Our central philosophy of allowing guests to determine their own daily routine means that all activities are bespoke and tailored to the guest’s convenience. RiverBend Lodge offers a diversity of activities for guests to enjoy, all at their own pace and pleasure.
The Spa
Located on the RiverBend Lodge property, set away from the rooms by a meandering path, the Plumbago Spa beckons you to come and submit to relaxation therapy, in serene surroundings.
Whether it’s a massage, a facial, a manicure or pedicure, indulge yourself and enjoy a mind and body reset.
For The Kids
All children of all ages are welcome, and special care is taken to ensure that all ages have a truly memorable experience. There are a variety of activities to keep them occupied and give the adults a vacation breather. Ask about our mobile playrooms, mini-rangers programme or Baking-with-the-Chef to make sure the children have an incredible vacation too.
Family safaris are available even with little ones, and this is done in a separate Game viewer to other guests, thus letting Mom and Dad relax with their family while on safari without having to curb the innate curiosity and enthusiasm of the little ones. Please note that Family safaris are unique and that all safety regulations are strictly adhered to with regards to distances from the big game.
Main Camp
Take a visit to Main Camp in Addo Elephant National Park to enjoy a variety of facilities:
• Bird hide
• Interactive museum
• Curio shop & restaurant
• PPC hiking trail.
Birding
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.
Photography
Want to get that perfect safari shot? Is it a landscape or wildlife photo? Is the lighting good?
Let our guide get you in the perfect position to capture ‘the’ photo that will remind you of your trip to RiverBend Lodge.
If a photographic tour is what you need, chat to us about arranging this for your group.
Star Gazing & Night Drives
No light pollution equals incredible stargazing.
Take a night game drive to do some star gazing that will make it feel as if someone pulled the stars closer for you to see. Talk to us about setting up this special experience.
Game Drives
RiverBend Lodge’s game drives are like no other. The Addo Elephant National Park comprises 5 different biomes and each biome offering guests unique and individual experiences, from marvelling at the magnificent elephant herds browsing a short distance from you, tracking the movements of the game (both small and large are just as important to the qualified Guides), or even learning about the medicinal values of the bush and the history of the land, ensures that there is never a dull moment while on your private safari.
RiverBend Lodge is one of the few game reserves in the Eastern Cape where you can view the Big 5 all in one wilderness area. Game drives are done in open safari vehicles, on both the exclusive use concession area of RiverBend, as well as inside the public Main Camp area thus ensuring guests get to experience all aspects and opportunities of an authentic safari.
At RiverBend we provide separate game drives for families with children, and where possible, guest parties are hosted on their own game drive vehicles.
Picnics
At RiverBend, we excel in customising experiences for our guests. We can organise a wonderful picnic breakfast or lunch out in the bush for you and your loved one, for a family or for a group of friends.
Let us know in advance and we will make sure that you are able to treasure the memories of your unique safari picnic for years to come.
Wine Tasting
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.
Specialised Group Bookings
RiverBend caters to special group bookings and tours.
We will ensure that your needs are well met and exceeded with accommodation and fine cuisine to match your dietary requirements.
Birding enthusiasts, professional or amateur, we have the guides with the expertise you require. Photographers, our safari is what you need to capture ‘that shot’ in the perfect light. Chat to us about arranging a specialised tour for your group.
Our central philosophy of allowing guests to determine their own daily routine means that all activities are bespoke and tailored to the guests’ convenience. RiverBend Lodge offers a diversity of activities for guests to enjoy, all at their own pace and pleasure.
Hiking and Cycling
RiverBend has access to some of the most beautiful cycling and hiking trails in the area, located just outside the Big 5 fence line. Bring your own kit, your high energy, and in-between the pampering and safari’s, we will be happy to assist you onto the hiking and cycling trails.
Should you be a keen cycling and adventure enthusiast, and interested in participating or finding out more about our Big 5, Addo Cycle Tour, do get in touch with us. This exclusive Big 5 Cycle Tour is on a very limited basis and is only done from within RiverBend Lodge into Addo Elephant National Park concession, up close and personal amongst the Big 5. A bucket list, right there.
