RiverBend Lodge: Activities

From marveling at the magnificent Elephant herds grazing a short distance from you on your private game drive, tracking the movements of game on foot, learning about the medicinal values of the bush to strolling through the citrus orchards of our adjacent farm, RiverBend offers a diversity of activities to enjoy. All at your own pace and pleasure.

GAME DRIVES & GUIDED WALKS

RiverBend is situated inside a 14 000 ha private concession area of the Addo Elephant National Park. Home to the Big Five, the region is also steeped in history and along with National Parks, RiverBend is constantly involved in rehabilitating this magnificent wildlife region to its former glory.

Game drives are conducted inside the Addo or in our 5000ha Private Intsomi Reserve. The Intsomi Reserve, accessible exclusively by RiverBend, is also home to various species not seen in the Addo such as Giraffe, White Rhino, Gemsbok and the endangered Bontebok to name but a few.

Guided walks are conducted in the Intsomi Reserve where your guide will focus on the smaller creatures and plants.

Joining one of our 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.

MOUNTAIN DRIVES AND WALKS

Take a picturesque drive into the majestic Zuurberg Mountains. Enjoy a sundowner drink as the sun sets over the sweeping valley below and watch as the colours change the mood of the day. Ideal for those seeking breath-taking beauty and tranquility.

BIRD-WATCHING

The region is home to over 300 species. Search for the ever elusive Narina Trogon or Knysna Touraco in the forests on the mountain slopes, the Blue Cranes nesting in the grassland or the majestic Black Eagle soaring overhead.

Our guides are all trained bird watchers and special birding trips can be arranged when making your reservation. Should you wish to spend the day away from the lodge and other non-birders, our guides would take you on a private birding trip with a packed lunch to be enjoyed in the veld(by prior arrangement).

HORSE-BACK SAFARIS

Viewing wildlife from horse-back is a truly exceptional experience. Become one with the nature and the resident wildlife as you ride along the beautiful trails through the Addo National Park.

Various 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 RiverBend.

CULTURAL & HISTORICAL EXCURSIONS

Learn about the medicinal values of the flora and fauna in the region by an experienced local ranger. Or take a self drive historical tour to the battlefields and frontier town of Grahamstown - a mere 80kms from RiverBend.

CITRUS TOURS AND PICNICS

Spend some time visiting the RiverBend Citrus farm on a guided tour by our citrus manager. The RiverBend Citrus farm currently has over 217 000 trees producing oranges, navels, ruby grapefruit and lemons for the export market.

Our chef will prepare a delicious picnic for you to enjoy in the coolness of the orchard shade.

ELEPHANT ENCOUNTERS

Appreciate nature from an elephant's perspective.

Walking besides these gentle giants will allow you to observe the elephant's habits in their natural surroundings. This Elephant Encounter Excursion is about learning and becoming familiar with one of Africa's most stately, intelligent mammals - the African Elephant.

It is an adventure of relaxed interaction with the three rescued, tame elephants, enjoying the beauty of the area and of getting acquainted with these gentle giants in a meaningful way. Elephant Encounters is an additional activity on offer whilst staying at RiverBend. It is operated by Addo Elephant Back Safaris and excursions can be arranged at an additional cost.

ASTRONOMY

Big open skies and wide horizons offer spectacular stellar and planet gazing. Our rangers are highly knowledgeable in astronomy and offer interesting talks on night drives. Special astronomy packages can be arranged on request.