Restaurant at Hartford House

Inspired by the celebrated cuisine of local “find”, Jackie Cameron, dining in one of Africa’s favourite restaurants takes on several forms. A log-fire occasion in the classically decorated dining room with its Errol Boyley artworks, may be followed on a more balmy evening on the rambling candle-lit stoep in true colonial style. On selected evenings, marvel at the beat and rhythm of the second leading traditional dance troupe in the world.

A Hartford experience includes:

• Top Billing’s “ Top Six” boutique hotels in South Africa (2008)
• 2008 Dine Top Ten restaurant; Fedhasa East Coast Award for Best Small Restaurant
• Platinum awardee in Diners Club Wine List of the Year competition for six consecutive years
• A la carte lunches (booking advised); memorable breakfasts on the Colonial verandah or garden breakfast room
• Teas and high teas
• A wellness centre managed by a qualified therapist
• Outdoor activities including swimming and tennis in award-winning gardens
• Trout and bass fishing for trophy-sized fish
• Steeped horse riding culture on well-schooled horses; captivating views of “big sky country”
• Walks on one of South Africa’s most beautiful properties
• Estate tours embracing the political and social history, and the spectacular racehorse stud
• Gourmet picnics including baskets, rugs and a fine selection of wines
• By arrangement in season, a private race-meeting, with jockeys, trainers, commentators, bookmakers, catering and five-star hospitality (notice required)

Located on the 20-year-old Midlands Meander, guests have the opportunity to travel remote, rural roads and discover the unusual arts and crafts of creative, country folk. The roads which link arts, crafts, shops, galleries, historical and environmental sites, famous schools, as well as sporting and leisure activities, our region’s countryfare and gourmet delights, are well signposted.

The ancient rock art and engravings of the Bushmen is best viewed at Game Pass Shelter in the Kamberg or at Giant’s Castle. Either way, the drive through the Kamberg Valley to one or other of these venues is one of the most breathtaking in Africa.

Other natural attractions include the scenes of the greatest military moments in British, Boer and Zulu history, as well as the Kamberg and Weenen nature reserves. In April or May eland, hartebeest, black wildebeest and buffalo migrate from the mountains to their winter quarters in the lowlands.

Karkloof and Mooi Falls; the capture sites of Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela; the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Boys' Choir, arguably the best in the world; the Weenen Game Reserve; the Thukela Biosphere; High Moor Reserve and Lotheni Nature Reserve are other star attractions, as is the drive from Wuthering Heights to Lotheni.

There is a golf course in Mooi River while the celebrated Boschhoek and Sakabula courses are in close proximity