones on the property our last night, they gave us a private dinner in the lounge near the fireplace. It was a nice touch. We also got to see 4 out of the Big 5.

        Heather Minors
      • HM

        The service couldn’t have been better. Everyone was more than accommodating. Rooms were very spacious. Meals were great. Because we were the only ones on the property our last night, they gave us a private dinner in the lounge near the fireplace. It was a nice touch. We also got to see 4 out of the Big 5.

        Heather Minors
      • HM

        The service couldn’t have been better. Everyone was more than accommodating. Rooms were very spacious. Meals were great. Because we were the only ones on the property our last night, they gave us a private dinner in the lounge near the fireplace. It was a nice touch. We also got to see 4 out of the Big 5.

        Heather Minors
      • GS

        Service, food, setting, tour guides, sundowners, rooms, etc all remarkable. We had a close encounter with an angry elephant on the first day, sort of freaked us out, other than that, an amazing experience.

        Gabriel Sagel
      • GS

        Service, food, setting, tour guides, sundowners, rooms, etc all remarkable. We had a close encounter with an angry elephant on the first day, sort of freaked us out, other than that, an amazing experience.

        Gabriel Sagel
      • GS

        Service, food, setting, tour guides, sundowners, rooms, etc all remarkable. We had a close encounter with an angry elephant on the first day, sort of freaked us out, other than that, an amazing experience.

        Gabriel Sagel
      • JV

        Riverbend was great, we all enjoyed it very much. We were alone in all our game drives and the elephant sightings are among the best in our lives. The guys at the lodge were fantastic, great help and very nice to us, especially to the kids. An excellent place I would definitely recommend.

        Javier Valle
      • JV

        Riverbend was great, we all enjoyed it very much. We were alone in all our game drives and the elephant sightings are among the best in our lives. The guys at the lodge were fantastic, great help and very nice to us, especially to the kids. An excellent place I would definitely recommend.

        Javier Valle
      • JV

        Riverbend was great, we all enjoyed it very much. We were alone in all our game drives and the elephant sightings are among the best in our lives. The guys at the lodge were fantastic, great help and very nice to us, especially to the kids. An excellent place I would definitely recommend.

        Javier Valle
      • MA

        At River Bend Lodge we felt special and also there it was great with our child.

        Miralda Antonini
      • MA

        At River Bend Lodge we felt special and also there it was great with our child.

        Miralda Antonini
      • MA

        At River Bend Lodge we felt special and also there it was great with our child.

        Miralda Antonini
      • JL

        RiverBend had beautiful accommodation and great service again and we had some amazing up close experiences with the Elephants amongst other animals, but sadly no Rhino or Lions to be seen.

        Jo Lecouilliard
      • JL

        RiverBend had beautiful accommodation and great service again and we had some amazing up close experiences with the Elephants amongst other animals, but sadly no Rhino or Lions to be seen.

        Jo Lecouilliard
      • JL

        RiverBend had beautiful accommodation and great service again and we had some amazing up close experiences with the Elephants amongst other animals, but sadly no Rhino or Lions to be seen.

        Jo Lecouilliard
      • ADT

        We spent 2 nights at River Bend Lodge. From the moment you arrive until it’s time leave, the place, the people, the game viewing is fantastic. Stef, Chris and the River Bend Team made sure that everything was just perfect. The friendly lodge manager, Stef, welcomed us with some really nice cold lemonade. She took us through the beautiful lush gardens and a quick introductory tour to show us where the dining, bar, library, swimming area is. When we got to our spacious en-suite bedroom with a private outdoor shower and secluded veranda, I immediately felt at home, I was so in love with this place. Our bed was extraordinary… it was big enough for a whole family! I wanted to stay forever!

        The food at River Bend Lodge is to die for. Breakfast and lunch is served from 08h00 until 15h00. Make sure you have enough space for everything. I have to admit, we almost could not handle eating all meals because we were stuffed, but we did anyway! Dinner was mouth-watering, we had chorizo and camembert stuffed pork belly with fried brown rice and sherry soaked apricots. If you’re not a vegetarian, this is definitely something to try out when you are there.

        Off to bed we went as Chris our field guide and host warned us that he will wake us at 06h30 in the morning with some coffee in bed to get ready for our game drive.

        The game drives are sensational, Chris, was excellent and his passion for the animals & plants is evident. Chris was willing to stop and talk about the smaller species of wildlife and plants that a lot of guides skip over because most people just want to see the Big Five only. He is a human encyclopedia of fauna & flora. To add, he was extremely friendly & personable which is not necessary but certainly nice to have, my husband really appreciated this. River Bend can beyond doubt be extremely proud of Chris as he was the best ranger we had on our honeymoon trip. If you ever get the opportunity to visit River Bend please do yourself a favor and ask for Chris to be your field guide.

        Here is one piece of excitement we have experienced… there were 100s of elephants passing us, Chris then told us about the twin ellies (which in elephant world is very rare) and the naughty bigger sister. As we sat there he said, ‘Just sit still and watch’. The small twin ellies and the mother walked passed us but the bigger sister came straight towards the vehicle (my heart was jumping out of my chest) and she STOPPED, she shoved the truck with her trunk, rocking us like a boat… then our eyes met and she walked away. WOW this was an experience of a lifetime. Every game drive Chris took us on was different but so special in every way. Wish I could put all his tales on paper and write a story book.

        When we got back at the lodge we were met with a warm face cloth to freshen up. The attention to detail and customer service at this lodge is really evident. They did everything to make our stay as lovely and warm as possible.

        After our afternoon game drive Stef and Chris arranged something special for our final evening. We entered our room… candle lights, flowers and a warm bathtub… AND they have set up a private dinner table in OUR very OWN ROOM. Yet another memorable experience.

        River Bend is very special and my husband and I loved every minute of our stay. Nothing at River Bend is a rush everything was so relaxed and just perfect. If you are looking for a luxurious lodge type of accommodation, WELL YOU HAVE THE ANSWER! GO GO GO and meet the twin ellies and the naughty sister! Definitely a place I will recommend if you want to experience exceptional service.

        Arista Du Toit
      • ADT

        We spent 2 nights at River Bend Lodge. From the moment you arrive until it’s time leave, the place, the people, the game viewing is fantastic. Stef, Chris and the River Bend Team made sure that everything was just perfect. The friendly lodge manager, Stef, welcomed us with some really nice cold lemonade. She took us through the beautiful lush gardens and a quick introductory tour to show us where the dining, bar, library, swimming area is. When we got to our spacious en-suite bedroom with a private outdoor shower and secluded veranda, I immediately felt at home, I was so in love with this place. Our bed was extraordinary… it was big enough for a whole family! I wanted to stay forever!

        The food at River Bend Lodge is to die for. Breakfast and lunch is served from 08h00 until 15h00. Make sure you have enough space for everything. I have to admit, we almost could not handle eating all meals because we were stuffed, but we did anyway! Dinner was mouth-watering, we had chorizo and camembert stuffed pork belly with fried brown rice and sherry soaked apricots. If you’re not a vegetarian, this is definitely something to try out when you are there.

        Off to bed we went as Chris our field guide and host warned us that he will wake us at 06h30 in the morning with some coffee in bed to get ready for our game drive.

        The game drives are sensational, Chris, was excellent and his passion for the animals & plants is evident. Chris was willing to stop and talk about the smaller species of wildlife and plants that a lot of guides skip over because most people just want to see the Big Five only. He is a human encyclopedia of fauna & flora. To add, he was extremely friendly & personable which is not necessary but certainly nice to have, my husband really appreciated this. River Bend can beyond doubt be extremely proud of Chris as he was the best ranger we had on our honeymoon trip. If you ever get the opportunity to visit River Bend please do yourself a favor and ask for Chris to be your field guide.

        Here is one piece of excitement we have experienced… there were 100s of elephants passing us, Chris then told us about the twin ellies (which in elephant world is very rare) and the naughty bigger sister. As we sat there he said, ‘Just sit still and watch’. The small twin ellies and the mother walked passed us but the bigger sister came straight towards the vehicle (my heart was jumping out of my chest) and she STOPPED, she shoved the truck with her trunk, rocking us like a boat… then our eyes met and she walked away. WOW this was an experience of a lifetime. Every game drive Chris took us on was different but so special in every way. Wish I could put all his tales on paper and write a story book.

        When we got back at the lodge we were met with a warm face cloth to freshen up. The attention to detail and customer service at this lodge is really evident. They did everything to make our stay as lovely and warm as possible.

        After our afternoon game drive Stef and Chris arranged something special for our final evening. We entered our room… candle lights, flowers and a warm bathtub… AND they have set up a private dinner table in OUR very OWN ROOM. Yet another memorable experience.

        River Bend is very special and my husband and I loved every minute of our stay. Nothing at River Bend is a rush everything was so relaxed and just perfect. If you are looking for a luxurious lodge type of accommodation, WELL YOU HAVE THE ANSWER! GO GO GO and meet the twin ellies and the naughty sister! Definitely a place I will recommend if you want to experience exceptional service.

        Arista Du Toit
      • ADT

        We spent 2 nights at River Bend Lodge. From the moment you arrive until it’s time leave, the place, the people, the game viewing is fantastic. Stef, Chris and the River Bend Team made sure that everything was just perfect. The friendly lodge manager, Stef, welcomed us with some really nice cold lemonade. She took us through the beautiful lush gardens and a quick introductory tour to show us where the dining, bar, library, swimming area is. When we got to our spacious en-suite bedroom with a private outdoor shower and secluded veranda, I immediately felt at home, I was so in love with this place. Our bed was extraordinary… it was big enough for a whole family! I wanted to stay forever!

        The food at River Bend Lodge is to die for. Breakfast and lunch is served from 08h00 until 15h00. Make sure you have enough space for everything. I have to admit, we almost could not handle eating all meals because we were stuffed, but we did anyway! Dinner was mouth-watering, we had chorizo and camembert stuffed pork belly with fried brown rice and sherry soaked apricots. If you’re not a vegetarian, this is definitely something to try out when you are there.

        Off to bed we went as Chris our field guide and host warned us that he will wake us at 06h30 in the morning with some coffee in bed to get ready for our game drive.

        The game drives are sensational, Chris, was excellent and his passion for the animals & plants is evident. Chris was willing to stop and talk about the smaller species of wildlife and plants that a lot of guides skip over because most people just want to see the Big Five only. He is a human encyclopedia of fauna & flora. To add, he was extremely friendly & personable which is not necessary but certainly nice to have, my husband really appreciated this. River Bend can beyond doubt be extremely proud of Chris as he was the best ranger we had on our honeymoon trip. If you ever get the opportunity to visit River Bend please do yourself a favor and ask for Chris to be your field guide.

        Here is one piece of excitement we have experienced… there were 100s of elephants passing us, Chris then told us about the twin ellies (which in elephant world is very rare) and the naughty bigger sister. As we sat there he said, ‘Just sit still and watch’. The small twin ellies and the mother walked passed us but the bigger sister came straight towards the vehicle (my heart was jumping out of my chest) and she STOPPED, she shoved the truck with her trunk, rocking us like a boat… then our eyes met and she walked away. WOW this was an experience of a lifetime. Every game drive Chris took us on was different but so special in every way. Wish I could put all his tales on paper and write a story book.

        When we got back at the lodge we were met with a warm face cloth to freshen up. The attention to detail and customer service at this lodge is really evident. They did everything to make our stay as lovely and warm as possible.

        After our afternoon game drive Stef and Chris arranged something special for our final evening. We entered our room… candle lights, flowers and a warm bathtub… AND they have set up a private dinner table in OUR very OWN ROOM. Yet another memorable experience.

        River Bend is very special and my husband and I loved every minute of our stay. Nothing at River Bend is a rush everything was so relaxed and just perfect. If you are looking for a luxurious lodge type of accommodation, WELL YOU HAVE THE ANSWER! GO GO GO and meet the twin ellies and the naughty sister! Definitely a place I will recommend if you want to experience exceptional service.

        Arista Du Toit
      • GP

        Again very good. The wine tour they organized for us was fantastic.

        Gaurav Patodia
      • GP

        Again very good. The wine tour they organized for us was fantastic.

        Gaurav Patodia
      • GP

        Again very good. The wine tour they organized for us was fantastic.

        Gaurav Patodia
      • PG

        It is an incredible place and it really takes a day to settle into the way of life there – we had a great guide and when we arrive the elephant herd which hadn’t been seen near the lodge for a couple of weeks decided to pay a visit so we really were there at a great time. The food is fantastic and we didn’t want to leave there and return to civilisation!

        Patrick Governey
      • PG

        It is an incredible place and it really takes a day to settle into the way of life there – we had a great guide and when we arrive the elephant herd which hadn’t been seen near the lodge for a couple of weeks decided to pay a visit so we really were there at a great time. The food is fantastic and we didn’t want to leave there and return to civilisation!

        Patrick Governey
      • PG

        It is an incredible place and it really takes a day to settle into the way of life there – we had a great guide and when we arrive the elephant herd which hadn’t been seen near the lodge for a couple of weeks decided to pay a visit so we really were there at a great time. The food is fantastic and we didn’t want to leave there and return to civilisation!

        Patrick Governey