6 Best Hotels in KwaZulu-Natal and Durban, South Africa

This truly enchanting hideaway tucked away at the foot of the Drakensberg Range near Rosetta overlooks a trout-filled lake encircled by mountains and old trees. Richard and Mouse Poynton, legendary South African chefs and hosts, renovated the 1936 family fishing farm and created a perfect combination of comfort, tranquility, style, and exceptional food. Homemade biscuits, hand-painted and stenciled walls, lovingly embroidered cushions and samplers, fluffy mohair blankets, and heated towel racks are just a few of the details you'll find here. Rich, natural, superb food rules the day with all sauces made from scratch. You'll eat sumptuous meals with ceremony but no pretension in an intimate dining room warmed on cold days by a blazing log fire.

Swaths of scarlet bougainvillea run riot in the lush gardens of this family-owned country inn with tastefully furnished rooms that each have a small veranda (the newest Mountain Rooms have the best interiors). It was here that Rider Haggard wrote some of his adventure stories, inspired perhaps by the mysterious lights and elusive flickering flames that give the mountain its spooky name. Large, invitingly restful public areas have terra-cotta tiles and comfortable cane furniture. Don't miss the enthusiastic Zulu dancing before a succulent barbecue under the stars, watch the sunrise from the jetty, and get out those binoculars to try spot over 420 bird species found here. The friendly staff can arrange tours to the neighboring game reserves (Manyoni and uMkhuze are closest), a boat cruise on Lake Jozini, and authentic cultural sights, or will fix you up to go bird-watching or fishing. There's also the opportunity to treat yourself at the swish on-site spa. Perfect for traveling families, children are permitted to join game drives but only over 16's on game walks. Children will have a blast on grubby nature walks, treasure hunts, Zulu crafts, pizza making, and fishing off the jetty. 

One of the best-loved and oldest hotels on the Meander, Granny Mouse has cozy thatched rooms, all slightly different, with a bush view, fireplace, and homey, though upmarket, atmosphere. Freestanding rooms offer more privacy and peace than the newer hotel wing, though the latter have more space. All rooms have a his-and-hers bathroom vanity and a separate bathtub. The main hotel building—formerly an unusual farmhouse with doors and windows from an old church—offers conviviality and warmth in its several lounges. The on-site bistro is locally famous for its lavish breakfasts and afternoon teas. Upstairs, the fine-dining restaurant is known for its gorgeous plating in an intimate room. Some of the best places on the Meander are within easy reach.

Deliciously luxurious, if rather formal, this 1875 inn, high up on the Meander in the foothills of the Drakensberg, is steeped in history and misty beauty. Some suites are in the original house; others in the gardens look onto an ethereal, lovely lake. The hotel has undergone a trendy revamp and each suite is individually decorated in a gloriously cosmopolitan collision of fabrics and furnishings from Africa, Europe, and the East. The food, which has garnered top honors, is just as rich and eclectically surprising. Dinner (reservations are essential) is an unforgettable event with wine-pairing. Tijnhuis offers a relaxed venue for high teas and lunches Wednesday through Sunday. If you have time, visit Summerhill Stud, the neighboring thoroughbred racehorse stud farm. 

This tiny guest lodge sits at the head of a steep valley, in a 2,000-acre nature reserve that's far from any other buildings, and has tremendous views of acacia-studded grasslands and hills. It lies at the end of a very bumpy rutted dirt roadbut a sedan is okay if you drive slowly. Rooms are decorated in contemporary style with fluffy white comforters (duvets) and raw-silk lamp shades—simple, comfortable, and elegant. The home-cooked four-course table d'hôte dinner focuses on traditional South African fare, including fresh farm produce, but there's no liquor licence so bring your own hooch. Picnic lunches and battlefield tours can be arranged.

You'll benefit from abundant peace and quiet at these six appealing guest rooms and three independent self-catering cottages—a pleasant, good-value alternative to the local hotels. All the rooms and cottages are clean and comfortably furnished with large beds, spacious en suite bathrooms, TV, Wi-Fi, and private entrances. A wonderful homemade breakfast is served on the terrace or in the bright dining area overlooking the garden and pool.