River Bend Lodge, Addo Elephant National Park, Addo, Eastern Cape, 6105
What's nearby
Addo Elephant National Park - 9 min drive - 5.0 km
Schotia Tooth and Claw Safari - 50 min drive - 30.3 km
Shamwari Game Reserve - 54 min drive - 34.6 km
Bucks Kloof Hiking Trail - 58 min drive - 50.3 km
Amakhala Game Reserve - 76 min drive - 64.4 km
Getting around
Port Elizabeth (PLZ) - 72 min drive
Airport shuttle (surcharge)
Restaurants
Cattle Baron Addo Elephant National Park - 12 min drive
Elephant House - 13 min drive
Cattle Baron Steak Ranch - 12 min drive
Addo Elephant Park Restaurant - 12 min drive
Lenmore Restaurant & Accommodation - 13 min drive
About this property
River Bend Lodge
River Bend Lodge puts you within a 10-minute drive of Addo Elephant National Park. Guests can visit the spa to indulge in massages, aromatherapy, or reflexology, and French cuisine is served at Silver Thorns, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There's an outdoor pool and a bar/lounge, and in-room conveniences at this luxurious lodge include washers/dryers and refrigerators.
All inclusive
All-inclusive room rates at River Bend Lodge are available. These rates are higher because they include onsite food and beverages in the room rate (some restrictions may apply).
Languages
Afrikaans, English, Xhosa
At a glance
Hotel size
8 rooms
Arranged over 1 level
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:30 PM
Contactless check-in available
Early check-in subject to availability
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out time is 11 AM
Contactless check-out available
Late check-out subject to availability
Restrictions related to your trip
Check COVID-19 restrictions.
Special check-in instructions
This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); to arrange pick-up, guests must contact the property 72 hours prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 8:30 AM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
Children
No cribs (infant beds)
Free babysitting
Pets
Pets not allowed
Internet
Free WiFi in public areas
Free WiFi in rooms
Parking
Free onsite self parking
Transfers
Airport shuttle on request (available 24 hours)*
Other information
Designated smoking areas
Property amenities
Food and drink
Restaurant
Bar/lounge
Barbecue grills
Room service
Snack bar/deli
Traveling with children
Playground
Free babysitting
Children's menu
Children's games
Toys
Fireplace gate
Pool gate
What to do
Mountain biking
Safari
Wildlife viewing
Horse riding/rentals
Ecotours nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Working away
Business center
Computer station
Services
24-hour front desk
Concierge services
Dry cleaning/laundry services
Luggage storage
Wedding services
Free pool cabanas
Pool loungers
Pool umbrellas
Facilities
Built in 1999
Safe-deposit box at front desk
Garden
Terrace
Library
Television in common areas
An outdoor pool
Arcade/game room
Full-service spa
Massage/treatment rooms
Wine tasting room
Banquet hall
Outdoor furniture
Colonial architecture
Room amenities
Be entertained
DVD player
40-inch Smart TV
Premium satellite channels
Home comfort
Air conditioning and heating
Minibar
Espresso maker
Electric kettle
Bathrobes and slippers
Washer and dryer
Laundry detergent
Sleep well
Blackout drapes/curtains
Turndown service
Premium bedding
Tempur-Pedic mattress
What to enjoy
In-room massage
Individually furnished and decorated
Freshen up
3 bathrooms
Deep soaking bathtub
Separate bathtub and shower
Free toiletries
Hair dryer
Towels
Toilet paper
Stay connected
Desk
Free WiFi
Phone
Food and drink
Chef
Refrigerator
Free bottled water
More
Daily housekeeping
In-room safe
Connecting/adjoining rooms available
Guidebooks/recommendations
Local maps
Restaurant dining guide
Special features
Spa
Plumbago Spa has 1 treatment room. Services include massages and manicures and pedicures. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy and reflexology.
The spa is open daily. Children under 14 years old are not allowed in the spa without adult supervision.
Dining
Silver Thorns - This restaurant specializes in French cuisine and serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. A children's menu is available.
Fees & policies
Mandatory fees
You'll be asked to pay the following charges by the property at check-in or check-out. Fees may include applicable taxes:
Destination fee: ZAR 700 per person, per night
Optional extras
Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of ZAR 1850 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 3)
Children & extra beds
Rollaway beds are available for ZAR 5800.0 per night
Pool, spa, & gym (if applicable)
Pool access available from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Children under 14 years old are not allowed in the spa without adult supervision
Policies
The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation.
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
This property does not have elevators.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit on site.
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation.
This property accepts credit cards and cash.
Cashless transactions are available.
Also known as
River Bend Addo
River Bend Lodge Addo
River Bend Hotel Addo Elephant National Park
River Bend Lodge Addo
River Bend Lodge Lodge
River Bend Lodge Lodge Addo
Frequently asked questions
Is there a pool at River Bend Lodge?
Yes, there's an outdoor pool. Guests have pool access from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM.
Are pets allowed at River Bend Lodge?
Sorry, pets aren't allowed.
Is parking offered on site at River Bend Lodge?
Yes, there's free self parking.
Is airport shuttle service offered by River Bend Lodge?
Yes, an airport shuttle is available. The charge is ZAR 1850 per vehicle one-way.
What are the check-in and check-out times at River Bend Lodge?
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:30 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM. Contactless check-in and check-out are available.
What is there to do at River Bend Lodge and nearby?
Have fun with onsite activities like horseback riding and mountain biking. Additional recreation onsite includes game viewing, a wildlife and game drive, and a safari. Indulge in a treatment at the spa and enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool. River Bend Lodge also has spa services and an arcade, as well as a garden.
Are there restaurants at or near River Bend Lodge?
Yes, Silver Thorns offers French cuisine.
Does River Bend Lodge have rooms with private spa tubs?
Yes, each room has a deep soaking bathtub.
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
9.6/10
Cleanliness
9.6/10
Staff & service
9.6/10
Amenities
9.2/10
Property conditions & facilities
9.0/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 13, 2023
Set inside Addo, you get 5 star service, and knowledgeable game guides who zero in on your individual needs. Lots of elephants, kudu, zebra, and a mating pair of lions made for outstanding sightings.
John
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 5, 2020
Superb accommdation snd food. Stunning close up elephant experiences and we were fortunate enough to also see lions, againe very close up. Highly recommend
Verified traveler
2-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 25, 2020
Simon
Simon, 2-night trip with friends
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Oct 29, 2019
Verified traveler
1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Jun 2, 2019
Superb service, magnificent location
Truly remarkable service from the management and staff.
Donald N
Donald N, 1-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
May 31, 2019
The very best of South Africa
A truly remarkable lodge, staffed by attentive, smart and genuinely friendly people. Very highly recommended.
Donald N
Donald N, 1-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 13, 2019
This was an amazing place to stay in. How ever, the dinner which the establishment marketed as “gourmet” was a bit disappointing.. nice but nothing special, or that “wow” effect which you would expect from a gourmet meal. A bit unimaginative.
Verified traveler
1-night romance trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very Good
Dec 10, 2018
A Safari Treat
Overall we enjoyed our stay at the River Bend. The staff were friendly and helpful. Darlington was our Ranger for the Game Drives, who is very experienced, knowledgeable and very pleasant. During our stay we were lucky to see four of the "Big Five" and enjoyed each Game Drive.
The furnishings at the River Bend are in need of some TLC; furniture is worn, the bathroom towels old and areas such as the the library need a good dusting- we found "coffee-table" style books coated in thick dust. It is has a "faded glory" colonial style, which needs updating to make it luxurious.
Verified traveler
3-night romance trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 27, 2018
A very tranquil and relaxing stay, with fantastic food, and very informative game drives.
Rory
Rory, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very Good
Oct 9, 2018
Lovely family friendly lodge
We stayed at River Bend Lodge with another family. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The game drives were amazing and we were lucky to have some good sightings . Our game ranger was extremely knowledgeable and full of fun facts which kept the children entertained.
Our room was a little tired and the water pressure wasn't great would be our only complaints .
Overall we had a very enjoyable stay.
Tracy
Tracy, 2-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 21, 2018
Great place to stay in Addo.
We were the only couple staying at the lodge,our table for breakfast lunch and dinner was set next to the log burning fire..Staff were warm and friendly ,only too happy to ensure our stay was a pleasurable one..We had 2 game drives while we were here, so much more wildlife than in public areas at Addo.There is also a watering hole for animal viewing.Highly recommend the lodge..WiFi was good in the room and around the property
Michael
Michael, 2-night romance trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very Good
Aug 12, 2018
Kid friendly safari lodge
We just got back from a two night stay.. great rooms, lovely food. Really friendly staff, excellent safari guide. Maybe a few more up to date toys in the kids play room would be nice.
sds
sds, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 10, 2018
Sublime luxury
Amazing place with a real luxurious touch and attention to detail regarding service. Would love to come back and stay longer although it is pricey. Dinner and wine was very good value though. We had honeymoon suite with own private plunge pool and outside shower. Loved watching elephants at the watering hole.
Mark
Mark, 1-night romance trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 30, 2017
Exceptional
The staff could not have been better and the entire experience was wonderful
Verified traveler
2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Nov 6, 2017
Old world charm
Lovely helpful and welcoming staff. Sadly we didn't see any Elephants while at the property!! Rooms very comfortable, food excellent.
mark
mark, 2-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 20, 2017
Great place to enjoy game drives
Very friendly staff
kiritkumar
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 12, 2017
Excellent three days of game watching in comfort
Excellent stay in very comfortable lodge with super service, very informed guide, who managed to show us elephants, rhinos, lions, zebras , buffalo, warthogs, various boks and birds and thoroughly recommended.
Alun
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very Good
Jun 28, 2016
Lineke
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 15, 2016
Beautiful lodge with delightful staff
Gorgeous room with private plunge pool. Delicious food. Excellent game drives. All the staff went to immense trouble to ensure we were taken care of at all times.
Verified traveler
Verified Expedia guest review
8/10 Very Good
May 20, 2024
Wundervolle Lodge im Addo Nationalpark. Es lässt sich jedoch nicht verbergen, dass der Zahn der Zeit nagt und an der einen oder anderen Stelle renovationsbedarf herrscht.
Lars
Lars, 2-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
8/10 Very Good
Nov 12, 2019
Verified traveler
3-night trip
Verified Ebookers guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Aug 10, 2019
Ganz tolles Erlebnis, toller Guide, absolute Empfehlung!
Verified traveler
1-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 26, 2019
Einzigartige Location und hervorragender Service. Die Köchin hat das Dinner sogar persönlich auf unsere individuellen Wunsche angepasst.
Verified traveler
1-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 16, 2018
Sehr schön dort und die game drives sehr samtenem, da direkt von der Lodge aus!