Dungbeetle River Lodge

4.0 star property

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Photo gallery for Dungbeetle River Lodge

A deck with wicker furniture, a wooden table, and a view of a lake and hills.
A spacious room with a large bed, a wooden side table, a small round table with a bowl of fruit, and a view of the outdoors through large windows.
A covered outdoor area with wicker furniture and a table, overlooking a river and hills.
Free daily full breakfast
A spacious living room with a large sectional sofa, a dining area, and a kitchen in the background.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry
  • Housekeeping

Explore the area

View in a map
76 Aqua Vista Crescent, Cannonville, Colchester, Eastern Cape, 6175
  • Place, Sundays River Dunes
    ‪1 min drive‬
  • Place, Matyholweni Gate
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Aldo Scribante Race Circuit
    ‪20 min drive‬
  • Airport, Port Elizabeth (PLZ)
    ‪40 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Colchester

Sundays River Dunes is within a 5-minute walk of Dungbeetle River Lodge while other popular sites like Matyholweni Gate are within a few miles (5 km). This 4-star bed & breakfast welcomes guests with 10 rooms and conveniences like free in-room WiFi, free self parking, and a lazy river.

What's nearby

  • Sundays River Dunes - 1 min drive - 0.3 miles
  • Matyholweni Gate - 6 min drive - 3.3 miles
  • Aldo Scribante Race Circuit - 20 min drive - 17.0 miles
  • Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium - 34 min drive - 29.6 miles
  • Port Elizabeth City Hall - 34 min drive - 30.5 miles

Getting around

  • Port Elizabeth (PLZ) - 32 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪A Taste of Africa Restaurant & Coffee Shop - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Grunters - ‬3 min walk

About this property

Dungbeetle River Lodge

At Dungbeetle River Lodge, guests have access to a lazy river, free WiFi in public areas, and coffee in a common area. You can take advantage of free parking, along with an airport shuttle for a fee (available on request). Helpful staff can provide tour or ticket assistance and a safe deposit box at the front desk. Additional amenities include free newspapers, a terrace, and laundry facilities.
Guests can expect free WiFi and LCD TVs with cable channels. Bathrooms have hair dryers and free toiletries. Other standard amenities include sitting areas, minibars, and coffee makers.
Recreational amenities at the bed & breakfast include a lazy river.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge) during limited hours on request
  • Onsite parking available only on request
  • Free secured self parking on site
  • Free RV/bus/truck parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available
  • Onsite parking includes off-street options

Food and drink

  • Free full breakfast available daily 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM
  • Coffee and tea in common areas

Things to do

  • Bicycle rentals
  • Boat and paddles
  • Boat tours
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Lazy river
  • Paddleboard
  • Pedal boat

Family friendly

  • In-room crib
  • Laundry facilities
  • Lazy river

Conveniences

  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Laundry facilities
  • Safe at front desk
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • In a nature reserve
  • On a river
  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Area rugs in room
  • Hardwood flooring in room
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel

More

  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
  • Some LED lighting used
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Free crib

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • LCD TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Minibar

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Desk
  • Heating
  • Individual decor
  • Individual furnishings
  • Laptop workspace
  • LED lighting
  • Reusable coffee/tea filters
  • Safe
  • Separate sitting area
  • Water-efficient toilets

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:30 PM; Check-in end time: 7 PM
Contactless check-in available

Check-out

Check-out before 10:30 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
There is no front desk at this property
Guests must contact the property for check-in information
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 7 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

  • This property doesn't allow pets

Children and extra beds

  • Free cribs/infant beds are available

Property payment types

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve onsite parking
This property accepts credit cards
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a security system, and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
  • Check-in: 2:30 PM
  • Check-out: 10:30 AM
For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (available during limited hours), which is offered for a fee. Driving? This property offers free self parking, along with free RV, bus, and truck parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve onsite parking.
  • This property accepts credit cards.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a security system, and a first aid kit.
  • Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • No rollaway or extra beds are available.

Property class

Quality Graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) – South Africa's official quality assurance organization.

Property is also known as

Dungbeetle River Lodge Colchester
Dungbeetle River Colchester
Dungbeetle River
Dungbeetle River Colchester
Dungbeetle River Lodge Colchester
Dungbeetle River Lodge Bed & breakfast
Dungbeetle River Lodge Bed & breakfast Colchester

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do within easy reach of Dungbeetle River Lodge?

This bed & breakfast is located in Colchester within a short 4-minute walk of Sundays River Dunes. Matyholweni Gate is also within a driving distance of 2.5 mi.

Will I be able to park at Dungbeetle River Lodge?

Yes, secured self parking is offered for free at the bed & breakfast. Though parking is available on request, free RV/bus/truck parking and wheelchair-accessible parking are also available.

Does Dungbeetle River Lodge have a casino?

No, Dungbeetle River Lodge doesn't have a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at Dungbeetle River Lodge?

No, there is no indoor pool at this bed & breakfast.

Is Dungbeetle River Lodge a good place to stay for couples?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this riverfront bed & breakfast include a minibar as well as a free daily breakfast and a terrace.

Are there hot tubs at Dungbeetle River Lodge?

No, this bed & breakfast doesn't have a spa tub.

Does Dungbeetle River Lodge feature a restaurant that includes a breakfast menu?

Dungbeetle River Lodge offers free full breakfasts each morning though there is no restaurant.

Does Dungbeetle River Lodge allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at Dungbeetle River Lodge.

Are there connecting rooms at Dungbeetle River Lodge?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this bed & breakfast.

What is the closest airport to Dungbeetle River Lodge?

The closest major airport to Dungbeetle River Lodge is Port Elizabeth (PLZ), which is 26.8 mi away (32 minutes by car).

Can I book a room with a balcony at Dungbeetle River Lodge?

Yes, some guestrooms at this bed & breakfast offer a balcony/patio where guests can enjoy river and garden views.

Dungbeetle River Lodge Reviews

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 40 out of 69 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 26 out of 69 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 69 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 69 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 69 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

9.0/10

Amenities

8.8/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

May

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We were do glad to to stay at here! The host was very accommodating and it was easy to get to Addo Game Reserve and head to PE to see our friends! The breakfast was also amazing too with homemade warm bread, local made jam and hot breakfast! We would recommend anyone to stay here :)
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

james

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great host and amazing views
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Nicola

Liked: Cleanliness
Room was clean. Staff attentive.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Hussein

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Fabulous river view and amazing breakfast

Fabulous view of the river and great location if visiting Addo (which I was doing); Amazing breakfast; Good wifi; very small TV; finicky use of solar power; Heating was not really recommended so I did not use it (but needed it); I have stayed here before and will return!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Thawatchart

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Good vibes for away day

The lodge is located by the river, giving a nice view. Room is decorated in a classic way, but well equipped. Breakfast is super nice, especially spekboom! More importantly, whoever you are, the lady who taking care of me is awesome, Leona :)
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Conveniently located near the N2 road to Port Elizabeth and very close to the south entrance of Addo Elephant park. The B&B is beautifully presented, comfortable, clean, quiet and lovely hosts who make you feel welcome and at home. In the morning I was surprised to be right by the river, eating a lovely cooked breakfast on the decking outside. I hope I get the opportunity to stay here again. Thank you
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gerri

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This property is located right on the Sundays River. I believe they also have canoe rentals. Great location, we could safely walk to dinner at Grunters, good food. The hosts were lovely and had lots of knowledge of the area. We went Sandboarding on the Alexandria Dunes - great fun. The shower was huge and beautifully tiled, but it had no privacy! Not a big deal, just good to know :)
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

MARIA CRISTINA ARNIZAUT

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Muito agradável

Recepção calorosa. Atendimento excelente pelos próprios anfitriões. Café da manhã muito bom. Quarto confortável
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Die Gastgeber sind sehr freundlich und hilfsbereit, man fühlt wirklich willkommen. Die Lage am Fluß ist toll, man kann draußen mit Blick aufs Wasser frühstücken.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Hans-Jörg

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Zwei Traumtage am Addo-Park

Es warenwundervolleTage bei herausragenden Gastgebern. TolleTipsfür unseren Aufenthalt. Lage perfekt zum Südtor de Addo. Die Lodge selbst liegt super über dem Sunday River mit morgendlichem Frühstück auf der Terrasse mit Blick auf den Fluss. Wir würden immer wieder hierhin zurückkommen. Beste Grüße an Edda und Derek !
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

karen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

River lodge stay for Safari

Stayed for 2 nights in eagle fish room, overlooking the Sundays river. Had a fabulous time, Etta, Carol, Leona and Derek are so friendly, helpful and laid back. Wonderful character property and great base for Addo park and game reserves. Booked all through the lodge. Lovely little pub up the road, grunters, withIn 5 minutes from lodge for an evening meal. Definitely recommend the boat trip up the river and visit the Dunes, we went with Beau (and His wife Ruth) and had the most fabulous morning. The dunes are a must and Beau is so Knowledgeable. You can also take a dip in the river which is like a lido. Dungbeetle lodge is very homely and welcoming. Definitely visit again in the future.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2020
Verified

8/10 Good

Robin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A solid choice

A good choice in an area with not so many choices for accommodation. Rooms provided reasonable comfort and breakfast on the terrace was excellent.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Lovely property in a beautiful setting. We only had one night but would recommend 2 nights to benefit from all the activities available - Addo, Sundays River trip, canoeing, etc. And don't be put off by appearances of the local pub, Grunters - great food and fantastic value
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice place to stay especially if you’re travelling with family! The owner is very welcoming and the breakfast is very delicious and hearty!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019
Verified

8/10 Good

Reut

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Nice room. Feel very African :) We got free drinks when checked in. Breakfast is great. This place is really close to Addo park and they do guided tours there. Very recommanded. Beautiful nature all around and a river right next to the room.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Alex

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We love the place, Good location close to Addo Excellent breakfast Clean and safe Great staff
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Die Pension wird sehr liebevoll geführt: das Frühstück mit Blick auf den Fluss und die Dünen ist fantastisch gewesen. Das Personal war reizend, es gibt selbstgebackenes Brot und etwa 6 eigene Marmeladen-Kreationen sowie frisches Obst (teils sogar aus dem Garten) sowie das klassische English Breakfast mit Eierspeisen. Etta und ihr Mann sind freundliche Gastgeber und auch ein später Check-in war abweichend von den publizierten Angaben nach kurzem E-Mail-Austausch überhaupt kein Problem. Die Einrichtung der Pension wie auch des Zimmers ist originell, aber eine Geschmacksfrage und würde ich nicht gerade als modern bezeichnen. Alles war jedoch penibel sauber, sodass das Preis-Leistungs-Verhältnis am Ende stimmt. In den Nationalpark sind es mit dem Auto gerade mal 5 Minuten; außerdem gibt es in Colchester eine einfache Gaststätte sowie einen Spar-Supermarkt samt Tankstelle.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A great place to stay on the outskirts of Addo overlooking Sunday’s River. Canoeing and sand dune sledding for the kids and super friendly relaxed staff. We will be back !
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joerg

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Toll für den Addopark

Schöne Unterkunft am Addo Park. Schönes Zimmer, tolles Frühstück Sehr zu empfehlen Internet etwas schwach
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Très agréable en bord de rivière, boisson offerte appréciée, bon resto pas cher à proximité, à 5min d’addo.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2019
Verified

8/10 Good

Stephen

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities

Evening by the river

Excellent host and exotic accommodation made for a good nights stay
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019
Verified

8/10 Good

Amanda

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Great base from Addo Elephant Reserve South Gate

Wonderful river view from the breakfast deck, with vervet monkeys playing on the shore. Good cooked breakfast. Lion Suite comfortable. Accommodating about letting us check in early. No staff on-site after hours. No dinner option but a couple of minutes from Grunters Pub & Restaurant which has the best steaks and great host Patrick.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

nico

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property by a river. It offers a great scenery. Everything is well organized and furnished. Staff is nice and helpful. You can note many small details that makes the stay easy and pleasant.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stéphanie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Excellent séjour dans un cadre reposant et naturel

Très Bonne adresse à privilégier même pour dormir et partir la journée au camp addo situé en face de l entrée sud !!!!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Sehr schön gelegenes kleines familiengeführtes Hotel mit freundlichen Mitarbeitern und gutem Service.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2019