River Bend Lodge

RiverBend Lodge, Addo, South Africa - Explore & Book

"Set in lush colourful gardens with countless butterflies, this Victorian homestead has just 8 suites. With its bright floral décor it offers a light, gentle and refreshingly different way to experience African wildlife. Within viewing distance of the nearby waterhole, yet entirely fenced in, RiverBend makes for a safe and peaceful stay in the bush. Nearby Long Hope Villa and Pepper Grove House offer more private experiences thanks to their location in a secluded area of the park. Guests of Long Hope Villa are provided with a personal chef and their own game ranger. After the morning game drive spent passing herds of elephants, we enjoyed a hearty breakfast on the wraparound veranda, with its endless views across the plains. After that, a trek on elephant-back or plain lazing by the pool were equally tempting choices. Delicious homemade snacks appeared out of nowhere throughout the day to save us from sure starvation, before the fabulous 5-course gourmet feast that was our dinner. Staff are unfailingly lovely and enthusiastic, the vibe is cossetting, and the guides are superb at tracking both large and small animals; required in this type of bush as it conceals wildlife. This is a great place for safari enthusiasts who want a relaxed, gourmet-led experience - and it's utterly fantastic for families with children of all ages. Highs Super for families: parents can take offspring on game drives, or leave them with babysitters to have cooking lessons, track small animals, or play in the sandpit. The pool is fenced, and there's a kids' menu Spacious, tranquil suites with water hole views Long Hope Villa sleeps 4-6 and comes with private staff; a great option for larger groups who want more flexibility with meals and game drives Addo was successfully founded to conserve indigenous elephants; now there are also buffalo, hyena, zebra, lion, kudu, jackal, warthog, eland and hartebeest Good value for money considering the standard of accommodation and food, and the all-inclusive basis Lows Some will find the décor a bit old-fashioned and chintzy, and the dining area a bit soulless If children don't feature in your dream holiday scenario this may not be for you, although families are taken on separate game drives wherever possible The game viewing in the private concession part of Addo (where the lodge sits) can be a bit limited at some times of year; but you can take game drives in the National Park as well Note that initial room rates are based on single or minimum occupancy" - Maia Tarrant