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Dungbeetle River Lodge

4.0 star property
Riverside bed & breakfast with free parking, 4-minute walk to Sundays River Dunes

Photo gallery for Dungbeetle River Lodge

Deluxe Cottage (River Cottage ) | Terrace/patio
Superior Suite, 1 Bedroom (Afrika Suite )
Free daily full breakfast
Superior Studio Suite, 1 Bedroom (Fish Eagle Suite ) | Terrace/patio
Deluxe Cottage (River Cottage ) | Living area

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Laundry room
  • Housekeeping
The current price is NZ$218
includes taxes & fees
17 Feb - 18 Feb

Explore the area

View 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
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Airport, Port Elizabeth (PLZ)
    ‪31 min drive‬

Room options

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
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

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 )

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Garden view
  • 50 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed and 2 Single 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 )

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(1 review)
  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Single Beds

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 )

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • Garden view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed OR 2 Single 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
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Cottage (River Cottage )

Deluxe Cottage (River Cottage ) | Living area

Deluxe Cottage (River Cottage )

  • River view
  • 173 sq m
  • 3 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 6
  • 6 Single Beds

View all photos for Family Suite, 2 Bedrooms

Free toiletries, hair dryer, towels

Family Suite, 2 Bedrooms

  • Garden view
  • 79 sq m
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Single Beds

About the area

Colchester

At Dungbeetle River Lodge you'll be 0.3 km (0.2 mi) from Sundays River Dunes and 3.9 km (2.4 mi) from Matyholweni Gate. Highlights at this B&B include free daily breakfast, free self-parking and a lazy river. .Enjoy the pool loungers along with access to boat tours and rowing/canoeing. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas, coffee/tea in a common area and laundry facilities. Each morning free full breakfast is offered between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM. There's also free RV/bus/truck parking, along with the convenience of an airport shuttle. .Sights within a 20-minute drive of this 4-property class Colchester B&B include Coega Conference Centre and Aldo Scribante Race Circuit.
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What's nearby

  • Sundays River Dunes - 1 min drive - 0.4 km
  • Matyholweni Gate - 6 min drive - 4.9 km
  • Aldo Scribante Race Circuit - 15 min drive - 25.3 km
  • Coega Conference Centre - 15 min drive - 27.1 km
  • Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium - 25 min drive - 45.2 km

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

Riverside bed & breakfast with free parking, 4-minute walk to Sundays River Dunes
Free breakfast is available daily. Public spaces have free WiFi. An airport shuttle (available on request) is available for a fee. A terrace, barbecue grills, and tour/ticket assistance are also featured at the business-friendly Dungbeetle River Lodge. Free self parking is available.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 4-star Colchester bed & breakfast.

  • 10 guestrooms or units
  • Full breakfast (free)
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Newspapers in lobby (free)
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Water dispenser
Dungbeetle River Lodge offers 10 air-conditioned accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors, and features minibars and a safe. This individually decorated and furnished accommodation has separate sitting areas and includes desks. LCD televisions come with cable channels.

Bathrooms include complimentary toiletries and hairdryers. This Colchester bed & breakfast provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Additionally, rooms include coffee/tea makers and a ceiling fan. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.

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Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • Return airport shuttle (surcharge) during limited hours on request
  • Onsite parking available only on request
  • Free secured self parking on site
  • Free RV/bus/lorry parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking
  • 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 cot
  • 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

  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • 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

  • Bedsheets provided
  • Free cot

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 and check-out are available

Check-out

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

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

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Free cots (infant beds)!

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 on-site 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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    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 and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room. Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve on-site parking. This property accepts Mastercard and American Express. This property uses solar energy, plus a grey water recycling system. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a security system and a first aid kit in all accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

National rating

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

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 the cancellation policy at Dungbeetle River Lodge?

Dungbeetle River Lodge offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Dungbeetle River Lodge?

As of 15 Feb 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Dungbeetle River Lodge on 17 Feb 2026 start from NZ$218.35, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available at Dungbeetle River Lodge?

Yep, Dungbeetle River Lodge has a free self car park and free RV/bus/truck parking.

Are there any beaches close to Dungbeetle River Lodge?

The closest beach to Dungbeetle River Lodge is King's Beach (33 km).

Does Dungbeetle River Lodge have a waterslide?

No, but it has a waterpark and lazy river.

Is Dungbeetle River Lodge family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as a lazy river and laundry facilities, as well as free infant beds in the guestrooms, it's no surprise that Dungbeetle River Lodge is a hit with families.

Does Dungbeetle River Lodge serve breakfast?

Yep, complimentary full brekkie is served daily between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Dungbeetle River Lodge?

No, but there's an airport shuttle on request for a fee.

What time are check-in & check-out at Dungbeetle River Lodge?

Check-in begins at 2:30 PM. Check-out time is 10:30 AM.

Are pets allowed at Dungbeetle River Lodge?

No, pets are not allowed.

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

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

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

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

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.