Accomodation
REVIEW: Hartford House
When I mentioned I was going to be visiting the Hartford House, I was met with “ooooh’s” and “aaaaaah’s.” Clearly Hartford had set high standards already judging by the responses.
So of course, you can imagine my excitement leading up to our staycation in Mooi River.
But first, let’s dive into a bit about its history…
Hartford’s beauty was discovered by the Moor family almost 150 years ago, when they came by its vacant landscape in the early 1870s. Home to the family of John and Sir Frederick Moor, the last prime minister of old Natal, the property is now part of the greater Summerhill estate, former domain of Colonel Richards, a senator in the first Union government.
My husband, Nick and I left Umhlanga and set off towards Hartford House. Only a 1 hour & 50 minute drive and we were in paradise.
Driving through the gates of Hartford, we were greeted with herds of horses and their young, scattered across the fields. I knew then and there that we were going to have an incredibly special experience.
Arriving at reception, we were offered a welcome drink before being escorted to our room. Our room was the Moor Suite 1, named after the founders of Hartford House. We felt as if we had an entire apartment all to ourselves! With two bathrooms and an outside private garden… what more could you ask for?
This suite has accommodated the last Prime Minister of the Colony, Sir Frederick Moor, the first Prime Minister of the Union, General Botha, and the former British Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill.
Dinner was to be at 7pm. We had a courteous knock on our door from a staff member around 6:30pm to remind us, leaving me speechless at how thoughtful the staff were.
We walked into the dining area and were shown to our sweet candle-lit table for two, perfectly decorated with fresh lilies. A 4-course menu was presented to us to which we quickly glanced at.
Aa we ordered a bottle of champers from our lovely waitress, we met the head chef, Matthew Armbruster who promptly introduced himself before running through the menu in full detail.
We kicked off our dinner with artisan breads and snacks from the kitchen before tucking into our first course, the kudu carpaccio paired with biltong, picked red onion, charred grapes and cured egg yolk. It sounds strange, but this combination was nothing like we’ve ever had before.
Shortly afterwards, we were presented with a pork and scallop dish, complete with sweetcorn, summer squash and col’tempo chorizo. Once we had wolfed down this, we had a short break before commencing, chatting over our glass of wine.
The escort lamb was served next complete with summer peas, kiwi, radish and baby onions. Soft and tender, this was my hubby’s favourite!
We then ended off our meal with a Flowers of Hartford House for dessert which included chamomile, lavender, lemon verbena and rose.
After the best meal(s) and dining experience we’ve ever had, all thanks to Chef Matthew Armbruster, his culinary team & the restaurant team, we headed back to our castle – I mean, our room for a much needed good night’s sleep.
But not before being surprised by a scatter of rose petals around the bed and in the bathtub! Hartford House’s housekeeping staff had attended to our room while we were dining. Such a thoughtful touch to our already incredible experience. I decided to trade in my normal everyday shower routine for a bath in their marble bathtub. I was in heaven.
Saturday morning rolled in and we were up. We took a short walk down the passageway to the dining area for our breakfast. Seated at our table, our breakfast orders were taken down and we indulged in a good cup of coffee, (or two.)
The weather was somewhat moody and cloudy, with a sprinkle of rain. That didn’t put a dampener on our plans, however. We decided to make use of Hartford’s bicycles to tour around the farm. Returning back from our cycle, we noticed hundreds of beautiful brightly coloured orange birds resting in the reeds. We stopped and watched in awe. Truly a remarkable sight!
We headed back to our accommodation to change out of our cycling gear and slipped into something much more comfortable, before taking a walk down to the lake.
At the lake, we decided to try our hand at canoeing, something we rarely get the opportunity to do back home. After a ‘wobbly’ start, we paddled off to the middle of the lake. With the sounds of birds chirping – it was somewhat both peaceful and exhilarating.
Midday came and our tummies were rumbling. We used this as an opportunity to explore the surrounding area of Hartford House. Just down the road from Hartford, is a cute little town of Mooi River.
After our mini adventure, we felt homesick for Hartford House and made our way back. We had a little afternoon snooze in our giant king-sized bed before getting dressed for the traditional zulu dancing show.
We were offered drinks by the friendly waiters and escorted into the garden in front of Hartford House. An array of chairs were laid out for us to sit. With a drink in our hands, the show kicked off and we were treated to a spectacular performance from zulu dancers that were from a local township.
Afterwards, we dined in style, only this time in our own private room! Oblivious to the fact that my top matched the curtains, I loved the experience. It felt like a proper date, and just what we needed.
Chef Matthew Armbruster was incredibly attentive and accommodating during the entire dining experience, personally serving some of the dishes himself. It was wonderful being able to interact with the chef while dining.
Hartford House is definitely a unique experience and something to be considered for your next weekend away.
We were thoroughly impressed by the attentive staff, the housekeeping ladies and the waiters. Their attention to every detail really blew us away and added something extra to an already special experience.
Visit www.hartfordhouse.co.za to book your next stay.
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Twice voted “Best South African Restaurant” in the Visa/House & Leisure Awards.
- Voted Best Boutique Hotel in the Travel category of the “Top Billing Momentum
Lifestyle Awards”. - Hartford House was nominated by the travel trade in South Africa and the United Kingdom as one of a select group of Gold Achiever Award Winners in the AA Travel Guides Accommodation Awards programme alongside the leading establishments in the nation.
- Voted by Fair Lady as the No 1 Romantic rendezvous.
- Several times ranked in the top two Fine Country Estates category at Indaba, South Africa’s premier international travel show.
- Voted by Femina magazine among the top special wedding destinations countrywide.
- Topcar magazine’s preferred destination.
- Described by Marie Claire magazine as one of Africa’s most memorable experiences.
- Rated by Cosmopolitan magazine as South Africa’s leading romantic destination.
In its only assessment in recent years, American Express counted Hartford House among its Top Five Luxury Lodges in its Southern African Classic Collection.
Author: Shelley
There’s something magical about escaping the bustle of Durban and heading into Zululand for a weekend of tranquility, warm hospitality, and adventure. Our stay at Ghost Mountain Inn was nothing short of unforgettable – from the moment we arrived, we were wrapped in the comfort of this family-friendly lodge set against the dramatic backdrop of Ghost Mountain itself.
The staff at Ghost Mountain Inn were incredibly warm and welcoming, making us feel right at home from the start. To our delight, we were upgraded to a stunning suite. Waiting inside was a thoughtful welcome: chilled champagne and a beautifully prepared platter of strawberries, fruit, and cheese. The suite itself was spacious — perfect for a romantic couple’s getaway, yet roomy enough to comfortably host families. With an outdoor shower, a tub, and all the amenities you could need, it was the kind of place you don’t want to leave.
Exploring the Lodge
Our first day was spent exploring the lodge. A highlight was the stylish bar near reception, where cocktails flow as easily as the Zululand sunsets. Dinner that evening was a treat: a lively braai buffet where the chefs grilled everything to perfection. The spread included an impressive variety of salads, sides, starters, and a dessert station that made it impossible not to indulge.
Adding to the atmosphere, the lodge was abuzz with energy thanks to a cricket tournament hosted during our stay. The vibe was vibrant and social, with families and groups of friends gathering across the lodge’s many spaces.
Family Fun & Outdoor Adventures
Ghost Mountain Inn is truly family-friendly, and we discovered this even more on our second day. The property has not one but two kid-friendly pools, perfect for both relaxation and play. Beyond the pools, a wooden jetty leads out across the dam – a picturesque spot where you might spot hippos if you’re lucky (we weren’t this time, but the view was worth it). All the while, the looming presence of Ghost Mountain provides the perfect backdrop for those picture-perfect Instagram moments.
Of course, no Zululand trip is complete without a game drive. We ventured into the Mkuze area, where the Big Five roam. The experience of spotting lions, leopards, buffalo, and other wildlife in their natural habitat was a highlight of our trip.
Dining Experiences
Mealtimes at Ghost Mountain Inn are as much a highlight as the activities. For lunch, we enjoyed the casual outdoor restaurant with its pizza oven, serving up fresh pizzas alongside hearty burgers, pastas, and light bites. Dinner the next evening offered something different – a set menu with options ranging from steak to chicken, catering to a wide variety of tastes. Whether you’re in the mood for a buffet feast or a relaxed à la carte meal, there’s always something to suit.
Final Thoughts
Our weekend at Ghost Mountain Inn was a perfect blend of comfort, adventure, and family-friendly fun. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a weekend with friends, or a family bush holiday, this Zululand gem offers something for everyone.
With warm hospitality, beautiful surroundings, and endless activities, Ghost Mountain Inn is a destination we’ll keep recommending to Durbanites looking to unwind and reconnect with nature.
Tel: +27 (0)35 573 1025
Mobile/Whatsapp: +27 (0)64 664 6495
Author: Melissa Moodley
Experience the magic of Baroque in the Bush 2025, set against the untamed beauty of Shingwedzi Camp in Kruger National Park.
Enjoy five unforgettable concerts over three days, serenaded by works by Bach, Händel, Vivaldi, and more.
Let the wildlife be your audience – while elephants wander past, elevate your evenings with open-air buffet dinners, star-studded skies, and the crackle of laughter from our quiz break.
📅 Choose your session: 12–15 | 15–18 | 18–21 September 2025
📌 Only Camping Available @R5,250 per person
👉 To book, contact Kim: 082 824 9378 | kim@montybrett.com
Author: Shelley
Nestled in the heart of Kamberg Valley in the Drakensberg, Qambathi Mountain Lodge is a hidden gem designed exclusively for couples seeking a tranquil retreat. As Durbanites, we had the pleasure of spending a rejuvenating weekend at this stunning mountain lodge, and it truly exceeded all expectations.
From the moment we arrived, we were treated to exceptional hospitality. The gracious hostess welcomed us with a glass of champagne at their stylish yet homely bar. As we walked through the entrance, we were led through a glass passageway that opened up into a beautifully designed lounge. The decor seamlessly blends modern elegance with a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Intricately designed chancellor beads enhance the ambiance, while the lodge’s wine cellar offers guests the opportunity to indulge in wine and gin tastings.
The Greenhouse Suite: A Luxurious Stay
Qambathi Mountain Lodge features only five exclusive suites, which get booked up quickly due to high demand. Our bags were promptly taken to our suite—the Greenhouse Suite—which boasts a sleek, modern aesthetic with high-end finishes. Each room is thoughtfully equipped with a Nespresso machine, offering a delightful selection of coffee and tea. One of the standout features of the suite was the locally crafted artwork showcasing the wild animals that roam the property. Stepping out onto our private sitting area, we were greeted with a breathtaking view of zebras, horses, and donkeys peacefully grazing.
Activities & Experiences
Qambathi Mountain Lodge offers a variety of unique experiences designed to enhance your stay. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, there is something for everyone. One of the lodge’s most highly recommended activities is horseback riding, an experience that allows guests to take in the stunning scenery in an intimate and unique way. Additionally, we embarked on a 5km hiking trail within the property, which led us through a picturesque waterfall and stream, offering mesmerizing views of the Drakensberg mountains. Guests can also enjoy trout fishing in the nearby streams, indulge in a romantic picnic set up by the lodge, or participate in a rejuvenating yoga session amidst nature.
A Culinary Delight
Qambathi Mountain Lodge takes pride in its exquisite dining experience, offering a daily changing five-course menu prepared by a specialized chef. Our dinner was a gastronomic journey, starting with a mini feta pizza, followed by a creamy butternut soup, and culminating in a delectable lamb dish served with fragrant rice. Each course was beautifully presented, with locally sourced ingredients adding to the rich flavors. The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the malva pudding, accompanied by homemade ice cream—a dessert not to be missed.
The morning after, we indulged in a delightful homemade breakfast buffet. From fresh oats, muesli, and yogurt to warm, flaky scones with cream, every bite was a treat. For those who prefer a heartier meal, the lodge also offers hot breakfast options such as eggs Benedict and a traditional farmhouse breakfast.
Unparalleled Service & Special Touches
The staff at Qambathi go above and beyond to ensure guests feel at home. They regularly checked in with us, ensuring our needs were met, whether it was arranging additional experiences or providing in-room comforts. The nightly turndown service was a lovely touch, adding to the overall sense of luxury.
A Celebrity Retreat
Adding to its prestige, Qambathi Mountain Lodge has even hosted Hollywood royalty—Tom Cruise himself stayed here for several months while filming the latest Mission Impossible installment, set to release in 2025. It’s easy to see why, as the lodge offers a stunning deck area perfect for unwinding with sundowners by the pool, accompanied by delightful chef-prepared snacks.
Relax & Rejuvenate
For couples seeking ultimate relaxation, the lodge also offers a serene spa where guests can indulge in a rejuvenating couples’ massage. The tranquil surroundings only enhance the experience, making it a must-do during your stay.
Final Thoughts
Qambathi Mountain Lodge offers an exclusive retreat with only five suites, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. Despite its limited number of suites, the lodge can accommodate up to 10 guests, making it perfect for small gatherings. Owners Nadia and Stephen have curated an exceptional retreat that truly feels like a home away from home. Whether you’re looking to explore the surrounding beauty of the Drakensberg or simply unwind in luxury, Qambathi Mountain Lodge offers an unforgettable experience. With its perfect blend of natural beauty, top-tier hospitality, and fine dining, we highly recommend this sanctuary to couples seeking a romantic and rejuvenating getaway.
Whether you seek a romantic getaway, a family reunion, a company retreat, or a gathering of friends, Qambathi can accommodate that for you. We invite you to immerse yourself in the serenity and beauty of this nature lodge, where every moment is crafted to perfection.
Author: Melissa Moodley
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