The 2025 Safari Awards Winners Announced:  Best Safari Operator in Africa - Jack's Camp ........ Best Safari Experience in Africa -  Sirikoi ..........Best Safari Property Location in Africa - Greystoke Mahale..........Best Family Safari Experience in Africa - Sirikoi ..........Best Marine Safari Experience in Africa - Azura Benguerra ..........Best Safari Guiding Team in Africa - Cottars 1920's Camp .......... Best Safari Cuisine in Africa - Chem Chem .......... Most Romantic safari Property in Africa - Jack's Camp .......... Best Safari Spa in Africa - Royal Malewane .......... Best Riding Safari Operator in Africa - Ride Botswana .......... Best Mobile Safari Operator in Africa - Nomad Tanzania Mobile Safaris .......... Best Walking Safari Operator in Africa - Robin Pope Safaris .......... Best Value Safari Property in Africa - Flatdogs .......... Best New Safari Property in Africa - Onguma Camp Kala .......... Best Safari House/Villa in Africa - Mkombe's House Lamai .......... Best Ecologically Responsible Safari Property in Africa - Grootbos Garden Lodge & Qorokwe Camp .......... Best Community Focused Safari Property in Africa - Singita Pamushana .......... Best Wildlife Conservation Organisation in Africa - Mara Elephant Project .......... Best African Tourism Board - Rwanda Tourism Development Board .......... 

River Bend Lodge

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River Bend Lodge

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All you need to know

Intro

River Bend Lodge is situated on a 14 000 ha private concession within the malaria-free Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The Lodge is a perfect balance between the Eastern Cape bush and the sheer elegance of refined colonial comfort and decor. Port Elizabeth Airport is just an hour's drive from the Lodge, making a stay at River Bend the perfect way to end a trip on the Garden Route.

Highlights

Elephant encounters
the Big 5
bird watching - over 350 species
delectable cuisine
on-site resident photographer for photographic assistance
food and wine pairing sessions

Need To Know

Malaria-free
Family-friendly

Safaris

Twice a day, driving, photographic and walking. Drives last on average 2 - 3 hours but can be longer depending on what is sighted.
Drives are scheduled to suit guests' times. There is no hard and fast rule as to departure times for either the morning or afternoon drives.
Photographic safari on request.

Wildlife

Elephant counters; Big 5

Quick Facts

Region
Africa
Property Type
Safari Lodge (less than 20 rooms), Safari House / Villa
Average Stay

The average stay is 2 nights but 3 nights are recommended in order for guests to enjoy all the activities which are offered at River Bend Lodge.

Average Price

High season:
Honeymoon suite ZAR 6600 per person per night (to 30 April 2017)
Luxury suites ZAR6000 per person per night (to 30 April 2017)
Low season:
Honeymoon suite ZAR4900 per person per night (to 30 Sept 2016)
Luxury suites R4400 per person per night (to 30 Sept 2016)
Children's rates (per child per night)
Under 3 - stay free, maximum 1 child
Children aged 3 - 12 : R1320 (low season) and R1800 (high season)
Children aged 13 - 16: 60% of the adult rate (R2640) low season and R3600 (high season).
The above rates are all inclusive with the exception of premium brand drinks and wines and items of a personal nature, e.g spa treatments, transfers, laundry, curio shop items, etc.

Child Policy

Children of all ages are welcome at River Bend Lodge. Special "child" seats are available for use on the game vehicles to ensure children are kept safe whilst on the game drive. There is no age limit for children to participate on a game drive.

Accommodation

Eight suites comprising the honeymoon suite and seven luxury suites.
The honeymoon suite has it's own plunge pool and outdoor shower.
Suites 3 and 4 and 7 and 8 are inter-leading, perfect for families visiting with young children.
Exclusive-use Villa also available, sleeping up to 6 guests. Perfect for families or a group of friends travelling together.

Accolades

Nominee and finalist in the 2015 Safari Awards in the following categories:
Best Family Safari Experience
Best Value Safari Property
Best Safari Cuisine
World Luxury Hotel Awards in the following categories:
2013-Continent win- Luxury Lodge-Africa
2012-Country win-Luxury Boutique Hotel- South Africa
2011-Country win-Luxury Family Hotel- South Africa
The Best 100: Retreats in Africa 2010
The Good Safari Guide 2010 Nominee

Season

High season: 1 October to 30 April
(Summer in South Africa)
Low season: 1 May to 30 September
(Winter in South Africa but a good time for game viewing)

Region
Africa
Property Type
Safari Lodge (less than 20 rooms) Safari House / Villa

The Safari Awards Preferred Safari Specialists for River Bend Lodge

Please select your Safari Awards Preferred Safari Specialist and complete the form below:

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