we stayed at the lodge in new year 2007-08.Derek Etta and the the little rascal also known as tombe were the perfect hosts and felt so comfortable we could have spent the rest of our holiday there.we had the most wonderful time and met new and interesting people.so much so we are going back sept 2009. can't wait see you soon darren and suzie.
We spent 2 nights at Dungbeetle which we greatly enjoyed. The host were superbly friendly and helpful and very, very talkative. Rooms are good and spacious. The surroundings are beautiful - go on a canoe trip on the Sundays river to the dunes, and make sure you have enough time and a cold drink. We went on a half day (for lack of time) trip to Addo with Derek, but would definitely recommend spending at least a whole day in the Addo park.
My sister and I stayed in the Dungbeetle lodge for 2 nights. Etta and Derek booked us on the afternoon/evening safari at Schotia for the first night and even though something went wrong in the communication (we did not know where to go and the owners were both on a tour) this was a GREAT trip! Seeing lots of wildlife and the great diner at the campfire made this a highlight of our trip.
The next day we went to Addo Elephant Park with Derek and had a GREAT day! We initially booked a 1/2 day trip but decided to stay the whole day. Derek is a great guide and we had lots of fun during the trip!
The rooms and the breakfast are very good. The dinner in the local pub was a experience. Not a pub I would usually go to, but the food is great!
Top quality place to stay in a beautiful setting a few kms from Addo. Breakfast was on the terrace overlooking the Sunday River, watching the birds, enjoying the peace and quiet - until Etta, our host, decided to give us a lecture. I felt like I was at school and trapped by a very strict teacher- in fact Etta would have no trouble controlling a class of rowdy teenagers with a hard stare. The food was excellent, in fact everything was excellent . Maybe I am alone in wanting to eat my breakfast in peace.
We stayed here because of its proximity to Addo and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. We stayed in the Big Five suite - worth the extra. Etta welcomed us with a drink and was very helpful with our plans. She is a mine of information and should write a book on the area's history, flora, fauna and legends for guests to peruse at their leisure. It would be an enjoyable read. Breakfast on the terrace overlooking the river was a sheer delight. Dung Beetle River Lodge is a great place to stay and Etta and Derek are warm, welcoming and knowledgeable hosts.
We have just returned from an amazing 3 week holiday in SA Garden Route/Route 62. The Dungbeetle was where we spent our first and second nights stay and to be honest I wish we had stayed longer. The accommodation is first class and Etta & Derek the most perfect and friendly hosts. They both did everything to make us feel at home and succeeded in making Mike and i feel really special.
I would recommend that anyone wanting to visit Addo Elephant park to book with Dungbeetle. Etta took us out to the park and we spent the whole day inside the park - Etta getting us out of the gates 5 minutes before closing. The day was so special as Etta not only knew the best places from which to view the animals she made everything come alive with her knowledge of the area and her genuine enthusiasm towards the animals, the country and the vegetation. This day trip was most certainly one of the highlights of my holiday.
The Dungbeetle Lodge is situated right on the Sundays River with the most amazing views. The room was spotless, well furnished and extremely comfortable. The breakfasts were excellent especially Etta's hot freshly baked "Roosterbrood" which was new to us. Etta even explained the history behind the making of Roosterbrood.
Staying at Dungbeetle was the perfect start to our holiday and I want to thank Etta and Derek for their hospitality. Would I stay here again - most definitely
