The River Bend Cottages - Camdeboo National Park
The River Bend Cottages is a guesthouse near Camdeboo National Park.
- Location
- Camdeboo National Park, Eastern Cape Safaris, South Africa, Southern Africa
- Type
- hotel
- Coordinates
- -32.258976, 24.530254
- Elevation
- 751m
- Price range
- luxury
- Phone
- +27 (0)76 896 9308
- [email protected]
- Website
- https://www.theriverbendcottages.net/
- Activities
- Spa
- Amenities
- Spa, Restaurant, Dining, Bar, Lounge, Library
PlnrScore: 53/100
Wildlife Near This Lodge
900 species observed within 20 km, 39 mammals, 206 birds.
- Sweet Thorn (Plantae, 113 observations)
- Springbok (Mammalia, 92 observations)
- Pale Chanting-Goshawk (Aves, 85 observations)
- Leopard Tortoise (Reptilia, 83 observations)
- Southern Rock Agama (Reptilia, 82 observations)
- Common Ostrich (Aves, 80 observations)
- Cape Aloe (Plantae, 80 observations)
- Elephant bush (Plantae, 77 observations)
- Vervet Monkey (Mammalia, 72 observations)
- Coral Aloe (Plantae, 72 observations)
Monthly Climate
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32C | 16.7C | 56.9mm |
| Feb | 31.1C | 16C | 44.9mm |
| Mar | 29.4C | 15.2C | 46.9mm |
| Apr | 24.6C | 11.3C | 40mm |
| May | 22.5C | 9C | 34.5mm |
| Jun | 19.4C | 6.8C | 20.7mm |
| Jul | 18.7C | 5.2C | 17.5mm |
| Aug | 20.7C | 5.8C | 14.6mm |
| Sep | 23.4C | 8.2C | 36.6mm |
| Oct | 26.2C | 10.6C | 31.9mm |
| Nov | 28.6C | 12.7C | 37.2mm |
| Dec | 29.9C | 14.8C | 54.8mm |
Best Time to Visit The River Bend Cottages
The best months to visit The River Bend Cottages are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Month-by-Month Safari Conditions
- January: Great, temperature 23.93°C, rainfall 56.9mm, sunshine 11.7 hrs, humidity 55.4%
- February: Great, temperature 23.13°C, rainfall 44.9mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 54.9%
- March: Great, temperature 21.95°C, rainfall 46.9mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 54.9%
- April: Good, temperature 17.66°C, rainfall 40mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 56.6%
- May: Great, temperature 15.28°C, rainfall 34.5mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 51.8%
- June: Good, temperature 12.61°C, rainfall 20.7mm, sunshine 8.8 hrs, humidity 51.5%
- July: Great, temperature 11.5°C, rainfall 17.5mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 47.3%
- August: Great, temperature 13.06°C, rainfall 14.6mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 44.9%
- September: Great, temperature 15.68°C, rainfall 36.6mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 49%
- October: Great, temperature 18.18°C, rainfall 31.9mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 54.3%
- November: Great, temperature 20.26°C, rainfall 37.2mm, sunshine 11.6 hrs, humidity 52.4%
- December: Great, temperature 21.7°C, rainfall 54.8mm, sunshine 11.7 hrs, humidity 56%
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to experience Camdeboo National Park from The River Bend Cottages?
We love using the lodge as a base for exploring Camdeboo. We recommend hiring a private guide through the lodge; they know the park's hidden gems and can help you spot the elusive Cape mountain zebra. The drives back to the lodge in the late afternoon are spectacular, with the Karoo light painting the landscape in unbelievable hues.
Beyond safari, what makes The River Bend Cottages special?
While the proximity to Camdeboo is a draw, we find the lodge itself utterly charming. The spa is a real treat after a day of exploring, and we particularly enjoyed the locally sourced ingredients in their dining room. It feels luxurious and timeless, a perfect counterpoint to the ruggedness of the park.
What kind of wildlife can we realistically expect to see near The River Bend Cottages?
You'll find a good variety of Karoo antelope like springbok and kudu, and if you're lucky, you might spot the rare Cape mountain zebra within Camdeboo National Park. Birdlife is also abundant, especially near the water sources. While it's not the Big Five territory, the unique Karoo ecosystem offers its own special rewards.
What's the ideal time of year to visit The River Bend Cottages for the best weather and wildlife viewing?
We find spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) offer the most pleasant temperatures for exploring. The Karoo can get quite hot in summer and cold in winter, but spring and autumn provide a beautiful balance. Wildlife tends to be more active during these shoulder seasons too.
Given its luxury price point, what level of service and amenities should we anticipate at The River Bend Cottages?
Expect impeccable service that feels warm and personal, not stuffy. The cottages are beautifully appointed, offering a comfortable and private retreat. We found the staff went above and beyond to ensure our stay was memorable, from arranging special dining experiences to offering insightful local tips.
Other Safari Lodges in Camdeboo National Park
- 1830 Cottage
- 4 Rothman Street B&B
- Camdeboo Cottages
- Country Village Accomodation
- DeWingerd B&B
- Driekoppe Hiking Huts
- Drostdy Hotel
- Jesa Caravan Park & Overnight Accomodation
- Kingfisher Guesthouse
- Lakeview Tented Camp
- Merwede
- Nqweba Camp Site
- Obesa Lodge
- Profcon Resort
- Profcon Resort Reception
- Toni's Cottage
- Urquhart Caravan Park
- Waaihoek Rustic 4x4 Campsite
Parks in Eastern Cape Safaris
- Addo Elephant Marine Protected Area
- Addo Elephant National Park
- Addo Elephant National Park - Addo Main Camp Section
- Addo Elephant National Park - Colchester Section
- Addo Elephant National Park (Darlington Section)
- Addo Elephant National Park (Kabouge Section)
- Addo Elephant National Park (Kuzuko Section)
- Addo Elephant National Park (Zuurberg Section)
- Addo Elephant Park (Nyati Section)
- Amakhala Game Reserve
- Garden Route National Park
- Grasslands National Park
- Mountain Zebra National Park
- Shamwari Private Game Reserve
- Tenahead Mountain Reserve