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River Bend Lodge, Eastern Cape | Timbuktu Travel
Eastern Cape

River Bend Lodge

Travel and Leisure Worlds Best Awards for number 1 tour operator in the world 2024 and number 2 tour operator in the world 2025
We're one of the World's Best Tour Operators!
Named three years running in Travel+Leisure World's Best, including No.1 in 2024

About River Bend Lodge

Superb, family-friendly lodge in a private concession with plenty of wildlife bonuses.
Set on the private 14 000-hectare private Nyati Concession within the malaria-free Addo Elephant National Park, River Bend is an exclusive family-friendly lodge. The majestic Zuurberg mountains flank the concession, which is home to an abundance of wildlife including the Big Five and 300-plus bird species. The dining here is stylish – each delicious meal prepared in a classic French style with a River Bend twist. (Children's tastes are catered for, with hamburgers and other favourites.) The twice-daily game drives are wonderful, the guides are extremely knowledgeable, and the younger visitors are clearly treasured.
From $950 per person/per night
Retreat
8 Rooms
Open Map
Static map

Property details

The property

The fenced main lodge has a formal dining room, a central lounge, a library and a terrace overlooking a waterhole. Afternoon tea is served indoors or on the terrace. The more informal Day Room is equipped with a television and selected DVDs for all ages. The Lodge also has “River Bend mobile playrooms” which contain age-appropriate toys and equipment for children. There's a spa, a swimming pool, a small business centre for those who need to work. Wi-fi is available.

The rooms

Eight spacious and beautifully furnished individual suites, their sliding doors opening to a patio area that faces outward to the bush, surround a garden containing centuries-old indigenous trees. All suites are air-conditioned, and each is equipped with a ceiling fan, safe, minibar, satellite TV and a lush en-suite bathroom. Families can choose to stay in a suite with interleading doors or at the exclusive-use villa with its own chef. The Honeymoon Suite has its own private veranda and plunge pool.

Activities

Activities are tailored to suit guests interests and schedules. They include personalised game drives, walking with giraffes, guided walks, tracking courses, birding, bush picnics and mountain hikes. Youngsters can take part in the "mini-rangers" programme, try baking with the chef, watch DVDs and enjoy the mobile playrooms. Spend time making the best of your images with the full-time photographer, and enjoy a treatment at the spa.

Why we love it

Why we love it

With no age limit for kids on game drives and an excellent kids programme, this lodge is a delight for families. And whilst the kids are playing safely in the grounds, adults can be pampered in the spa - truly something for everyone.
Insiders tip

Insiders Tip

Don't miss a night drive. There are plenty of smaller (and larger!) species to discover after dark, from servals to civets, aardvarks to striped polecats.
Something to think about

Something to think about

The reserve is vast and you can head for the hills with your guide in search of wildlife and not see a soul, however a large tract does run along the main road so you may hear the occasional car and sometimes see the fence line.
Plan your stay

How to book River Bend Lodge

How do I book River Bend Lodge?

River Bend Lodge can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made South Africa trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended South Africa trips featuring River Bend Lodge or get advice and suggestions from one of our South Africa specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.

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

Stays at River Bend Lodge start from around $950 per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

South Africa

Eastern Cape

A tip top safari destination with a cultural heart within reach of Cape Town and the Garden Route.