River Bend Lodge

Game viewing

The five star RiverBend Lodge nestles in a 14 000 ha private concession area of the game rich Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa.  Home to the 'Big Five', this magnificent region of South Africa is also steeped in history and along with National Parks, the RiverBend Lodge is regularly involved in rehabilitating this scenic wildlife area to its former glory.
 
Exciting game drives are conducted in the Addo Elephant National Park as well as in the 5000 ha Private Intsomi Reserve.  The Intsomi Reserve, which is accessible exclusively to guests and staff of the RiverBend Lodge, is also home to various species not seen in the Addo Elephant National Park such as Giraffe, Gemsbok and the endangered Bontebok to name but a few.
 
Guided bush walks are available in the Intsomi Reserve where professional guides focus on the smaller creatures and plants.
 
 A special experience for guests is the night safari whereby guests may join one of the professional guides on a night drive, the beauty of the Southern Hemisphere sky and its history will form part of the search for some of the indigenous nocturnal species to be found in the area.

Game viewing:

•  game drives
•  night safaris
•  guided bush walks

Mountain drives and walkes

Guests may take a picturesque drive into the majestic Zuurberg Mountains and enjoy a sundowner drink as the sun sets over the scenic valley below.

Horse-back safaris

Observing wildlife from horse-back is a truly exceptional experience which is possible for guests staying at the five star RiverBend Lodge in the Addo Elephant National Park of South Africa.   Riders can become one with the nature and the resident wildlife as they ride along the beautiful trails which lead through the Addo Elephant National Park.
 
Many different trails led by experienced guides, are offered for all levels of riders. This is an additional activity, operated by Addo Horse Trails and can be arranged at an additional cost, on request while staying at the RiverBend Lodge.

Bird watching

The Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa is home to over 300 bird species.   Bird watching enthusiasts have the great opportunity to search for the ever elusive Narina Trogon or the Knysna Touraco in the forests on the mountain slopes.  Blue Cranes nesting in the grassland and the majestic Black Eagle soaring overhead can also be observed.
 
The guides at the RiverBend Lodge are trained bird watchers and special birding trips can be arranged for guests by prior booking.  For guests wishing to spend the day away from the lodge, the guides can take them on a private birding trip with a packed lunch to be enjoyed in the veld.

Citrus tours and picnics

Guests may visit the RiverBend Citrus farm on a guided tour led by the citrus manager. The RiverBend Citrus farm currently has over 217 000 trees producing oranges, navels, ruby grapefruit and lemons for the export market.  The chef at the RiverBend Lodge can prepare a delicious picnic for guests to enjoy in the coolness of the orchard shade.

Star gazing

The clear skies and wide horizons offer spectacular star and planet gazing from the RiverBend Lodge.  The rangers are knowledgeable in astronomy and offer interesting talks on night drives.

Elephant encounters

The Elephant Encounter Excursion is about learning and becoming familiar with one of Africa's largest and most intelligent mammals - the African Elephant.  This activity is an adventure of interaction with the three rescued, tame elephants, enjoying the beauty of the area and of getting acquainted with these gentle giants.  

Elephant Encounters is an additional activity for guests staying at the RiverBend Lodge.   It is operated by Addo Elephant Back Safaris and excursions can be arranged at an additional cost.

Cultural and historical trips

Visitors have the opportunity to learn about the medicinal values of the flora and fauna in this area of South Africa by an experienced local ranger.   Guests may also take a self drive historical tour to the battlefields and frontier town of Grahamstown which is 80kms away from the RiverBend Lodge.