Ratings based on 36 Verified Reviews
4.8 Room cleanliness
4.8 Service & staff
4.8 Room comfort
4.5 Hotel condition
Expedia Verified Reviews
by A verified traveler
Posted 13 Jan 2023
Set inside Addo, you get 5 star service, and knowledgeable game guides who zero in on your individual needs. Lots of elephants, kudu, zebra, and a mating pair of lions made for outstanding sightings.
by A verified traveler
Posted 5 Mar 2020
Superb accommdation snd food. Stunning close up elephant experiences and we were fortunate enough to also see lions, againe very close up. Highly recommend
Comment from Hotel Management
5 Mar 2020 by General Manager: Debbie Carinus, Hotel Management
Dear Riverbend GUEST,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for taking the time to let us have your feedback.
We are so delighted that you had a most wonderful stay with us, and that you got to see some amazing wildlife while on safari with us.
Until we see you again, travel safely and take care.
Sincerely
Debbie & The RiverBend Lodge Team
by A verified traveler
Posted 25 Jan 2020 on Hotels
Comment from Hotel Management
25 Jan 2020 by Debbie Carinus & The RiverBend Lodge Team, Hotel Management
Dear Simon
Thank you so much for taking the time to give us feedback. It means the world to us when our GUESTS have had a stay that exceeds their expectations.
Travel safely until we see you again at RiverBend Lodge
by A verified traveler
Posted 29 Oct 2019
Comment from Hotel Management
14 Nov 2019 by General Manager, Hotel Management
Thank you so much for taking the time to put pen to paper and submit your review on RiverBend Lodge.
We are delighted that you loved your stay with us and until we see you again Safe travels.
Sincerely
Debbie & The RiverBend Team
by A verified traveler
Superb service, magnificent location
Posted 2 Jun 2019 on HotelsTruly remarkable service from the management and staff.
Comment from Hotel Management
5 Jun 2019 by Debbie & the RiverBend team, Hotel Management
Thank you so much for your most wonderful feedback.
We are delighted that you got to experience this amazing slice of paradise with us, and needless to say, always love it when our GUESTS love RiverBend Lodge & LongHope Villa as much as we do.
Take care until we see you again.
by A verified traveler
The very best of South Africa
Posted 31 May 2019 on HotelsA truly remarkable lodge, staffed by attentive, smart and genuinely friendly people. Very highly recommended.
Comment from Hotel Management
5 Jun 2019 by Debbie, Hotel Management
Wow - Thank you for your wonderful review.
I really appreciate the fact that your interaction with the staff has been noted.....this means the world to us, as I really do have the most 'awesome' staff and I love the fact that you have experienced how genuine they are!
I will definitely pass this wonderful message on to all here at RiverBend Lodge & LongHope Villa.
Again - my sincere Thanks and take care till we see you again
by A verified traveler
Posted 13 Mar 2019 on Hotels
This was an amazing place to stay in. How ever, the dinner which the establishment marketed as “gourmet” was a bit disappointing.. nice but nothing special, or that “wow” effect which you would expect from a gourmet meal. A bit unimaginative.
Comment from Hotel Management
5 Jun 2019 by Debbie, Hotel Management
I want to thank you for your honest and open review.
Guest reviews are vital to us and assist us with keeping the standards were they should be. I am so sorry the dinner was disappointing and missing the 'wow' effect.
As the new Manager of the Lodge I am happy to advise that I have taken your point to heart, and have sat with my Executive Chef and together we have re-looked the menus and have revived the Dinners and meals in general to a gourmet 'wow' standard.
Should you ever be looking at another Big 5 Safari, I would love to welcome you back to RiverBend Loge & LongHope Villa, and treat you, to the real dinner you should have experienced during your first stay with us.
Again my Sincere Thanks for your open and honest review, it is valued.
by A verified traveler
A Safari Treat
Posted 10 Dec 2018 on HotelsOverall we enjoyed our stay at the River Bend. The staff were friendly and helpful. Darlington was our Ranger for the Game Drives, who is very experienced, knowledgeable and very pleasant. During our stay we were lucky to see four of the "Big Five" and enjoyed each Game Drive.
The furnishings at the River Bend are in need of some TLC; furniture is worn, the bathroom towels old and areas such as the the library need a good dusting- we found "coffee-table" style books coated in thick dust. It is has a "faded glory" colonial style, which needs updating to make it luxurious.
Comment from Hotel Management
5 Jun 2019 by Debbie, Hotel Management
Thank you for your honest and constructive review, as tough as it is to hear at times, it does help us keep our fingers on the pulse.
We are delighted that Darlington did a great job and do apologise for the lack of Housekeeping efforts during your stay.
As the new Manager of the Lodge, I took your comments very seriously and am pleased to advise that not only have we (the staff & I) done a full spring clean of the entire Lodge....but I have also done training with the staff, so as to prevent this ever happening again.
Over and above this, I am so pleased to also advise that I am currently busy with the owners looking at some new soft refurbishing options for the Lodge.
I really do hope, that should you decide on another Big 5 Safari you will book RiverBend Lodge again as I would love to share with you the wonderful place RiverBend truly is.
by A verified traveler
Posted 27 Nov 2018 on Hotels
A very tranquil and relaxing stay, with fantastic food, and very informative game drives.
Comment from Hotel Management
5 Jun 2019 by Debbie, Hotel Management
Hi Rory
Thank you so much for your review, it is sincerely appreciated.
It is always wonderful when a GUEST loves RiverBend Lodge & LongHope Villa as much as we do.
I am delighted that you enjoyed your stay.
by A verified traveler
Lovely family friendly lodge
Posted 9 Oct 2018 on HotelsWe stayed at River Bend Lodge with another family. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The game drives were amazing and we were lucky to have some good sightings . Our game ranger was extremely knowledgeable and full of fun facts which kept the children entertained.
Our room was a little tired and the water pressure wasn't great would be our only complaints .
Overall we had a very enjoyable stay.
Comment from Hotel Management
5 Jun 2019 by Debbie, Hotel Management
Hi Tracy,
My sincere apologies for the delay in this response to your review.
I am delighted that you enjoyed your stay with us at RiverBend Lodge & LongHope Villa, and that the staff did a great job making you feel at home and spoilt.
I am also delighted to advise that I have taken your comments to heart, and that I am currently in the process looking at some refurbishing options with the Owners.
I do hope we get to meet at RiverBend Lodge, should you ever look at another Big 5 Safari option so that I can share with you the changers since your last stay with us, that your review helped bring about.
