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River Bend Lodge

5.0 star property
Colonial lodge with full-service spa and 24-hour front desk

Photo gallery for River Bend Lodge

Luxury Suite | Living area
Safari
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; French cuisine
Luxury House, 3 Bedrooms | Living area
Outdoor pool, open 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM, free pool cabanas, pool umbrellas

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Bar
  • All-inclusive
  • Spa
  • 24/7 front desk
  • Air conditioning
The current price is AU$1,077
includes taxes & fees
14 Apr - 15 Apr

Explore the area

Map
River Bend Lodge, Addo Elephant National Park, Addo, Eastern Cape, 6105
  • Addo Elephant Park - Nyati Section
  • Addo Elephant National Park
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Schotia Tooth and Claw Safari
    ‪50 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Honeymoon Suite

Premium bedding, Tempur-Pedic beds, minibar, in-room safe

Honeymoon Suite

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Fridge
Smart TV
Washer/dryer
  • 60 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Villa

Villa

Villa

Highlights

Furnished patio
Garden
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Private pool
Air conditioning
  • 150 sq m
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 8
  • 3 King Beds

View all photos for Luxury Suite

Premium bedding, Tempur-Pedic beds, minibar, in-room safe

Luxury Suite

Highlights

Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
Fridge
Smart TV
Washer/dryer
  • 50 sq m
  • Hill view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Luxury House, 3 Bedrooms

Luxury House, 3 Bedrooms | Terrace/patio

Luxury House, 3 Bedrooms

Highlights

Deck/patio
Separate dining area
Separate sitting area
Individually furnished
Individually decorated
Air conditioning
Heating
Connecting rooms available
  • 140 sq m
  • Hill view
  • Sleeps 6
  • 1 King Bed, 1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed

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About the area

Addo

A luxury stay in Addo awaits you at River Bend Lodge. You'll be 4.9 km (3.1 mi) from Addo Elephant National Park and 6.8 km (4.2 mi) from Ulwazi Interpretive Centre. Highlights at this family-friendly lodge include a full-service spa, a restaurant and an outdoor swimming pool. .A day of pampering at Plumbago Spa can include massages and aromatherapy. The restaurant, Silver Thorns, serves French cuisine and is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. The lodge's own lounge bar is a nice place to enjoy a drink. Enjoy the free pool cabanas and pool loungers as well as access to a safari and a wildlife and game drive. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas, a snack bar/deli and free babysitting. There's also free self parking, along with the convenience of an airport shuttle. .With a stay at this 5-property class Addo lodge, you'll be 7 km (4.3 mi) from Botanical Reserve and 23.2 km (14.4 mi) from Sir Percy Fitzpatrick Lookout.
View more Lodges in AddoOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Addo Elephant National Park - 9 min drive - 5.0 km
  • Ulwazi Interpretive Centre - 9 min drive - 6.8 km
  • Sir Percy Fitzpatrick Lookout - 33 min drive - 23.3 km
  • Schotia Tooth and Claw Safari - 50 min drive - 30.3 km
  • Bucks Kloof Hiking Trail - 58 min drive - 50.3 km

Getting around

  • Port Elizabeth (PLZ) - 72 min drive

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

Colonial lodge with full-service spa and 24-hour front desk
Some rates at River Bend Lodge are all-inclusive. These rates include on-site meals and beverages, and may include taxes and gratuities. Additional charges may apply for meals at some restaurants, special dinners and dishes, certain beverages and other amenities.

River Bend Lodge offers its guests a full-service spa and an outdoor pool. Along with a restaurant, there's a snack bar/deli on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. A computer station is on site and WiFi is free in public spaces.

You'll find a business centre on site. Spa services, a library, and a terrace are also featured at the luxury River Bend Lodge. An airport shuttle (available 24 hours) is available for a fee. Free self parking is available.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this Colonial Addo lodge.

  • 1 floor
  • 8 guestrooms or units
  • Built in 1999
  • Deli
  • Childcare (free)
  • Cabanas by the pool (free)
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Umbrellas for the pool
  • Business facilities
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front desk safe
  • Concierge
  • Wedding services available
  • Games room or arcade
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Gift shop
  • Television in lobby
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
River Bend Lodge offers 8 air-conditioned accommodations with washers/dryers and DVD players. Each accommodation is individually furnished and decorated. Tempur-Pedic beds feature premium bedding. 40-inch Smart televisions come with premium satellite channels. Guests can make use of the in-room fridges, espresso makers and minibars. Bathrooms include a separate bath and shower with a deep soaking bath, bathrobes, slippers and complimentary toiletries.

Guests can surf the web using complimentary wireless Internet access. Business-friendly amenities include desks, safes and telephones. Additionally, rooms include complimentary bottles of water and a hairdryer. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered on a daily basis. Amenities available on request include in-room massages.

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.

Languages

Afrikaans, English, Xhosa

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • 24-hour return airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Silver Thorns

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Full-service spa
  • Game drive
  • Game viewing
  • Horseback riding/rentals
  • Library
  • Mountain biking
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground
  • Safari
  • TV in common areas
  • Wine tasting room

Family friendly

  • Arcade/game room
  • Baby toys
  • Children's games
  • Children's toys
  • DVD player
  • Free babysitting
  • In-room refrigerator
  • In-room washer/dryer
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground
  • Pool gate
  • Snack bar/deli

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Guidebooks
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Turndown service
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • Business centre
  • Computer station

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Free pool cabanas
  • Garden
  • In a national park
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Full-service spa

  • Aromatherapy
  • In-room massages
  • Manicures/pedicures
  • Reflexology
  • Spa open daily
  • Treatment room

Accessibility

  • No lift

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Premium bedding
  • Tempur-Pedic mattress

Bathroom

  • 3 private bathrooms
  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Dressing gowns
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Shampoo
  • Slippers
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 40-inch smart TV with premium satellite channels
  • DVD player

Food and drink

  • Chef service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Espresso maker
  • Free bottled water
  • Minibar
  • Refrigerator
  • Restaurant dining guides
  • Room service

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Laptop workspace
  • Laundry detergent
  • Phone
  • Safe
  • Washer/dryer

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: 8:30 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out
Late check-out subject to availability

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 at the property
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

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for ZAR 5800.0 per night.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Destination fee: ZAR 700 per person, per night.

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Airport shuttle fee: ZAR 1850 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 3)
  • Rollaway bed fee: ZAR 5800.0 per night

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guest room reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club and cash.
    For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit in all accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

We should mention

  • Pool access available from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM
  • Registered guests are the only ones allowed to be in guestrooms.
  • Connecting/adjoining rooms are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property at the number on your booking confirmation.

National rating

Quality graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) – South Africa's official quality assurance organisation.

Property is 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 parking available at River Bend Lodge?

Yep, River Bend Lodge has a free self car park.

How much does it cost to stay at River Bend Lodge?

As of 14 Mar 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at River Bend Lodge on 14 Apr 2025 start from AU$955.28, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is there a spa on site at River Bend Lodge?

Yep, Plumbago Spa is available for guests. You'll enjoy services like massages.

Does River Bend Lodge have a pool?

River Bend Lodge has an outdoor pool. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying in a complimentary pool cabana and under the shade of an umbrella. The pool is open 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM.

What luxury perks are available at River Bend Lodge?

River Bend Lodge features a full-service spa, an outdoor pool and free pool cabanas. All guestrooms come with deep soaking tubs, Tempur-Pedic beds and premium bedding.

What makes River Bend Lodge a romantic place to stay?

Wine-tasting room and a lounge bar, as well as deep-soaking baths and comfy beds in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at River Bend Lodge.

Is River Bend Lodge family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as free babysitting, children's meals and a playground, it's no surprise that River Bend Lodge is a hit with families.

Are there hot tubs in the rooms at River Bend Lodge?

No, but there are deep-soaking baths in the guestrooms.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at River Bend Lodge?

No, but there's an airport shuttle that runs 24 hours a day on request for a fee.

Is there a bar or restaurant at River Bend Lodge?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant that serves French cuisine. Pre dinner cocktails anyone?

What time are check-in & check-out at River Bend Lodge?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM.

Are pets allowed at River Bend Lodge?

No, pets are not allowed.

River Bend Lodge Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 26 out of 36 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 36 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 36 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 36 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 36 reviews

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 Excellent

John

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
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.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Superb accommdation snd food. Stunning close up elephant experiences and we were fortunate enough to also see lions, againe very close up. Highly recommend
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Simon

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Donald N

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Superb service, magnificent location
Truly remarkable service from the management and staff.
Stayed 1 night in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Donald N

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The very best of South Africa
A truly remarkable lodge, staffed by attentive, smart and genuinely friendly people. Very highly recommended.
Stayed 1 night in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
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.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

Rory

A very tranquil and relaxing stay, with fantastic food, and very informative game drives.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2018

8/10 Good

Tracy

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2018

8/10 Good

sds, UK

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Exceptional
The staff could not have been better and the entire experience was wonderful
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2017

10/10 Excellent

mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Old world charm
Lovely helpful and welcoming staff. Sadly we didn't see any Elephants while at the property!! Rooms very comfortable, food excellent.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2017

10/10 Excellent

kiritkumar

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great place to enjoy game drives
Very friendly staff

10/10 Excellent

Alun

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.

8/10 Good

Lineke

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
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.

8/10 Good

Lars, Uetikon am See

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
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.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Ganz tolles Erlebnis, toller Guide, absolute Empfehlung!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Einzigartige Location und hervorragender Service. Die Köchin hat das Dinner sogar persönlich auf unsere individuellen Wunsche angepasst.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Sehr schön dort und die game drives sehr samtenem, da direkt von der Lodge aus!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2018

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2018