River Bend Lodge

• A private concession in the malaria-free Addo elephant Park
• Excellent for elephant viewing at close quarters
• One of the best places for young children on safari
• Elegant and spacious accommodation
• Long Hope is an exclusive use villa

Situated inside the malaria-free Addo Elephant National Park, the elegant River Bend Lodge offers a chance to unwind, enjoy fine cuisine and relax in a peaceful atmosphere. This is Africa at its best with the rugged Eastern Cape bush combined with the sheer elegance of a fine country residence. River Bend Lodge is situated within its own 14 000 ha private concession of the Addo Elephant National Park and offers safari game-viewing within its concession as well as in the public area of the Addo park.

Relax on the enormous veranda, as the sun sets over the Cocks Comb Mountains in the distance and watch zebra, numerous antelope species, as well as the elephant, rhino and buffalo pass by. Being a private concession, guests at River Bend Lodge can enjoy Addo Park for extended periods staying out for glorious sunset drinks followed by night drives.

The Addo Elephant National Park was proclaimed in 1931 and today it is home to over 400 elephants, making it the densest elephant population in Africa. Thus your chances of close-on elephant viewing is some of the best in the world. As well as elephants there are also lion, hyena, black rhino, buffalo and various antelope species on offer in Addo.

Accommodation

River Bend has eight en suite bedrooms, all individually decorated in colonial style and offering a combination of old-fashioned luxury and modern convenience with satellite TV, DVD player, telephone, minibar and air-conditioning. All rooms have a private ‘stoep’ (covered terrace) where you can soak up the scents, sounds and wide open views of the bush veld. The honeymoon suite is particularly lovely with outdoor shower, garden, private plunge pool and terrace where romantic candle-lit dinners can be served.

Famous for its life-changing elephant encounters, River Bend Lodge also enjoys a reputation as an excellent culinary and photographic destination, employing an in-house professional photographer to assist guests with a short workshop, a full day course and even 2 night/3 day specialist wildlife photography courses for all levels of photographers.

Other activities on offer include an introduction to South Africa Wines, a unique walking with Giraffes experience, excellent birding with over 300 species recorded here and the Plumbago Spa offering a range of treatments from facials, massages, mud wraps and hot stone therapy; well-stocked library with fireplace and internet access and a day room with comfortable couches and big screen TV, ideal for older children.

Other activities in the area include horse-riding or hiking in the Zuurberg Mountains or in Addo itself, exploring the Settler towns of Grahamstown and Bathurst or visiting the warm Indian Ocean beaches of Kenton and Port Alfred.

Children at River Bend Lodge

River Bend has made a name for itself for its child-friendly safaris and ambience - particularly for families with younger children. Rather unusually the lodge allows children under 6 years to join their parents on game drives. Game Rangers will try to put two families together on a vehicle for a relaxed family atmosphere. Younger children also particularly enjoy the rehabilitation centre at Intsomi where they can see many species at close quarters in a safe environment. At River Bend Lodge, children are accommodated with an extra bed in the room or in inter-leading rooms. There's a playroom filled with toys for younger children. Children's DVDs are also available to watch either in your room or in the TV/games room. The pool is fenced and there's a children's menu for both lunch and dinner.

Long Hope Villa

Long Hope Villa is a beautifully restored Eastern Cape farmhouse sleeping six with its own personal chef, host and private game vehicle and ranger. Situated in a remote area of the concession, away from River Bend Lodge, the villa offers an exclusive and private safari experience.

Original wooden floors and farmhouse doors capture the old-world charm. There are three en-suite homely bedrooms, each with walk-in wardrobe and spacious charming bathroom. Relax in the open plan sitting room, furnished with comfy sofas, satellite TV and DVD player. Enjoy a cocktail while your chef prepares delicious meals in the interactive kitchen, relax around the barbeque on a summer evening, or dine al fresco under the stars on the terrace. The garden path leads to a private swimming pool and the sunset deck - a wonderful retreat for a lazy afternoon of relaxing.