Happy Jackal - Addo Elephant National Park - Colchester Section

Happy Jackal is a guesthouse near Addo Elephant National Park - Colchester Section.

Location
Addo Elephant National Park - Colchester Section, Eastern Cape Safaris, South Africa, Southern Africa
Type
guesthouse
Coordinates
-33.696420, 25.796581
Elevation
7m
Price range
luxury
Phone
+27 41 468 0943
Website
https://happyjackal.co.za/
Activities
Game Drive, Sundowner, Spa
Amenities
Spa, Bar

PlnrScore: 58/100

Community

health

Wildlife Near This Lodge

1763 species observed within 20 km, 59 mammals, 273 birds.

  • African Savanna Elephant (Mammalia, 501 observations)
  • Common Warthog (Mammalia, 288 observations)
  • Uitenhage aloe (Plantae, 260 observations)
  • Sweet Thorn (Plantae, 260 observations)
  • Plains Zebra (Mammalia, 235 observations)
  • Hartebeest (Mammalia, 219 observations)
  • Greater Kudu (Mammalia, 196 observations)
  • Karoo Boerbean (Plantae, 185 observations)
  • African Buffalo (Mammalia, 166 observations)
  • Bietou (Plantae, 158 observations)

Monthly Climate

MonthHighLowRain
Jan26C18.6C37.5mm
Feb26.2C18.3C35.3mm
Mar25.9C17.6C42.6mm
Apr23.1C14.8C44.1mm
May22.8C13C42.9mm
Jun21.5C11.5C41.3mm
Jul20.6C9.9C19mm
Aug20.5C10.2C24.7mm
Sep20.9C11.7C41.4mm
Oct21.8C13.8C73.4mm
Nov23C15C42.2mm
Dec24.5C17C60.6mm

Best Time to Visit Happy Jackal

The best months to visit Happy Jackal are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 22.65°C, rainfall 38mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 72%
  • February: Great, temperature 22.45°C, rainfall 41.2mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 70.8%
  • March: Great, temperature 21.59°C, rainfall 39.6mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 72.6%
  • April: Good, temperature 18.42°C, rainfall 51.2mm, sunshine 8.7 hrs, humidity 72.2%
  • May: Good, temperature 16.55°C, rainfall 38.2mm, sunshine 8.8 hrs, humidity 69.5%
  • June: Good, temperature 15.12°C, rainfall 33.8mm, sunshine 8.3 hrs, humidity 63.2%
  • July: Good, temperature 13.65°C, rainfall 17.9mm, sunshine 8.8 hrs, humidity 62.1%
  • August: Good, temperature 14.13°C, rainfall 21.7mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 64.9%
  • September: Good, temperature 15.5°C, rainfall 40.3mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 71%
  • October: Good, temperature 17.61°C, rainfall 75.2mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 73.3%
  • November: Great, temperature 18.97°C, rainfall 43.3mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 72%
  • December: Good, temperature 20.73°C, rainfall 65.5mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 72.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

We're considering Happy Jackal for a family trip. What kind of wildlife can we realistically expect to see on a game drive from the lodge, and is it suitable for younger children?

Happy Jackal's proximity to the Colchester section of Addo Elephant National Park means you're practically guaranteed to see elephants, often in large herds. We also love spotting buffalo, various antelope species, and if you're lucky, lions. The drives are generally very family friendly, and the sheer abundance of elephants makes it a thrilling experience for all ages.

We're looking for a luxurious escape. What makes Happy Jackal stand out from other guesthouses near Addo, and what's the spa experience like?

Happy Jackal truly feels like a luxurious and timeless escape. While other places offer accommodation, Happy Jackal provides an intimate, high-end experience with exceptional service. We found the spa treatments to be wonderfully rejuvenating after a day of exploring; the massages are particularly blissful and perfectly complement the serene surroundings.

We're planning our trip for next spring. What's the best time of year to visit Happy Jackal for optimal wildlife viewing and pleasant weather?

We recommend visiting Happy Jackal during the drier winter months, from May to September. While wildlife is present year-round, the animals tend to congregate more around water sources, making sightings easier. The weather is also pleasantly cool and sunny, perfect for game drives and enjoying the lodge's beautiful outdoor spaces.

We've heard about the sundowners at Happy Jackal. Can you describe the experience and what we should expect?

The sundowners at Happy Jackal are simply sensational. The lodge often takes guests to a scenic viewpoint within their private concession or a designated spot overlooking the reserve. Expect comfortable seating, delicious snacks, and your choice of drinks as the African sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in incredible colours. It's a truly magical way to end the day.

We're concerned about safety and logistics. How easy is it to get to Happy Jackal, and what are the general safety precautions we should be aware of in the area?

Getting to Happy Jackal is straightforward, especially if you're flying into Port Elizabeth airport, which is a relatively short drive away. The lodge itself is secure, and the staff are incredibly knowledgeable about the area. We felt completely safe throughout our stay, and the guides are experts at ensuring guest well-being during all activities, including game drives.

Other Safari Lodges in Addo Elephant National Park - Colchester Section

Parks in Eastern Cape Safaris

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for South Africa

Travel advisory for South Africa