WELCOME
Welcome to our guest house, where you can relax and unwind surrounded by stunning scenery and friendly people. Whether you're here for business or pleasure, we promise to make your stay unforgettable. Come on in and experience true South African hospitality!
End of winter special
Leopard Tortoise Cottage
Normal Price: R2 400 per night.
SPECIAL Price: R1 600 per night.
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Our newly renovated beautiful Leopard Tortoise Cottage sleeps 4 people. It consists of a lounge, open plan kitchen, 2 bedrooms (queen and twin) with a full bathroom, android TV and free Wi-Fi. Outside thatch covered patio and open air braai.
POPULAR!
Till the 31st of August 2025
Our Story
Happy Jackal was previously owned by Liz and Peter Davenport. While on holiday, during the 2000’s, passing through Colchester, they fell in love with this part of South Africa.
Who would not? We have the most beautiful sand dunes (some of the highest in southern Africa), the Sundays River (yearly fishing competitions are held), a private beach (entrance fee to enjoy stretches of beach and the sea) and of course none other than the 3rd largest National Park (Addo Elephant National Park), on our doorstep.
Happy Jackal was named after the little dog of Liz, who had a skin like a jackal and always a smile. So, this is where the name Happy Jackal was chosen, and a beautiful 4-star establishment build. It was registered in 2005.
In 2024, the property was sold and registered to Charl Hanekom.
Charl is a cattle dairy farmer with a hunting farm as well. He was looking for a good investment with reliable trustworthy staff who puts the guests first and found what he was looking for right at Happy Jackal.
Meet The Team
Suzette – General Manageress
since November 2018
The matriarch of happy jackal. known as the lioness who gets the job done with one swish of her tail. the general manageress with a twist.
Michelle – duty manageress
Since November 2024
panic attack, heart palpitations is the order of the day in the office as the duty manageress, but when she greets the guests, you'll never think she just walked out of a trauma counseling session!
Tim – Nature Site Guide since October 2020
Man of many talents. a paintbrush in open hand and the steering of our game viewer in the other hand, roaring like a lion for our guests.
Amazing handy man and nature site guide! hugely in demand!
Heading 6
Stiena – head chef since June 2025
Our chef not only cooks up a storm in the kitchen and rooster brood on the fire, but we know for sure Gordon Ramsay will give her a 10/10.
anathi – kitchen assistant since February 2025
miss speedy Gonzales! before you ask it's done! great kitchen assistant!
ssistant
Rayline – Head Housekeeper
since August 2022
in real life she is an octopus managing many tasks. the head housekeeper who keeps all her army housekeepers in place so we don't get complaints.
abigail – Housekeeper
since june 2025
she's still learning the ropes. if she forgets something it's a trauma response, not negligence!
Michael – Gardener and transformation changer since April 2025
When you hear the birds chirping and see the plants and trees doing a mexican wave, then you know you have the best gardener in the world!
Guest Experiences
"great place to stay!"
"The happy Jackal is a great place to stay!
Very nice room, with nice view on the river, comfortable beds.
The common room is very cozy.
The English breakfast was just amazing and the owners and the staff very friendly.
It felt like home!
We also did a day of game drive organized with the Happy Jackal, a great experience.
I would definitely stay there again if I come back to this area."
"Perfect place to explore Addo Elephant park from."
"I stayed here with my husband and 2 children (3-5 years and 1 year old) in the self catering cottage.
It was well equipped and and very comfortable.
It was lovely and quiet and we didn't feel like our baby was disturbing anyone in the night.
My in-laws stayed in the main guest house at the same time.
The swimming pool was a huge hit with everyone.
My in-laws reported the breakfast to be delicious, especially the home made bread.
We went on some game drives with Tim which were a great experience.
We also went on a boat trip to the dunes.
The boat trip was fun and the dunes spectacular.
The whole team seemed to go out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed.
Thanks to everyone involved in making it such an enjoyable stay. "
"What a great place for our group to stay."
"The Happy Jackal is a great place for groups or couples.
Very clean and comfortable with ample space.
The hosts are amazing.
Very friendly, helpful and entertaining.
The Guest House is close to Addo National Park and other facilities.
We needed some special assisstance while there and our hosts were right there to help.
The breakdfasts are fantastic with fresh hopmemade bread and jams and hot cooked brekky.
Thanks from all eleven of us crazy Aussies."
"Incredible stay! Amazing Host! 10/10 recommend!!"
"The Happy Jackal is an incredible lodge!
Suzette who works there was unbelievably helpful in booking activities for our group of 25.
All the activities were amazing!
The lodge is so lovely and the food was great!
We will definitely come back!"
"Holidays with friends"
"The Happy Jackal in Colchester is a fantastic place to stay, where we felt very comfortable.
We were warmly welcomed and cared for very lovingly all the time.
Suzette and her team were there for us at all times without being intrusive.
We really felt at home.
The rooms and the guest house are very nicely decorated and everything is very clean and functional.
The breakfast is very good.
Suzette always had good advice for a trip for us and I'm actually very friendly and above all very generous.
Thank you, we will gladly come back."
"The Happy Jackal made 8 Canadians very happy"
"The room was great.
Comfortable matress, and the quietest ceiling fan in the world.
Breakfast was delicious.
Fruit and jams from the garden, and local eggs, plus fresh baked bread.
Suzette and Tim were caring and professional.
They wanted the first Canadians to stay there to enjoy ourselves.
We did.
Canucks, book visit soon.
Tim drove us in his game viewer around Addo.
We saw beautiful sites and many animals in their natural setting around the huge park.
Our 2-day stay was unforgettable.
Very close to a well-stocked SPAR, gas station and popular Taste of Africa restaurant, 5 minute drive away.
We should have stayed longer to see the dunes and cruise the river."