RiverBend Lodge

Charming homestead and villa in malaria-free Addo Elephant Park - fab for families and just an hour from Port Elizabeth

Set in lush colourful gardens with countless butterflies, this Victorian homestead has just 8 suites. With its bright floral décor it offers a light, gentle and refreshingly different way to experience African wildlife. Within viewing distance of the nearby waterhole, yet entirely fenced in, RiverBend makes for a safe and peaceful stay in the bush. The nearby Long Hope Villa offers a more private experience; set in a secluded area of the park, guests are provided with a personal chef and their own game ranger.

After the morning game drive spent passing herds of elephants, we enjoyed a hearty breakfast on the wraparound veranda, with its endless views across the plains. After that, a trek on elephant-back or plain lazing by the pool were equally tempting choices. Delicious homemade snacks appeared out of nowhere throughout the day to save us from sure starvation, before the fabulous 5-course gourmet feast that was our dinner.

Staff are unfailingly lovely and enthusiastic, the vibe is cossetting, and the guides are superb at tracking both large and small animals; required in this type of bush as it conceals wildlife. This is a great place for safari enthusiasts who want a relaxed, gourmet-led experience - and it's utterly fantastic for families with children of all ages.

Highs

• Parents can take offspring on game drives, or leave them with babysitters to have cooking lessons, track small animals, or play in the sandpit. The pool is fenced, and there's a kids' menu
• Spacious, tranquil suites with views of the waterhole
• Long Hope Villa sleeps 4-7 and comes with private staff; a great option for larger groups who want more flexibility with meals and game drives
• Addo was successfully founded to conserve indigenous elephants; now there are also buffalo, hyena, zebra, lion, kudu, jackal, warthog, eland and hartebeest
• Good value for money considering the standard of accommodation and food, and the full-board basis

Lows

• Some will find the décor a bit old-fashioned and chintzy, and the dining area a bit soulless
• If children don't feature in your dream holiday scenario this may not be for you, although families are taken on separate game drives wherever possible
• Incredibly popular, so you need to book early
• The game viewing in the private concession part of Addo (where the lodge sits) was fairly limited; take game drives in the National Park as well