RiverBend Lodge

Rooms

All suites are cosy and spacious, with plenty of storage for unpacking. The classic décor ranges from elegant creams and browns with furry blankets to feminine, Laura Ashley-style prints. Carpeted throughout, all suites have kingsize beds, armchairs, coffee tables and writing desks. Each also features air-conditioning, a ceiling fan, an electronic safe, a phone, a minibar and a satellite TV.

Of the 7 Luxury Suites, 4 have interconnecting doors, making them ideal for groups and families (all rooms can fit a child's rollaway bed and a baby cot). All offer secluded verandas, views across the plains and, in our case, a highly entertaining display of mating ostriches across the fence. For special occasions, the Honeymoon Suite has its own plunge pool.

Nostalgic black and white bathrooms have Victorian bathtubs and separate showers, fluffy towels, comfy bathrobes and hairdryers. Luxurious Charlotte Rhys toiletries are complemented by homemade orange and cedar soaps, adding a personal and colourful touch.

For a more personal and private experience, opt for one of the private houses - Pepper Grove House and Long Hope Villa - set a short distance from the main lodge. Both are aimed at families or groups and can sleep up to 6. Long Hope Villa, a restored 1900s Cape farmhouse, offers yet more exclusivity with the added luxury of a private pool and an indigenously-planted garden. In the evening, take your sundowner cocktail to the sundeck for views of the Zuurberg Mountains and the sweeping plains. And the icing on the cake: all-inclusive rates include a housekeeper, a private chef, and a personal ranger with a game vehicle.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• Fan
• Hairdryer
• Minibar
• Safe box
• WiFi

Eating

Food is a vital part of the RiverBend experience, so be prepared for some serious culinary pampering. A hearty breakfast is served on the wraparound veranda of the historic homestead house between 9.30am and 11am. Yoghurt with fresh berries is offered alongside a large selection of pastries, jams, cheeses, fruit platters and fresh juices. With a long game drive behind us, we opted for a full-on feast of oats with cinnamon and honey followed by oven-baked kippers on rye bread with poached eggs covered in a chive sauce.

Like most guests we skipped the à la carte lunch, from 12-2pm, and took a food break until late afternoon when everybody gathered in the library for traditional afternoon tea before the evening game drive (complete with a G&T sundowner stop).

Upon our return to the lodge, hot towels and hot chocolate awaited and a quick steaming shower later we were headed into the dining room for our tasting-menu-style 5-course dinner. It included voetkoek with sweet peppers, succulent beef sirloin in red wine jus, and a delicious ginger pudding.

Room service is available throughout the day, albeit with limited choices. If you're venturing further afield, ask for a picnic lunch.

If you're staying in Long Hope Villa you get a personal chef included in the rates. With a fully equipped kitchen, barbecue area and bar at your desposal, the possibilities are endless.

Features include:

• All meals included
• Bar
• Kids' meals
• Room service
• Vegetarian options

Activities

• Game drives take place in Nyati (Riverbend’s private concession), and walking safaris are on offer in the 5,000-hectare Intsomi Reserve; the lodge boasts really inspiring guides, expert at locating wildlife of all sizes in the bush
  
  
• Experience elephants up close; understand more about these beautiful giants by walking with, or riding rescued elephants
  
  
• It's often easier to get nearer wildlife when riding. Take a horse riding safari on trails through Addo with an experienced guide
  
  
• Go bird watching - Addo has over 300 species to check off your list, including the black eagle and blue crane. All guides are trained birders and special birding trips can be arranged on request
  
  
• If you’re keen to learn more about astronomy the knowledgeable rangers can take you on night drives to best appreciate the big skies
  
  
• Family-friendly activities include animal tracking, a sandpit and a playroom with toys and a tour of the RiverBend Citrus Farm (which produces oranges, navels, ruby grapefruit and lemons; the chef will prepare a picnic for you)
  
  
• A resident photographer is on hand to give photography guidance and editing advice so you can get the most out of your safari shots (an additional charge applies)
  
  
• The lodge offers a South African wine and food pairing session (tasting only) with their executive chef (an additional charge applies)

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Birdwatching
• Cooking classes
• Hiking
• Horse riding
• Plantlife / flora
• Private guided tours
• Safaris
• Traditional cultures
• Wildlife

Kids

RiverBend Lodge is a fantastic safari option for families, with babysitters, safaris arranged with children in mind, snake experts and bespoke bug hunts.

As well as arranging activities for children, the lodge also puts together a personalised pack for children on arrival, containing cookies and age-appropriate goodies like children's books about Africa and drawing materials.

It's good for children and babies of all ages.

Best for:

All ages

Family friendly accommodation:

Luxury Suites have space for an extra bed and a baby cot, and 4 of them are interconnecting (request when booking). All suites have a bathtub.

Pepper Grove House and Long Hope Villa are great options for larger families and those who prefer a bit more freedom. Each sleeps 6. Long Hope Villa includes a personal chef (great for kids' meals), a private game vehicle and guide, a pool, a library, a viewing area and a kitchen. Perfect for those who like to set their own schedule and enjoy personalised service.

Cots Available, Extra Beds Available

Distances:

• Airport: 1 hour
• Hospital: 45 minutes
• Doctor: 15 minutes

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

RiverBend is an hour's drive northeast of Port Elizabeth, in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.

By Air
Port Elizabeth Airport (70km) has frequent internal flights from all major centres in South Africa. International travellers should use Johannesburg or Cape Town Airport, then take an internal flight. Click on the links below for a list of airlines serving these airports.

From the Airport
It is a 60-minute drive from Port Elizabeth. Most people will self-drive, but RiverBend can arrange an airport transfer on request.

By Car
For car hire see our car rental recommendations.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com

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