The two hotels that we like best in this beautiful area are totally different and each is fascinating in its own way.

Hartford House
You could start at Hartford House, an old colonial house which was home to the last Governor of Natal and which is set in beautiful country. It’s large and comfortable with an enchanting garden; and it’s on Summerhill Stud, probably South Africa’s most famous stud farm.

You can eat delicious lunches and dinners, walk, ride or drive around the enormous grounds or stay in the garden and laze by the pool. Or chill out in a charming, self-contained lodge beside the lake. Or take a short drive to explore the little neighbourhood shops specialising in local crafts.

You could then go to Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse

Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse
This hotel sits in the stupendous scenery of the Drakensberg Mountains. It is made up of a number of cottages set in a pretty garden and grouped around a large dam.

There are plenty of activities to choose from - swimming in the dam or canoeing on it, or, as the hotel’s land adjoins a stunning Nature Reserve, there are wonderful walks, rides and drives in the reserve. It’s also near the site of amazing Bushman paintings. And a helicopter trip to the top of the mountain for a picnic can easily be arranged.

Another excellent reason to visit Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse is to sample the food which is fantastic - and is usually described as being of ‘Michelin star’ standard.