RiverBend Lodge

I recently had the privilege of visiting River Bend for the first time as well as my first experience in the Greater Addo and to be honest it was simply breath taking.From sitting on the lawn in front of the dining hall having sundowners and watching the Zebras at the watering hole to hearing the lions roaring while lying in bed, it really is one of the most beautiful and special places I’ve visited in SA. The game drives were the highlight of my trip, being able to see 4 of the big 5 in one drive, surrounded by magnificent herds of elephants, learning about the history of the area and about the animals from Darlington our ranger and then having Jess the massive female Lion walk right in front of us was the ultimate cherry on the top of my best game drives ever. The lodge, staff, rangers and surroundings were just world class. Thank you to Debbie and her team for everything, we are already looking froward to our next visit.

Fantastic food. The hospitality was fantastic. The venue offers a lovely view to eat lunch with a beautiful view of the elephants bathing in the pool. It was nice to see other game join the pool and the game drive offered a wonderfully close encounter with elephant, zebra and warthog.

Absolutely magical and very intimate. Complete privacy. We Loved it !! And our kids (2 and 5) too. Leo was a wonderful guide who introduced us to the magic of Addo Park. The food was outstanding, the chef great and tailored every meal to our wishes. The staff incredibly nice. We had breakfast by the waterfront jointly with >30 elephants. Every game drive accommodated needs of the kids without any discussion. What an experience!

River Bend Lodge was the final stop on our two week honeymoon along the garden route and we saved the best to last. What I hadn't realised from the website is that the lodge has its own private part of Addo National Park. This means when you go on the drives, you don't see another vehicle and in our case, you are the only couple on the drive! Our game driver, Chris was high knowledge and experience so we felt safe in his hands as he told us all about all the wildlife.Back at the lodge, nothing seemed too much trouble for the incredible staff, Debbie, Connie, and Moses. They created a family feeling, whilst they took care of our every need. The food was incredible, you can have breakfast overlooking the park and on our second morning an elephant even joined us!But this place is all about the little things, like greeting you with a warm towel to clean your hands and face back from drives and putting the blanket in a tumble dryer so its warm before you go out on a night safari!I cannot recommend it highly enough. Our only problem is, we've spoilt ourselves for future safari trips!

Had a terrific time at this lodge. The service was excellent, the food out of this world and the atmosphere truly amazing. Our Safari Guide was informative and got us up close and personal with the elephants. The rooms are outstanding and the bed is massive! Certainly left a great impression on all of us. Thanks!

The ellies gave us a show at breakfast walking around the watering hole in front of the deck. Great food. Fantastic game viewing. Very comfortable and spacious accommodation. Highly recommended.

In addo reserve a concession lodge picked up guests who were very happy with place

Tranquility in a wide open space - where the elephants come to visit you.It’s surreal having elephants, lion and antelope take turns in visiting you at your private veranda only moments after arriving back from a game drive.If you're headed to the Wild Coast have a look at #WildCoastZA

We recently spent 3 nights at Riverbend Lodge, and I can only describe our stay as magical. The moment we arrived we were greeted by a selection of the superb staff who work there, taken to our first class accommodation, dazzled by the outstanding views and equally amazing public areas. We ate some of the best food we have ever tasted, washed down with the best SA wines. Once you start out on your first game drive the place truly captures your heart, it is a true place of wonder, and an experience that you never want to end.This place has to be without doubt the most beautiful place I have ever visited, offering the best hospitality I have ever encountered. I totally fell in love and is an experience that everyone who is lucky enough to be able to, should try.

Authentic Big 5 lodge inside the Addo Elephant National Park, rated 5 star by the South African grading counsel.