River Bend Lodge, Addo Elephant National Park
30 May 2012
River Bend Lodge in the Addo Elephant National Park was by far the highlight of my trip down the Garden Route. As you know, I had been staying at out of the way self-catering cottages – we had enjoyed them thoroughly and each one had been very special in their own way.
But, no ways was I saying “no thanks” to some five star pampering and I could not wait to get to River Bend Lodge.
We arrived after our dramatic trip over the Prince Alfred’s Pass, my mini was covered in mud and both hubby and I looked a little worse for wear…….
But, Stefanie (assistant lodge manager) and Mike (our assigned field guide) welcomed us like royalty. After filling in the usual indemnity forms etc, we were whisked away to our executive suite.
I love that feeling of comfortable but not over the top, which is exactly what the rooms are like.
You can sprawl out on the huge bed (big enough for a whole family), relax outside on your own private veranda, or lay back in the Victorian bath making sure you are using all the
complimentary oils and bubble baths.
There is also an outdoor shower which hubby just loves; he says there is nothing quite like showering under the stars….
It was bliss…..
High Tea
After settling in, we walked up to the very comfortable lounge / bar for high tea which was the beginning of our gourmet experience.
The last time I had visited, the food had been very good and, as I had been told that there was a new chef, I could not wait to see what was on offer. Let’s just say, my tummy and taste buds were well taken care off! I met up with Jonathan Hodder, the new Executive Chef and you can learn a little more about him in a later post – young, good looking, can obviously cook up a storm and has worked at a famous British restaurant…… keep your eyes peeled for this.
Next up was our afternoon game drive. One of the advantages of staying at a private 
lodge is the personalized game drives, nothing can beat them. The field guides are well trained and no matter how many times I have been on a game drive, I always learn something new. Mike, our field guide had a lovely way of telling a story which kept one interested and also amused. He was completely “in love” with his job, and his enthusiasm for all things wild whether it was the game or the bushes and trees was a joy to experience.
Gin Tonic with sushi for sundowners – heaven!
We were lucky enough to immediately find some Buffalo (read more about these Dagga Boys HERE) and then, after our sundowners, we bumped into some Elephants, they were amazing, right next to our open safari vehicle as you can see from the pics below.
A heart stopping moment with ellies right up close and personal…at dusk
On our return, we were met with a lovely hot chocolate “toddy” to banish any cold away. Then, after a quick freshen up, it was time for dinner. This was a very elegant affair with “fine dining”, silver tableware and excellent service.
Take a look at what hubby chose:
Parma Ham Crispy Egg and Pea Mousse Truffle Dressing on the left for starters followed by African spiced saddle of lamb ”chakalaka”, roast red pepper, cumin sauce
And to top it off :
White Chocolate Parfait with orange vanilla puree and passion fruit struzel
After a wonderfully restful night, we were woken up at the crack of dawn for our next
A gorgeous sunrise makes the early start worthwhile
game drive. It always seems a bit of a pain to force those eyes open when it is still dark outside, but once you are up and in that safari vehicle and the sun is just creeping over the horizon, it is all so worth it.
We were duly rewarded with a fabulous sighting of the lions relaxing in the early morning sunlight. We also saw lots of other game including some very large Warthogs, a huge herd of Elephants, lots of Eland, Kudu, Duikers, Red Hartebeest Zebra and the Black-backed Jackal and of course lots of birds.
Top Black-backed Jackal, lion, Bottom Kudu, Warthog, Red Harte-beest
Back at the lodge, we indulged in a delicious breakfast of scrambled egg and salmon….and before we knew it, it was time to pack up and leave….. I really did feel sad to be going, wish the stay could have been longer so that I could have enjoyed all the amenities more but hey, I am not complaining!
River Bend does have a special rate for the winter months, see them HERE. In addition to this superb rate, if you book two nights, you will also get a third night FREE.
A lovely pool area just right for relaxing between game drives
If I were you, I would save up to spend a special occasion at this superb location. It is just so worth it and the winter special is excellent value when you consider that it is FIVE star and includes accommodation, two game drives per day, each of which is about 3hrs long all your delicious meals as well as Park levies and fees. Children are also very welcome!!
So, get saving and make it happen! Have you been on safari in the Eastern Cape and, if not, why not??
Full disclosure: Our stay was provided by River Bend Lodge, but as always, I will share my honest opinion about any travel experiences I have.
For further reading, click on the appropriate previous Blogs:
Garden Route – top 10 attractions
D is for Dagga Boys (article on Buffalo)