Revitalise the soul and spirit, leave the city life behind and escape to the tranquil, natural beauty found 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 mere 45 minutes’ drive from Port Elizabeth. Home to an abundance of wildlife including elephant, lion, hyena, buffalo, black rhino and a variety of antelope and over 300 bird species, River Bend is an ideal malaria-free safari addition to a Garden Route holiday. The eight individually decorated suites each have private verandahs and some with private outdoor showers, which open onto the bushveld. The beautiful Honeymoon Suite boasts a private plunge pool with uninterrupted views. Inter-leading suites are available for families. Children of all ages welcome. Award-winning wine lists accompany delicious meals including seven-course dinners, hearty breakfasts and light and tasty lunches. Pampering treatments are available in the Vitality Studio. Personalised game drives are led by enthusiastic and experienced guides, who will ensure you have a truly memorable safari experience.

At the exclusive-use Long Hope Villa, families of four or more can enjoy total privacy and a true home-away-from-home experience. Three en-suite rooms accommodate a maximum of six guests and the Villa comes complete with a private chef and personal guide. The beautiful farmhouse kitchen encourages interaction between the guests and the chef. Outdoors you can enjoy fabulous barbeques on a cool summer evening, or dine al fresco under the stars. The path leads through the indigenous garden to the swimming pool, which invites you to cool off from a hot summer’s day. Located a short stroll away from the Villa, the sunset deck offers a wonderful retreat for a lazy afternoon relaxing on the day-beds or in the hammocks. Sip cocktails, lie back and relax as you watch another magnificent sunset on a splendid African day.