Hartford House

Kwazulu Natal, South Africa

The home of good conversation, fine wine & classic horses

The land on which Hartford House stands was granted to the Moor family some 130 years ago by Queen Victoria and has seen politicians, dignitaries and royal visitors ever since. Over time the land has become the home of a successful thoroughbred enterprise with many prize winning race horses bred here. Now a stunningly beautiful hotel, the original house offers luxury, charm and authenticity all steeped in history and with a definite sense of understated grandeur.

There are a variety of suites and rooms available including lakeside suites overlooking the calm water, main house rooms all charismatically decorated in an individual style and garden and pool suites with views over the lush Hartford grounds. The restaurant, situated in the grand dining room, offers sumptuous dishes prepared with fresh, local produce reflecting the area’s rich soils, wonderful climate and plentiful harvests as well as the hotel’s attitude towards the goodness of life in rural South Africa.

During your stay you are welcome to visit the stud farm and tours there offer a fascinating insight into the world of horse racing. You can also ride the horses if you wish, or otherwise enjoy garden picnics, fishing, birding, swimming and tennis. For a little indulgence you may like to visit the wellness centre or take an excursion to the surrounding nature reserves, battlefields and museums. Helicopter rides, and white water rafting are also on offer for the more adventurous.

Hartford House is an exquisitely beautiful and unique hotel yet retains all its original charm and is completely without pretense. It offers a real insight into the life and history of this richly diverse and beautiful corner of South Africa and is the perfect base for anyone looking for something special in their trip.

You will love

  • An authentic, heritage hotel
  • A working racehorse stud
  • Grandeur & luxury without pretense
  • Exquisite restaurant
  • Riding, walking, picnics, tennis

Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.

Elizabeth Mackintosh

Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.

Milford family

We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.

Kim & Brad Balance

The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.

Rowntree family

Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.

Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones

We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!

Laurence & Remi Cunningham

An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!

Sheryl & Robert Taylor

Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.

Paul Cozzi

Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!

Jane & Robert Happell

Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.

Tim Bradley

You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!

Buckingham Family

The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.

Emma Jeffcoat

Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.

Simon & Jackie Adams

Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

Ros Wheeler

Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.

Andrew & Pip Stevens

If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.

Miriam & Joseph Harrison

Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.

Ron & Alison Guthrie

Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10

Di & Kingsley Yates

The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.

Annette Whiley

It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing.  We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.

Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud

Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!

The McGowan Tribe

An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.

Judith & Roger Williams

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