Safari Holidays to South Africa and Namibia for independent travellers.

Check-In and Check-Out Times

Rooms may be occupied from 12 midday on the day of arrival. If possible, aim to arrive at the lodge around this time, so you can check into your room and relax before your first afternoon game drive, but if you don't think you can arrive by this time, you should aim to arrive by 3 pm at the very latest, or else you may miss the afternoon drive.

Rooms must please be vacated by 11 am on the day of departure for the convenience of arriving guests.

Published Rates Include

2 safaris (game drives) daily or guided walks, full breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and coffee, dinner, tourism levy, Park levy and entrance fees are included.

The rate excludes your personal bar account, sundowner drinks, telephone, curios and child minding, and any road or air transfers to and from the lodge.

Children Policy

Children of any age are welcome. Rates available on request.

Other Useful Information

Children of all ages are welcome at River Bend. Various activities are on offer including a playroom where hours of fun can be had. The team is geared towards every need and children will be taken on walks with their guide, baking biscuits with the chef or doing mini treatments with the Beauty Therapist. There is also a dedicated channel on our television network on which children are able to choose from a selection of videos to be played.

Should your children decide not to join you on a game drive or for dinner, we have trained child minders to take care of them while you can relax and enjoy the beauty of the Addo Elephant National Park and make use of the luxury facilities at River Bend Lodge. A specially designed kiddies menu of all-time favorites, served at your convenience, all form part of our commitment to ensuring a pleasant stay for all our guests.

Game drives in search of animals in their natural habitat are conducted in specially customized open Land Rovers, seating up to 9 guests, providing comfort and safety. If you have a particular species you would like to see, please mention it to your ranger - he will be happy to merge your plans into the group.

Game drives take place throughout the year at optimum viewing times when game activity is generally at its peak. The morning safari departs at sunrise and the afternoon drive leaves late enough for guests to enjoy a bush sunset with sundowners.

Guided bush walks can be arranged, and your ranger will show you some of the smaller things such as animal tracks, the diverse array of insects, reptiles and birds, and talk about the fascinating uses of the plants.

The climate is subtropical, providing hot, wet summers and cool, dry winters. Summer months fall between September and April, with the weather at its hottest between November and February, often reaching temperatures of 35 - 40 degrees. Rain is periodic and while often coming in a heavy downpour, it normally lasts for only a short time.

In winter, between May and August, the mornings and nights are cold, with temperatures dropping to 10 degrees. During the day, however, the sun shines warmly in the bright blue, cloudless skies and there is often no rain for many months.

We would also like to recommend a few items that we suggest you take along:

Cotton clothing in neutral colours is recommended and keep whites to a minimum, as white attracts certain bugs at night. Shorts are ideal for walks and the warm midday periods. Dinner dress is casual.

Between September to April, in addition, a warm sweater is useful for the cooler morning and evening temperatures. Between May and August, you will need several warm layers, including a thick jacket and a beanie hat, for the very cold mornings and nights.

Comfortable walking shoes, track shoes or boots are advisable if you want to go on a bush walk - otherwise sandals are ideal to wear at meals and within the lodge area.

Sun block / sun hat / sunglasses / lip balm are a good idea when out on game drives in the sun.

Insect repellent ? Peaceful Sleep is a recommended brand which can be purchased in South Africa.

Cameras, binoculars and your favourite film - the lodge does sell all types of film so if you run out, it?s not serious, but prices may be high.

Video camera and a spare battery (batteries can be recharged in your room or at Reception).

It is customary to tip your guide and tracker when you leave, and also leave something for the housekeeping staff, especially if they have done an exceptional job of looking after you. What you leave is totally at your own discretion, but the Lodge Manager will generally give you a guideline if you ask him / her.

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