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Dungbeetle River Lodge

4.0 star property
your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Dungbeetle River Lodge

Free daily full breakfast
Superior Suite, 1 Bedroom (Afrika Suite )
Superior Studio Suite, 1 Bedroom (Fish Eagle Suite )
Point of interest
Property grounds

Reviews

9.0 out of 10

Wonderful

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
76 Aqua Vista Crescent, Cannonville, Colchester, Eastern Cape, 6175
  • Sundays River Dunes
    4 min walk
  • Pearson Park Nature Reserve
  • Grunters
    3 min walk
  • Port Elizabeth (PLZ)
    28 min drive

Room options

View all photos for Comfort Studio Suite, 1 Bedroom (Lion Suite )

Comfort Studio Suite, 1 Bedroom (Lion Suite )

Comfort Studio Suite, 1 Bedroom (Lion Suite )

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Comfort Studio Suite, 1 Bedroom (Elephant Suite )

Comfort Studio Suite, 1 Bedroom (Elephant Suite )

Comfort Studio Suite, 1 Bedroom (Elephant Suite )

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Comfort Studio Suite, 1 Bedroom (Big 5 Suite )

Comfort Studio Suite, 1 Bedroom (Big 5 Suite )

Comfort Studio Suite, 1 Bedroom (Big 5 Suite )

  • 50 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Superior Studio Suite, 1 Bedroom (Fish Eagle Suite )

Superior Studio Suite, 1 Bedroom (Fish Eagle Suite )

Superior Studio Suite, 1 Bedroom (Fish Eagle Suite )

  • River view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Family Suite, 2 Bedrooms

Free toiletries, hair dryer, towels

Family Suite, 2 Bedrooms

  • 79 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Cottage (River Cottage )

Deluxe Cottage (River Cottage )

Deluxe Cottage (River Cottage )

  • 173 sq m
  • River view
  • Sleeps 6
  • 6 Twin Beds

View all photos for Superior Suite, 1 Bedroom (Afrika Suite )

Superior Suite, 1 Bedroom (Afrika Suite )

Superior Suite, 1 Bedroom (Afrika Suite )

  • River view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

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The price is NZ$164
for 1 night
includes taxes & fees
5 Jan - 6 Jan
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About the area

Colchester

With a stay at Dungbeetle River Lodge in Colchester, you'll be on the riverwalk, just a 4-minute walk from Sundays River Dunes and a 5-minute drive from Matyholweni Gate. .This bed & breakfast is 14.6 mi (23.5 km) from Coega Conference Centre and 15.2 mi (24.5 km) from Schotia Tooth and Claw Safari.
View more B&B in ColchesterOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Sundays River Dunes - 4 min walk
  • Matyholweni Gate - 5 min drive
  • Schotia Tooth and Claw Safari - 23 min drive
  • Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium - 24 min drive
  • King's Beach - 30 min drive

Getting around

  • Port Elizabeth (PLZ) - 28 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Grunters - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪A Taste of Africa Restaurant & Coffee Shop - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Grunters Pub and Grub - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Debonairs Pizza - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Colchester Restaurant - ‬4 min drive

About this property

Dungbeetle River Lodge

Riverwalk bed & breakfast with free breakfast and a lazy river
Dungbeetle River Lodge offers 10 air-conditioned accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature minibars and safes. These individually decorated and furnished accommodations have separate sitting areas and include desks. LCD televisions come with cable channels.

Bathrooms include complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. This Colchester bed & breakfast provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Additionally, rooms include coffee/tea makers and ceiling fans. Housekeeping is provided daily.

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.

Make yourself at home in one of the 10 individually decorated guestrooms, featuring minibars and LCD televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include safes and desks, and housekeeping is provided daily.
Be sure to enjoy recreational amenities including a lazy river and bicycles to rent. This bed & breakfast also features complimentary wireless internet access, tour/ticket assistance, and barbecue grills.
A complimentary full breakfast is served daily from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM.
Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, laundry facilities, and a safe deposit box at the front desk. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge (available on request), and free self parking is available onsite.
A complimentary full breakfast is served each morning between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM.

Languages

Afrikaans, English

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and public transport

  • On-site parking available only on request
  • Free secured self-parking on site
  • Motorhome/coach/lorry parking (free) on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available
  • On-site parking includes off-street options
  • Return airport shuttle (surcharge) during limited hours
  • Airport shuttle on request

Food and drink

  • Free full breakfast available daily 8:00 AM–9:00 AM
  • Coffee/tea in a common area

Things to do

  • Bike rentals
  • Boat tours
  • Boating
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Paddleboards on-site
  • Pedal boating

Family friendly

  • Free cots/infant beds
  • Laundry facilities
  • Lazy river

Conveniences

  • Free newspapers in reception
  • Front-desk safe
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Daily housekeeping
  • Laundry facilities
  • Tour/ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Garden
  • Nature reserve
  • Pool sunloungers
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have any 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

  • At least 80% of lighting from LEDs
  • Boat/paddles on site
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally owned and organised tours and activities
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Air conditioning
  • Bed sheets
  • Ceiling fan
  • Free cots/infant beds
  • Heating

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Towels

Entertainment

  • TV channels
  • LCD TV

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea filters (reusable)
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Minibar

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Desk
  • Individually decorated
  • Individually furnished
  • Laptop-friendly workspace
  • LED light bulbs
  • Safe
  • Separate sitting area
  • Water-efficient toilets only

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

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Free cribs are available on request at the 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
This property uses solar energy, plus a grey water recycling system
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a security system, and a first aid kit

National rating

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

Dungbeetle River Lodge Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 31 out of 58 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 24 out of 58 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 58 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 58 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 58 reviews" "

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

james

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

10/10 Excellent

Gerri

Travelled with partner
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

10/10 Excellent

albert

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
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

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
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

8/10 Good

Reut

Travelled with family and small children
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

10/10 Excellent

Alex, Israel

Travelled with family
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

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

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

6/10 Okay

DEBBIE

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019

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

10/10 Excellent

nico

Travelled with partner
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

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Base for exploring Addo Elephant National Park
Excellent accommodation for exploring the park, only short drive to southern gate. I stayed in the Elephant Room and found it quite comfortable with all the essentials. Brekkie was fantastic, the freshly baked bread a real treat. Host was very helpful providing good advice on the limited restaurants in the area. The pub was it and it was good. Nice deck looking out on the river.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2018

8/10 Good

Sue

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
The room was large and comfortable and the breakfast was good. Free wifi throughout.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2018

8/10 Good

Adrian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
2 night stay
Great place to stay if you plan to visit Addo Elephant Park.. Owners are very friendly and helpful. Only complaint is that the breakfast is very slow and ours wasn't cooked as we like it. For added security a room safe with a digital lock would be good
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2018

10/10 Excellent

Jayne, East London

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Tell Everyone You Know! We Have!
If you like homely places with a uniquely decorated style, base yourself here for a couple of nights while exploring Addo. 5 minutes from Mathyolweni gate entrance to Addo and right on the Sunday's River with the Alexandria Dunefield between you and the ocean, there is so much more to do than just safari. Leona was the a most welcoming host and couldn't do enough to help. It was my partner's birthday and she even prepared a little surprise at breakfast. We stayed in the lovely Elephant Suite but had a sneaky peek in all the rooms and was wowed by them all! The Fish Eagle Suite is definitely for a special occasion. The terrace area overlooking the river is lovely (fab sunrise spot for the early risers) and the breakfast plentiful and cooked with care (I highly recommend the omelettes!). We also did a full day Addo tour through them with Mike who managed Addo for many years and the expertise and knowledge made it an amazing experience. You really can't learn as much as someone like him knows by driving yourself though the massive park. Still smiling about the epic birthday trip and would stay again next week if we could!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2017

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Couldn't ask for a better place to stay. Close to Addo Elephant Park entrance. Breakfast wonderful on the Sunday's River. Hostess most accommodating.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2017

10/10 Excellent

Shawn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Addo trip
Amazing time beautiful sunrises and sets

10/10 Excellent

Terry, Colchester, England

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful Riverside Location
Dungbeetle River Lodge provides a very comfortable home-from home very conveniently located next to Addo Elephant Park. Hosts Derek & Etta are experts on the park and can provide safaris if you don’t want to drive yourself. Having just completed a 6 day safari in Kruger, we were prepared to give Addo a miss, but we were persuaded into going – just as well as we had a fantastic time. The lodge and rooms are beautifully furnished and you won’t find a better breakfast in a more stunning setting than on their balcony overlooking the Sundays River. Their attention to detail is amazing. We were recommended to dine at the Grunters Pub just down the road. Don’t be put off, as the lack of kerb appeal is far outweighed by the delicious food and friendly service by the host. What with canoeing, boating, swimming and fishing from their own jetty, we wish we had planned to stay longer. A visit to the river mouth with its vast sand dunes is also a must.

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Comfortable B & B close to Addo Elephant Park
Received a very warm welcome, accommodation very comfortable, great balcony with views of the river, excellent breakfast.

8/10 Good

Joel

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Lovely spot
Overall a lovelly place to stay, warm welcome and great breakfast. Our room could be modernised but didnt detract from the overall enjoyment.

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