Hartford House

The Drakensberg mountains of KwaZulu-Natal are breathtaking, with dramatic vistas, lush meadows, towering waterfalls and sparkling, clear streams. As well as offering some of the best walking and hiking in South Africa, the Drakensberg is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, and some of the oldest and best preserved rock art in the world.

Only 45 km from the stunning Giant's Peak area in the heart of the Drakensberg, Hartford House is one of the most beautiful, romantic and stylish places in Africa. It is a haven of relaxation, pure indulgence and tranquillity, as well as an ideal base to explore this fascinating region.

Home to the family of the last Prime Minister of the Colony of Natal, Hartford House is situated amongst beautiful landscaped gardens on South Africa's most famous thoroughbred race-horse farm.

Trout and bass fishing on the lakeside can be arranged, and horse riding, tennis and golf are also available.

The Wellness House, overlooking the swimming pool, offers a range of massages, therapeutic treatments and sauna.

The 13 luxurious suites are all decorated in a fusion of colour, style and texture, and are equipped with a telephone, satellite TV, and mini bar. Some suites have a jacuzzi spa bath.

Dinners are served either overlooking the magnificent gardens or in the candlelit Dining Hall, and Hartford House is well known as one of KwaZulu-Natal's top dining venues.

After a full day enjoying the spectacular mountains, Hartford House is an ideal place to unwind.

Rates Include

Breakfast is included.

Children Policy

Children aged 12 years and older are welcome. Adult rates apply.

Directions For Drivers

Directions from King Shaka International Airport: Take the N2 South towards Durban, from here you will connect onto the N3, at the major interchange turnoff. Turning left, take the N3 north to Pietermaritzburg and take the Mooi River off-ramp. There is a toll fee (paid locally). Turn left after the toll and at the T-junction turn right. Cross the bridge over the Mooi River and at the traffic circle turn left (Engen garage is on the right). Turn right at the next intersection, left at the one after that (having driven over the railway bridge) and right at the next intersection. Follow the road to Giants Castle until you see the Summerhill and Hartford House signs (about 3 km from the last intersection) where you will turn left into Hlatikulu Road. You will pass Summerhill Stud on the right as you follow the Hartford House sign (about 1 km from the Summerhill entrance)

Directions from Johannesburg: Follow the N3 heading towards Harrismith and Mooi River. Take the Mooi River off-ramp. There is a toll fee (paid locally). Turn left after the toll and at the T-junction turn right. Cross the bridge over the Mooi River and at the traffic circle turn left (Engen garage on the right). Turn right at the next intersection, left at the one after that (having driven over the railway bridge) and right at the next intersection. Follow the road to Giants Castle until you see the Summerhill and Hartford House signs (about 3 km from the last intersection) where you will turn left into Hlatikulu Road. You will pass Summerhill Stud on the right as you follow the Hartford House sign (about 1 km from the Summerhill entrance).

General Information For Guests

There are two restaurants at Hartford House. 

Breakfast is served in the The Manor House Restaurant between 7h15am – 10am.

Dinner at The Manor House Restaurant is a spectacular 4 or 6 course tasting menu, served in the grandeur of the dining room, or on the candlelit veranda. Prepre-dinner drinks are served at 6:30pm and the waiting team start seating guests at 6:55pm before dinner is served at 7:00pm.

The Tuinhuis restaurant is Hartford’s interpretation of the country market, with the neighbourhoods’ best and freshest produce, be it beer, wine, gin, bread, local meats, herbs and vegetables or cheese.

Room service is available 16 hours a day.

The Hartford Wellness Centre offers a range of therapies, body treatments, holistic massages and facials.

On-site attractions include guided horse rides, trout / bass fishing, tennis court, historic gardens and a swimming pool.

Hartford House can also arrange personalised tours to the Drakensburg World Heritage Site, Kamberg Reserve, Weenen Game Reserve and Giants Castle.

A laundry service is available (additional cost).

All major credit cards are accepted.

Popular Alternatives to Hartford House

These are the top properties booked by people who considered staying at Hartford House, but for one reason or another booked a different property. It may have been that Hartford House was not available on the nights they wanted to stay, or they decided that somewhere else was better suited to their budget or itinerary.

If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.