Wellness meets
Wilderness
Yoga Retreat at RiverBend
11 to 14 December 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Booking & Planning
Most safari lodges recommend booking at least 6-12 months in advance, especially for premium properties. The best low budget accommodation options always fill up first, often as far as a year in advance. Contact us at reservations@riverbendlodge.co.za or +27 (0)42 233 8000.
A comprehensive breakdown of our rates and specials is found on our website at https://riverbendcollection.co.za/rates-bookings/
You can book directly with RiverBend Collection. We offer direct bookings and handle all arrangements including game drives and transfers.
Wildlife & Safari Experience
You have guided access to areas of the park that very few people do, allowing you to search for the Big 5 over 14,000 hectares. While we can’t guarantee specific sightings, there is a good chance of seeing the Big 5 and other animals during game drives.
Our qualified guides take you out on your Big 5 safari through both the RiverBend Lodge’s exclusive use private concession area and the Addo Elephant National Park main camp area. Guided drives are included and recommended for private concession access.
You will be safe if you follow the safari rules. Animals rarely even approach the safari vehicles, unless they want shade or are in the process of stalking prey. Our experienced guides ensure your safety throughout.
Practical Questions
Yes, RiverBend Collection is situated in a malaria-free destination in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Family safaris with young children are tailored to your individual needs and run separately from other guests. Guest reviews mention excellent accommodation for families with 2-year-olds, with staff making special arrangements for children’s meals and involving kids in educational activities during game drives.
Comfortable clothes in neutral colours that you can wear in layers are ideal. Winter is much colder in the mornings and evenings, so a warm jacket, beanie and gloves would be an advantage. It’s a good idea to ensure you have ample spare batteries and charging cables for phones, cameras, etc.
The animals will not always be in close proximity, so yes, bring a pair of binoculars. The best binoculars for African safaris are lightweight and fog proof, with at least 8x magnification and a 42-millimetre lens. A DSLR camera should have a telephoto zoom lens no smaller than 200mm and ideally 300mm.
Accommodation Specifics
RiverBend Lodge has 8 stand alone, luxury suites, together with an additional outside shower, linked by a meandering path through the lush gardens. We also offer the beautiful Honeymoon Suite, extra privacy at Pepper Grove House, and exclusive use of Long Hope Villa.
The culinary experience features fresh South African cuisine prepared with care and presented beautifully. Our kitchen team takes pride in accommodating all dietary requirements and preferences, ensuring every guest enjoys memorable meals during their stay.
Getting There
Passport holders of most nationalities do not require a visa to visit South Africa for up to 90 days, though this can change. Check current requirements before travel.
The culinary experience features fresh South African cuisine prepared with care and presented beautifully. Our kitchen team takes pride in accommodating all dietary requirements and preferences, ensuring every guest enjoys memorable meals during their stay.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
RiverBend Lodge is a year-round destination, each season revealing a different side of the Eastern Cape. The dry-summer months (October–March) bring warm days and excellent wildlife viewing as animals gather around waterholes, while the cooler winter period (April–September) offers crisp mornings, clear skies, and spectacular light for photography.
Comparing Options
RiverBend Lodge is situated on a private concession inside Addo Elephant National Park, offering guided access to areas of the park that very few people do, versus the public areas accessible from Addo Main Camp which can have up to 100 vehicle visits a day.
We recommend a bare minimum of 3 nights on safari, which will give you 2 full days for game viewing. If you have the time and budget, 4 or 5 nights will give you more time to relax and enjoy the lodge, and more chance of seeing the Big 5.
Wellness meets
Don’t miss out on our latest, hand picked promotions
Why you should choose us...
- Receive a 15% discount on direct bookings (excludes specials)
- Adult Guests receive a complimentary foot massage
- Scheduled Evening of Conservation themed talks
- T&Cs apply.