A family friendly safari lodge in the Eastern Cape

My two short-attention-span, Ipod focussed sub adult sons could pose a tough ask for any self-respecting Mother Nature focussed property. However, I wish to inculcate my family to experience the inherent wonders of Mother Nature. In this quest, I have come across a place in the Eastern Cape that will exceed these needs and at the same time reach into the minds of each guest in a manner and style that will have all sitting together for dinner in the evening chatting avidly about their respective interface with Mother Nature in a fascinating compilation of stories all ages will relate to.

Riverbend Lodge talks about “revitalising your soul“ and “being a personal experience, dedicated to conservation and the rehabilitation of Africa’s natural world“. Lofty words without doubt, but is this reflected in the experience? Absolutely! And more, much more found in both the real & intrinsic value place before their fortunate guests.

Claire & I hold exceptionally high standard requirements for our clients benefit. This incorporates the entire spectrum offered by our suppliers. Cuisine, accommodation, activities, position, environment, corporate social responsibility and their policy on responsible tourism all impact on our evaluation and responding directive on their inclusion. These traits are fairly simple to evaluate. There is however an aspect that covers the human capital to be experienced by our clients. For us, this is the key to all of the above criteria. If the team have the ability to converse with adults and not with the youngsters, well it will not work. At Riverbend they not only speak to both levels, no, much more than this, they have carved out an entire dictionary (both pictorial and visual) to enrich the youngster at their level of understanding.

Their family program is really excellent. A dedicated TV channel has to be one of the most unique and attractive ways to keep children in one spot for any length of time. The offering covers favourite videos listed by their guests. An absolute hit is to be found in the art of culinary prowess with the chef in his kitchen. Imagine meeting with co guests for high tea before your afternoon game drive and wondering why your little ones smile is just SO wide, what have they been up to you may ponder? You are then presented with an array of “home made biscuits”, very homemade, in fact they are made in the hands of your very own offspring.

Extending the human capital angle to the game rangers at Riverbend Lodge, they come to their fore in the company of children. Carefully designed game walks and interpretations of Mother Nature for their inquisitive minds captivate their attention. You will marvel at how a simple twig, shrub or dung beetle can hold their focus for an eternity. An answer is to be found in the passion, respect and enthusiasm their rangers hold for their charges and the manner in which each child is given the creative scope to be involved at their level of understanding.

Yes, as an avid delver into the realm of Mother Nature and in the belief that all souls thrive in this environment, I would consider Riverbend Lodge and their entire family program one of South Africa’s best ways for families to arrive with a separated mindset and yet leave in the knowledge that Dad is OK really and for Dad to know that his family have learned a little, grown a little and importantly the family have lived a great deal together.