Discover the Diverse Wildlife of Addo Elephant National Park
RiverBend Collection is a hidden gem nestled within the vast landscape of Addo Elephant National Park. Situated on a private concession, our guests enjoy exclusive access to pristine areas of the park rarely explored by others. Spanning 14,000 hectares, this tranquil haven offers remarkable opportunities to encounter the Big 5. As a gateway to the renowned Garden Route, our location provides a perfect starting point for your exploration. Our diverse biomes, ranging from Zuurberg Mountain to Sundays River, create a captivating backdrop for mammal watching, birding enthusiasts, and avid photographers. Each season paints a unique tapestry of natural beauty in this malaria-free destination, inviting you to immerse yourself in the distinct charm of Addo Elephant National Park. Families with young children can relish tailored safaris designed to meet individual needs, conducted separately for your convenience.
RiverBend Collection offers a variety of luxurious accommodation options designed to meet the needs of our esteemed guests. Our 5-star luxury suites provide breathtaking panoramic views, allowing you to soak in the surrounding beauty at your leisure. The property features a serene spa for relaxation and rejuvenation, along with off-site hiking and cycling trails for those seeking outdoor adventures. The fenced living area ensures a sense of freedom and space, set amidst lush gardens filled with vibrant birdlife. RiverBend Lodge, ideally positioned within the Addo Elephant National Park, allows you to experience the park’s restoration to its former glory, before the elephants and other wildlife faced the challenges of historical hunting practices.
RiverBend Lodge features 8 standalone luxury suites, each connected by a winding path through the lush gardens. These suites provide a serene and private retreat, with each comprising a lavish bedroom, en-suite bathroom equipped with a separate bath and shower, and an additional outdoor shower for the more adventurous. These spacious suites also include a private patio, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the scents and sounds of Addo.
Experience the vast expanses of Addo Elephant National Park and retreat to the privacy of your exclusive-use villa, featuring 3 luxurious en-suite bedrooms for your comfort. Unwind in one of the lounges or relax in the TV room while enjoying the comforts of your accommodation. Surrounded by the distinctive Eastern Cape bushveld, take a dip in your private pool or gather around a fire beneath the star-studded sky. Ideal for small groups of friends or families seeking the ultimate private safari retreat.
Gaze out onto vistas of Addo Elephant National Park from the comfort of your sprawling exclusive-use Colonial House with 3 luxurious suites, of which the main room is en-suite and the remaining two share a bathroom. Suitable for families or for a group of friends that would prefer their bush stay to be a little more private from other guests.
Ask us for our extensive bird list or the link to the live birding geocaches to find your feathered friends.
Our knowledgeable guides will help you tick off the boxes for any tricky identification, as well as make sure you have the time to capture them on camera and in your memory.
If you want a specialist game drive for birding, we have the guides with the expertise you require.
RiverBend Lodge offers exceptional game drives in the diverse Addo Elephant National Park. With five distinct biomes, our guests enjoy unique experiences, from close encounters with majestic elephants to tracking game and exploring the medicinal values of the bush. As one of the few reserves where you can spot the Big 5 in one area, our open safari vehicles traverse exclusive-use and public areas for an authentic safari adventure. Families with children can join separate game drives for added convenience.
Learning about South African wine and being able to choose a suitable wine with one’s meal is an important supplement to one’s culinary experience. RiverBend’s “Introduction to South African Wines” is a wine tasting together with food pairing, created by our executive chef and hosted by our very own resident wine enthusiast.
The tasting consists of a brief history and an introduction to the wines of Southern Africa. It is done with four local wines and is accompanied by food pairing recommendations and canapés.
