Payments made by partners impact the order of prices displayed. Room types may vary.
The listings of booking offers for each property take into account the compensation paid to us by our partners. Prices shown may be for varying room types. Prices displayed are the lowest available, corresponding to the least expensive room type available, as provided from our partners as of the time of the user’s search.
Reflects recent average nightly prices reported by our partners, and may not include estimated taxes or fees. Price at checkout may differ.
Cheaper
Average
Higher
About
4.5
#2 of 6 guest houses in Colchester
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Happy Jackal Guest House (4-Star) Big Five game-viewing on our doorstep makes the Happy Jackal in Colchester the perfect choice of luxurious accommodation. Visit the Addo Elephant Park, only 2 mins away, in our open game-viewing Landrover with our qualified game-ranger. This river lodge lies on the banks of the beautiful Sundays River, is easily reached from the N2 and is in the best location for game, coastal or river activities. Extensive lawns stretch down to the Happy Jackal jetty where across the river unspoilt, natural bush is the habitat of Kudu, bushbuck, water mongoose & Cape Clawless Otters. We offer a choice of 6 luxurious rooms, 5 of which enjoy stunning river views. Guests may choose from ground floor rooms opening onto private patios & the riverbank or impressively large, thatched upstairs rooms, each with its own thatched deck. Breakfasts cater to all tastes & include both a full English & Health breakfast. Home-made jams & freshly baked bread every morning. Dinner, set menu , 3 course home cooked meal, available from November 2022. Bookings essential in advance!
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to TGCSA - Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.
HOTEL STYLE
Quaint
River View
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans
Location
5 Riverside Drive Riverside Park, Colchester 6175 South Africa
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
This is easily one of the best places we stayed in South Africa! Room was huge, and impeccably clean with a lovely bathroom and deck overlooking the river. All the amenities you could ask for with comfortable beds, TV with satellite, wifi, etc. I really can't say enough good things about the wonderful hospitality of Peter and Liz, the breakfasts are amazing! Fresh baked bread, homemade jams from the garden, and warthog sausage to top it off! We booked the full day safari and the resident expert guide Shaun took us out, what an incredible experience. He was knowledgable, personable and extremely accommodating. Best safari of our trip! Would HIGHLY recommend the Happy Jackal Guest House to anyone wanting to visit the Addo Elephant Park or surrounding area.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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.
Response from Odyssey23276956361, Manager at Happy Jackal Guest House
Responded 28 Jan 2020
Good morning, Thank you so much for a wonderful review! Glad you enjoyed all. It was wonderful indeed to host you. I am sure we will see you in future as return guests. Kind regards The Happy Jackal Team
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed at the happy jackal for our safari around Addo, as we were hesitant to go to a smaller and private game reserve as some of them are cruelly small for the animals to live. Addo is HUGE and our ranger who drove us round (in the best game viewer to the park [see the photo!]), was extremely knowledgeable and helpful, even knew the approximate age of the animals he showed us! He made every effort for us to see all the animals, which seeing them in the wild like this is truly nothing a private game reserve can match if you ask me. You get a lovely and filling lunch (and the amazing breakfast keeps you going until then)! The accommodation is beautiful, after doing the garden route and staying in over 6 air bnbs.. happy jackal was the first time we felt like we were in Africa! All our previous accommodation was beautiful but so modern it was like sitting at home (England for us)! You can sit outside your room at the guesthouse and watch a beautiful sunset. There’s a shop near by (drive only) where we grabbed some beers and dinner and sat with the sunset. If you go perhaps stop off at the shop en route. It’s very easy to find as just off a main road when you come into addo area. Google maps took us right there. Not relevant to happy jackal but if your a tourist please always check your map isn’t taking you through a township to your destination, they can be dangerous.
The best part of our trip by far and it has been jam packed. Thank you so much to the hosts for being so helpful too, and so nice.
The game viewer used to go round addo is a real special addition to this guesthouse. Many others are in enclosed vehicles and cars and you can’t see as much.
If you truly want an African experience with a top safari, go here.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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.
Response from Suzette Eachus, General Manager at Happy Jackal Guest House
Responded 13 Dec 2022
Hello Laura Bless you. It was awesome to host you. We truly appreciate your review! Stay safe Warm regards Suzette, Tim and the team
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our recent stay at the Happy Jackal was just amazing! Suzette and her team made us feel very welcome after a traumatic journey from the UK! Even though we missed our first evening with them due to missed flights and baggage handling issues, we arrived at 9am the following morning - Suzette still made us a lovely breakfast with hot, fresh bread, which was very well received - after travelling for more than 30 hours! Nothing was too much trouble during our 5 night stay and they made us feel very welcome, hosting a braai (bbq) for us and other guests, making bookings at local restaurants, as well as liaising with other excursion companies on our behalf. Tim took us on our own private safari into the Addo Elephant Park which is very close by, and was very informative and knowledgeable about the animals, birds and fauna within the park, even so far as explaining the behaviour and antics of individual family groups of elephants, which was amazing. Hubby loved fishing from their jetty on the Sundays River, and was watched over by monkeys every time from the nearby Mackay Bridge! They made every guest feel special and it was lovely to see their joy and enthusiasm in everything they did.
Read more
Date of stay: February 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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.
Our family stayed 1 night at the Happy Jackal while visiting Addo National Park. Our rooms were well appointed and more than comfortable. The hosts were amazing, hosted us for dinner at a local restaurant and ensured our short stay was coordinated, comfortable and memorable. The breakfast was the best we had in our 3 week vacation.
Read more
Date of stay: January 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Â The Happy Jackal can guide you through Addo National Park and is right on the Sundays River.
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.
Response from Suzette Eachus, General Manager at Happy Jackal Guest House
Responded 15 Jan 2023
Ahhh bless you Thank you so much for the lovely review. It is always so much easier when one has nice guests as yourselves. Stay safe and we will see you again, Warm regards Suzette, Tim and the Happy Jackal Team
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We were 8 people, 4 couples from Atlantic Canada. We stayed for 2 nights. They were very focused on giving excellent customer service. They really wanted us to have a great visit. 3 couples stayed in a cottage, and the other stayed in a king plus twin guest room. The kitchens in both units were well-equipped. We all enjoyed the full breakfast, with fruit and fruit jams from their garden, fresh baked bread, and eggs cooked as requested. Service was friendly and professional. Manager Suzette and husband Tim were exceptional. Suzette drove to pick up medication for one of our team. She loaned me a conversion plug. A sweet personality - she loves people. Tim dazzled us with a full day tour in Addo Elephant National Park, driving us through vast sections of the park. We were delighted with his commentary, excellent driving, and delightfully charming personality. We had many memorable moments. But we will always remember the 12-member elephant family with 3 babies who walked around our vehicle as dusk approached. It was a humbling and emotional interaction. The light lunch, unrushed pace, and overall experience was world-class. This is a place I would return to anytime.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Wonderful accommodations right at the gste of Addo. Dont drive yourself in your rental car. Get a...
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.
The Happy Jackal is a lovely bed and breakfast a stones through from Addo Elephant Park. Room was perfect as was breakfast and the hosting. We had chosen to go on the game drive with Shaun and what an amazing experience. Shaun found us so many animals to view and was incredibly knowledgable about everything we saw. We had a fabulous day and chose to have the Sunday dinner after which was perfect candlelit end to the day. Many thanks to the whole team but particularly Shaun who made our stay ! Gail and Steve x
Read more
Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
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.
Response from Elizabeth Paull, Owner at Happy Jackal Guest House
Responded 15 Mar 2020
Good morning Steve and Gail, Many thanks for your lovely review. I have shown Shaun and he is appreciative! We would love to have you back as return guests in future and look forward to that. Kind regards The Happy Jackal Team
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Amazing establishment. Just been sold and they are busy with renovations, without bothering anyone.
We will most definitely go back, as we are also excited with them for the changes.
Lovely Manageress, Ranger and staff. Breakfast was absolutely delicious with home baked bread daily.
The whole ambience from when you meet management right to when you leave, is just something else! Magnificent!
Looking forward to our next stay.
Read more
Date of stay: June 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Â If you unsure about anything, call Suzette for info.
0827440503
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.
Suzette, Tim and the whole team are amazing! The three days at Happy Jackal were not enough to experience all, that Suzette and Tim could tell about the area and especially the elephants in Addo. We knew the Happy Jackal already and came back for the fourth time and are always surprised how nice and clean they keep it over the last ten years. Suzette, we love your wonderful composed dinners as well as the freshly baked warm bread after Peters recipe. To come to the breakfast room and to smell the fragrance of fresh bread and coffee...its fantastic! How much better could a day begin?! Thank you for all and be sure, it wasn't our last stay with you!
Read more
Date of stay: January 2023
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
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.
Response from Suzette Eachus, General Manager at Happy Jackal Guest House
Responded 5 Feb 2023
Hello, Ahh bless you. Thank you for your beautiful review. We loved having you here with us and look forward to having you back here with us. Warm regards Suzette, Tim and the team
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My name is Sally, I came to your lovely hotel with my husband Andy, my sister in law Ygerne and Clive my brother in law, a at the end of March. We were given beautiful rooms upstairs,. Suzette was very welcoming as was the fantastic breakfast. Tim took us into Addo, I cannot tell you how fabulous the trip was, I really wanted to get close to elephants. We did get very close. I have to say that was the best day of my life. Thank you so much.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Don't hesitate.
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.
Very nice stay with a very friendly and helpful host. Beautiful view and the rooms were very clean. The beds were very good and the breakfast was complete and delicious! Would totally recommend it! Super close to the addo elephant park so perfect location.
Read more
Date of stay: December 2022Trip 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.
Response from Suzette Eachus, General Manager at Happy Jackal Guest House
Responded 13 Dec 2022
Hello Thank you so much for lovely review. We do appreciate it. Truly glad you enjoyed your stay with us. Stay safe Warm regards Suzette, Tim and the team
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
St. John's, Canada165 contributions75 helpful votes
"Wonderful accommodations right at the gste of Addo. Dont drive yourself in your rental car. Get a guided visit with Tim, and see the animals and vistas in the gsme viewer"
There are more places to choose from in the Colchester area.
PRICE RANGE
AU$130 - AU$150 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaEastern CapeGreater AddoColchester
NUMBER OF ROOMS
6
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
