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Jembisa Bush Home

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Traveller (353)
Dining (35)
Room & Suite (30)
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About

#1 of 21 lodges in Vaalwater
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Travellers' Choice
A beautiful safari bush home in a malaria- free private wildlife reserve for a South African holiday full of activities. Small, stylish and relaxed and offering many unique safari experiences, such as a junior tracker programme where children learn a range of bush and survival skills. Ideal for family safaris or smaller groups, it is available for exclusive, private use or non-exclusive booking.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Pool
Bar / lounge
Bicycles available
Game room
Babysitting
Books, DVDs, music for children
Airport transportation
Pool / beach towels
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Complimentary tea
Complimentary welcome drink
Kids' meals
Outdoor dining area
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Hiking
Tennis court
Fishing
Table tennis
Board games / puzzles
Children's television networks
Indoor play area for children
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Kids' outdoor play equipment
Highchairs available
Foot massage
Massage
Neck massage
Gift shop
Mosquito net
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Shared lounge / TV area
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Sun umbrellas
Umbrella
24-hour front desk
Private check-in / check-out
Laundry service
Ironing service
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Room features
Bathrobes
Housekeeping
Safe
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Clothes rack
Cable / satellite TV
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Hair dryer
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Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Great View
Charming
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans

Location

Muisvogelkraal, Vaalwater 0530 South Africa
Jembisa Bush Home
Getting there
Polokwane Airport
68.2 mi
See all flights
247Reviews1Q+A58Room tips

Reviews
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Traveller rating
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Lucy M wrote a review Feb 2024
Shropshire9 contributions
This was my second trip to Jembisa and it was once again absolutely amazing! The team at Jembisa entertained us from start to finish with so many incredible activities. We were really lucky with all the rare animal sightings we had - including an African wild cat on our first night! Andre, Clayton and Ed were fantastic guides and so knowledgable about the wildlife. I really enjoyed our guided walks and mountain biking through the bush, spotting zebras and giraffes along the way. It was great to also go on the Big 5 drive and horse riding nearby. We were spoilt all week with delicious food in some beautiful locations. The pizza cooked in a termite found was a highlight. Thank you to all the team for a brilliant week! We hope to see you again soon!
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Date of stay: January 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Guest Relations, Guest Services / Front Office at Jembisa Bush Home
Responded 3 weeks ago
We are thrilled that you had an unforgettable week at Jembisa! We are so happy that you enjoyed the experience of so many of the exciting safari activities that we have to offer on the reserve such as our game drives, hiking, cycling and nearby excursions like horse riding and big 5 game drives. We look forward to welcoming you back to enjoy a third amazing safari holiday here with us.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Victoria D wrote a review Feb 2024
1 contribution
+1
If we could describe Jembisa in 3 ways it would be fun, relaxing and cared for. The whole team at Jembisa are fantastic. From the moment we arrived we were greeted with kindness and nothing was too much trouble. Everyone is incredibly knowledgeable about the history of the reserve itself, the animals and biodiversity, and where the best spots are for sun downers! We really enjoyed learning about the different species across the reserve on our daily game drives, whether in the morning, evening, or night. We always saw different and exciting animals. There was never a dull moment. Special shout out to Ed, Andre and Clayton for knowing so much about the animals and the habitat and answering all of our questions. We learned so much! While we were staying at Jembisa we had the opportunity to take part in several different activities from relaxing by the pool to camping under the stars, game drives, bush walks, and horse riding. This made the whole trip full of incredibly special and unique moments we don’t think we would find anywhere else. The whole Jembisa reserve is beautiful with so much to explore. It’s so relaxed that you can go for a walk and be accompanied by giraffes or be greeted at breakfast by baboons! The house itself is beautiful and the rooms are so lovely with very comfortable beds. We had our own corridor and bathroom with an amazing walk in shower which was so nice after a hot day. Each evening we were greeted by Cliff and Sonny Boy and enjoyed amazing wine and any other drinks we could think of. It really was luxury with Cliff and the whole team anticipating if you needed something before you even realised you wanted it. We really appreciated having meals located in different areas across the reserve so that we got to see so much of it in a relaxed way, accompanied with incredible food. Every meal was delicious and freshly made by the amazing chefs David and Porscha who we can’t thank enough. As someone with a few complex allergies, I’m so grateful that the team were able to accommodate for me and never left me feeling left out at any meal. Probably some of the best gluten free food I’ve ever eaten. If we could sum up the trip we would say that we came as welcomed guests and left feeling part of a close family with Lorraine, Andre, and the team. Last special shout out to the safari pups, Milo and Astra for always bringing smiles to our faces. Thank you again for an incredible trip!
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Date of stay: January 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Guest Relations, Guest Services / Front Office at Jembisa Bush Home
Responded 4 weeks ago
Thank you for your incredible review of your stay at Jembisa Bush Home. There are a wide range of activities to suit all ages and interests on Jembisa Private Game Reserve, that have all of our guests interacting with nature either in a vehicle on a game drive, on foot with a bush hike or on a bicycle, for a close up experience that creates amazing, lifelong memories. All of our meals are prepared by our 2 chefs who are able to cater for any special dietary requirements our guests may have. Jembisa is perfect for groups of friends looking to experience award winning African hospitality and diverse wildlife experiences, many unique to Jembisa, in a malaria-free environment.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Emily J wrote a review Jan 2024
1 contribution
It’s hard to put into words what a special place the Magari Lodge at Jembisa is. We had the most incredible time over New Year’s Eve and what a way to bring in 2024! The team at Jembisa made us feel so welcome and it is clear to see that it is a much loved family home. Being able to walk freely in the bush put us at a huge advantage of being able to see so much wildlife (even spotting an Anteater!) and the bush meals and the opportunity to sleep under the stars were really magical and an experience I will never forget. A huge thank you to wonderful team and we hope to be back!
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Date of stay: December 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Guest Relations, Guest Services / Front Office at Jembisa Bush Home
Responded 3 Feb 2024
Thank you for your wonderful review of our beautiful Magari! Being in the wilderness on foot is a very different experience than on a safari vehicle and our guests always find it a highlight. We are delighted to be able to offer walking safaris and creating lifelong memories. We look forward to welcoming you back!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Isabelle C wrote a review Jan 2024
5 contributions2 helpful votes
Jembisa is a very special and relaxing place and was the perfect location to celebrate a big birthday as part of a group. The whole lodge runs seamlessly thanks to the incredible team of staff who are lovely and so helpful with nothing being too much to ask. Most days the team organised a different activity including game drives and/or walks or cycles in the reserve, horse riding nearby, a big 5 drive, relaxing by the pool, the list goes on. Each day provides an opportunity for learning and new wildlife discoveries thanks to the guides whose knowledge knows no bounds! A real highlight was camping out under the stars in the middle of the bush, an unforgettable experience. The food at Jembisa is wonderful! Each meal was utterly delicious and we all enjoyed the South African wine. Thank you to the team at Jembisa for an amazing holiday, I wouldn’t hesitate to come back!
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Date of stay: January 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Guest Relations, Guest Services / Front Office at Jembisa Bush Home
Responded 3 Feb 2024
We are delighted that you had such an amazing holiday at Jembisa celebrating a special birthday. With three highly knowledgeable and enthusiastic rangers there are a wide range of safari activities to suit all ages and interests on Jembisa Private Game Reserve, including our special camp out under the African stars. We cannot wait to welcome you back.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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David wrote a review Jan 2024
London, United Kingdom3 contributions1 helpful vote
+1
One of the best holidays I've ever had! I couldn't get enough of the game drives, such a gorgeous reserve with lots to see. The food was so delicious and all the staff were so knowledgeable and attentive. You could feel the passion for the SA wildlife, it was infectious! I loved that it was essentially a 'family-friendly' reserve, based on the animals there. We regularly saw Giraffes, Antelopes, Chameleons, and Zebras. Even a Hippo and Wild Cat at one point! Essentially this meant we could roam more freely, and even camp under the stars one night! We still went on a big five drive at another reserve whilst we stayed here. I wouldn't hesitate to go back.
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Date of stay: January 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Guest Relations, Guest Services / Front Office at Jembisa Bush Home
Responded 24 Jan 2024
We are delighted that you had one of your best holidays ever here at Jembisa! Family friendly safaris are what we do best and the ability to roam freely amongst the wildlife and even camp out under the stars on our private reserve make us the perfect safari holiday destination for groups of all ages. We look forward to welcoming you back for another fantastic safari experience.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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John B wrote a review Dec 2023
1 contribution
We have just returned from 10 days at Jembisa spent with eight members of our family and it was without a doubt our best family holiday ever. The reserve in which Jembisa is situated is simply spectacular, replete with life in all forms (from fascinating dung beetles to stately giraffes to plants and trees new to Northern Hemisphere eyes), and it a place of great peace as well as beauty. The capacious lodge could not be more comfortable nor adaptable to all occasions and needs and its surrounding gardens are stunning, offering lots of scope for meals to be held in different settings. There is so much on offer to do, both on site and in the region, and we had the best of times on game drives, exploratory walks, horseback safaris and Big 5 expeditions as well as just enjoying all that Jembisa has to offer across its pool, playroom and relaxing spaces. A particular highlight for us was the Night Sky Safari offered by the local expert Dr Phil Calcott, which we loved so much that we asked him to come back for a second viewing two nights after our first one. Best of all the team at Jembisa are the most welcoming, servant-hearted, knowledgeable, flexible, warm and just downright lovely people imaginable. They offer the highest standards of service while being wonderful company and they are the extra element that makes Jembisa, with so many natural assets and wonderful attributes, stand out all the more.
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Date of stay: December 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Guest Relations, Guest Services / Front Office at Jembisa Bush Home
Responded 31 Dec 2023
We could not be more pleased to have provided your best family holiday ever. Thank you for your amazing review and we are looking forward to your return.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Nicola B wrote a review Dec 2023
1 contribution
We have just arrived home after a wonderful ten days staying at Jembisa being looked after perfectly by the wonderful team there. The house is a great blend of a family home with the luxury of a large team dedicated to making it the most comfortable and beautiful place to spend time on holiday. They thought of things we needed before we had even realised that we needed them and every day there was some surprise location for one of our meals in a secret spot in the garden or out in the bush or down by the river. Our highlights were the night-time campout, fishing breakfast at the river, horse riding safari and the night sky safari but every day had its own treats. We have come home refreshed and renewed and with a much broader understanding of life in the South African bush and the wildlife that lives there especially the extraordinary dung beetles and the crucial part they play!
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Date of stay: December 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Guest Relations, Guest Services / Front Office at Jembisa Bush Home
Responded 31 Dec 2023
We loved having your three generational family staying with us. Our adventurous camp-outs, Night Sky safari and Horse Safaris are firm favourites amongst our guests of all ages, as are our exciting 4x4 game drives and night drives. We are delighted that you had such a perfect family holiday.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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portiajrbarber wrote a review Dec 2023
2 contributions
Spent 10 days at Jembisa and it was brilliant. The game drives incorporated a variety of animals including giraffe and zebra, and always included drink breaks in beautiful locations across the reserve. They are also very happy to take you to a big 5 game drive which was well worth the visit. Very very family friendly. High chairs, car seats, cots and playroom with lots of toys available. The staff at Jembisa are extremely accommodating to provide food appropriate for infants - my 11 month old baby had his own separate meal plan each day of delicious food all prepared by the staff at times suitable for my baby even if different to main mealtimes. All the staff at Jembisa are very helpful and will rearrange activities to be as accommodating as possible. We had to change plans last minute due to illness/ baby needs and the staff were extremely accommodating to help reschedule activities so we didn’t miss out. There are so many things to do and beautiful places to eat at Jembisa, we could have easily stayed another week. I’d recommend spending at least 7 days there so you have time to fully enjoy all the different animals, activities, food and beautiful spots on the reserve. I’d particularly recommend this as a destination for families with young children as the staff will look after you and your children extremely well. Chefs David and Portia also made delicious gluten free meals for my husband, including gluten free pancakes, muffins and bread made fresh each morning. Lorraine and Marinette are always available to help you in any way possible whether it’s to do with food / activities or babysitting. Ed took us on excellent game drives and has a wealth of knowledge about all the animals and insects you see on the reserve. It was the most fantastic experience and I’d highly recommend
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Date of stay: December 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Guest Relations, Guest Services / Front Office at Jembisa Bush Home
Responded 31 Dec 2023
Thank you so much for your fantastic review, we loved having your whole family stay and are delighted that you all had such a wonderful experience at Jembisa Bush Home. Our beautiful lodge and stunning reserve are perfectly suited to family safari holidays, accommodating and enthralling guests of all ages with many varied safari activities to experience. Our chefs are able to cater for dietary requirements and use the freshest local produce available. We look forward to welcoming you back for another incredible stay.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Quest31530510653 wrote a review Nov 2023
1 contribution
+1
Jembisa Lodge is a fabulous destination set in beautiful surroundings, staffed by the nicest and most helpful people you can want. Nothing is too much to ask. The food is top class, offers a variety of locally sourced, tasty, perfectly cooked and beautifully presented dishes. Do make sure you try the delicious steak. Food allergies and intolerance well catered for. The game rangers are incredibly knowledgeable. It’s like taking a game drive or walk with an expert old friend. The rooms tastefully decorated and very comfortable. Overall whether a family, group or solo traveller, you will be well looked after. There are a range of different locations to stay, loads of activities to choose from including offsite big 5. They may not have the big 5 themselves but offer a far better and interesting experience than many of those do. Totally recommend.
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Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Guest Relations, Guest Services / Front Office at Jembisa Bush Home
Responded 3 Dec 2023
Thank you for your wonderful review and recommendation, we are so happy that you had the best bush experience here at Jembisa. Our experienced game rangers delight in sharing their knowledge with guests of all ages whether on game drives, night drives, bush walks or cycling through our beautifully diverse reserve making them always exciting and interesting for all. We look forward to welcoming you back again for another stay.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Laura S wrote a review Nov 2023
Hertfordshire, United Kingdom7 contributions
My family and I had the most amazing time at Jembisa.... The staff are what elevate this place from being a lovely peaceful bush home to a place that feels like a home from home. From the moment you arrive, nothing is too much trouble and you are made to feel so incredibly welcome. Our guide for our 5 days was Ed, he was fantastic, extremely knowledgeable and patient with our 10 year old son. The private reserve is simply stunning, we saw plenty on our game drives including baby giraffe! Being non big 5, we had ample opportunity to get out the jeep and look at tracks and explore poo - which our son loved! We also went for a bush hike, river fishing and a great cycle safari too. The food is fabulous, each meal (without spoiling any surprises) is served in a different location...each one just as beautiful as the last! Thankyou so much Lorraine, Marinette, Ed, Cliff, Sunnyboy and of course Milo & Astro for a truly wonderful time. We cannot wait to come back one day...
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Date of stay: October 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Guest Relations, Guest Services / Front Office at Jembisa Bush Home
Responded 24 Nov 2023
Thank you for such an incredible review! It is so appreciated and we are all delighted that your family enjoyed staying here at Jembisa Bush Home. How wonderful that you all experienced so many of the exciting safari activities that we have to offer on the reserve such as our game drives, hiking, cycling and fishing, and that your son so enjoyed identifying the different tracks and animal droppings found all over. We look forward to welcoming you back to experience another amazing safari holiday here with us.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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PRICE RANGE
£495 - £550 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaLimpopo ProvinceWaterbergVaalwater
NUMBER OF ROOMS
6
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect nightly room rates, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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JEMBISA BUSH HOME - Updated 2024 (South Africa/Waterberg)

Frequently Asked Questions about Jembisa Bush Home
What are some of the property amenities at Jembisa Bush Home?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include a pool, a lounge, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at Jembisa Bush Home?
Guests can enjoy a lounge, complimentary tea, and a free welcome drink during their stay.
Is parking available at Jembisa Bush Home?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Jembisa Bush Home?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Does Jembisa Bush Home have airport transportation?
Yes, Jembisa Bush Home offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Jembisa Bush Home?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Afrikaans.
Does Jembisa Bush Home have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the river view available here.