Tranquillity, luxury and exquisite cuisine best describe the gracious living at River Bend Lodge. Anchored on endless horizons, flanked by the majestic Zuurberg Mountains and situated on a 14 000ha private concession within the Addo Elephant National Park, River Bend is a perfect balance between the Eastern Cape bush and the sheer elegance of fine country life. River Bend is home to an abundance of wildlife including elephant, lion, buffalo, antelope and over 300 bird species. The lodge has eight luxury suites each set apart from each other with a beautiful garden at their centre offering a distinctly individual, luxury and private retreat. The cuisine at River Bend is a modern interpretation of familiar African and European flavours, matched with the finest wines from around the country, a meal at River Bend is a superb gastronomic experience.Activities are tailored to suit guest’s interests and schedule; they include personalised game-drives, guided walks, birding, bush picnics, mountain hikes, wine tasting, photographic support and walking with giraffes.

Due to our unique climatic area and 5 different biomes, River Bend is home to over 300 bird species – an extensive list by any expert’s standards. Our guides are all trained bird watchers and should you wish to spend the day away from the Lodge, our guides will take you on a private birding trip with a packed lunch.

River Bend is an important contributor to SA Bird Society and many first time sightings have been made by our specialist guides.

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. River Bend’s “Introduction to South African Wines” is a wine tasting and food pairing created by our executive chef and hosted by our very own resident wine enthusiast.

The tasting consists of a brief history and introduction to the wines of Southern Africa, the tasting of four wines and food pairing recommendations with canapés.

River Bend Lodge’s game drives are like no other. The Addo Park comprises 5 different biomes and each biome offers guests unique and individual experiences. Whether you’re marvelling at the magnificent elephant herds grazing a short distance from you on your private game drive, tracking the movements of game on foot to learning about the medicinal values of the bush and history of the land, there is never a dull moment.

River Bend Lodge is one of the few game reserves in the Eastern Cape where you can view the Big 5 all in one wilderness area.

At River Bend we provide separate game drives for families and where possible guest parties are hosted on their own game drive vehicles.