The main access road is a very bad dirt road and is dangerous. When checking in we paid R40.00 levy. We paid levy of R40.00F first time in 15 years. We stayed in unit 22a which is a lovely unit, but no aircon. Garden area very shabby.
I feel like a family member at Jackalberry Lodge. The prices have gone up over the years but I am not complaining. Room 2 has the best wifi reception and whenever I book at Jackalberry, I specifically request to stay in this room. I enjoy the friendliness of the owners and Han's cullinary skills and generosity. He taught us about growing mango trees and herbs, I have mastered the herbs but my mom's goats always manage to feast on my mango trees. I digress. I feel nostalgic whenever I jump into their swimming pool because that is where I learnt to swim. Even the owners' son is so hospitable, he once too us on an unauthorised tour of the farm and we explored the river banks, admiring nature. I could go on for the whole day! The hippo-spotting at night is so awesome, I get such a kick out of it. I wish the municipality could fix the roads, other than that Jackalberry is my happy place.…
My wife and two small children (5 & 2) stayed here for 3 nights. In hindsight, we should have extended our stay at least one day because there is so much to do and see in the vicinity of Hazyview. The staff at Jackalberry were all extremely nice and VERY accommodating. When we arrived, we were immediately upgraded to a larger room because it was available and there was no extra cost. The room was clean and tidy and very well kept. Our room had a small refrigerator loaded with snacks/drinks (extra cost) that we used for some of our own snacks/drinks. Jackalberry is not self-catering, but they were ok with us using the refrigerator. The room had air conditioning which was important since we visited in December. The room overlooked the nearby river where you could regularly hear the Hippos going about their business. On our last night, we were rewarded with a hippo "grazing" about 50 meters from the door of our room! I tried to take a picture but we made too much noise and it scampered back into the river. Fantastic! Jackalberry is VERY secluded and very secure. It is a few kilometres off the paved road and the road seems more like a trail, but well worth it when you arrive. In the evening, they employ two armed security guards with one at the entrance and one that patrols the grounds. Both were very friendly and we never had a single issue. We opted for breakfast which is made to order for you. The food was quite good and we had no complaints. The grounds around the main house and leading down to the "rooms" was absolutely magnificent. All of the gardens & trees were impeccably maintained. They do have a pool, but we did not use it. If we go back, we will definitely schedule a few extra days to just sit around, relax and listen to the hippos. The only negatives that I can list are the road leading to their property is really bumpy and they are a little pricey. I would however, prefer to pay more and get a great room than to pay less and be disappointed. Hans and his wife are very nice, accommodating people. You will not be disappointed with them as your hosts. I would definitely recommend them.…
We booked 3 seperate rooms for 3 people. We received 1 room with 3 beds. Dustbin was not cleaned and milk supplied was empty. I don't have a problem with this when traveling alone, but then they shouldn't charge +-R500 per person per night (which they did).
We really enjoyed our stay. An excellent location and ideal for watching the hippos in the river below from your balcony. Yes, the access road is a bit rough but we drove it with a tiny Chevy Spark and had no problems. The rooms were clean and well equipped, we had none of the issues mentioned in previous reports. The owner, Hans was really helpful with information on the nearby Kruger Park and lent us guide books and binoculars. Highly recommended. Nearby Hazyview has a wide selection of restaurants and shops.
As soon as we arrived to our room, we noticed several ants occupying our bedsheet and floor. Interestingly enough, we happened to notice them as we were talking to the hotel owner's wife. We informed her immediately as we were very exhausted and willing to change rooms if they could find us a clean accommodation. The hotel owner, Hans and his wife, responded to our complaint with apathy. They didn't seem to care or didn't wanted to do anything about it. They said all rooms were booked and there was nothing that could be done. They didn't even offer to clean the room. This was supposed to be a very special night as we were paying a great deal of money to stay in their establishment during New Year's. We did not sleep at all that evening and left the hotel at 5AM. When we asked for a refund, they refused and essentially lied when telling their side of the story. Accordingly to them there were 4 dead ants which they cleaned up. I'm a girl from NY. I don't mind dead ants and certainly don't mind cleaning them up, but what I hate most are liars. I wouldn't suggest this wretched place at all. Also, it's far CLEANER in Kruger Park in their man-made huts than this farm. Other things to note: The road to the hotel was super bumpy and narrow. There was no internet connection room in our hotel room as well because we were at the very end of their property.…
The scenary is great. the houses are basic with just necessary amenities in the room. the fans in the room are noisy and it does not cater for things like microwaves, clean towels, pest control (cockroaches etc). The road to the lodge is horrible and i had to drop off passengers to walk the 2km if i didnt want my sedan to be stuck. I dont recommend it if you dont have a high 4x4.
The rooms were clean and the owner/manager helpful and attentive. But overall a very basic offering - converted an old farm cottage. But close to Phabeni gate, making it easy to get into the Kruger Park each day and you don't have to arrive for the weekend before the Kruger gate closing times.
Hi, We were fortunate enough to stay 2 nights at Jackalberry Farm & Lodge, and would recommend it to anyone thinking of staying in or around the Kruger National Park. We consider it good value for money, as comparable priced places we viewed online whilst making our mind up to stay there, were no way close to the high standard of the lodge, and the rondavels, in which we stayed. Our rate include breakfast but we also ate our evening meal there too. The food was excellent, and Hans has to commended for this. The extra effort he goes to for his guests, is amazing. Hans and his wife, were both charming and great host. The Rondavel was immaculate, large and in a beautiful setting. It overlooked the river where hippos are regularly sighted. We certainly heard them the fist night, and then on the second day, we viewed one, climbing up on the bank to eat some grass. The only down side to Jackalberry, is the terrible dirt road to the Farm. We found it very rough, and quite a distance to travel. Our little hire car and its driver (me) were both pleased when we were back on the bitumen road. Hans did recommend a Game drive in the afternoon which included dinner and sundowner drinks etc. A wonderful Game Drive experience,as as it included dinner, we considered it good value. We thank Hans, his lovely wife and staff for making our stay at Jackalberry Farm , so enjoyable RSA…
We were looking for a nice place to stay between Kruger Park and the Blyde River Canyon. This certainly was it. yes - the road down is a bit bumpy but well worth it! It gives the feeling of being in the middle of nowhere 10 minutes from Hazyview! Han's Breakfast was a real treat too..yum yum! Nothing like drifting off to sleep listening to the hippos cavorting in the river.
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