Wild Horses Lodge
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Avg. R 4,414 /night, 12/5 - 12/6
R 4,432
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R 2,216
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5.0
#1 of 5 lodges in HarrismithLocation
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Located in the Eastern Free State's pristine Sterkfontein Nature Reserve at the foothills of the Drakensberg Escarpment, Wild Horses Lodge is the perfect location for an African breakaway. With its panoramic views of the majestic Platberg Mountain and the vast Sterkfontein Dam, the Lodge is a masterpiece of architectural design in local sandstone and offers luxury accommodation, exquisite cuisine and a variety of activities centred around the dam and the abundant wildlife of the reserve.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free internet
Pool
Free breakfast
Boating
Canoeing
Couples massage
Adults only
Secured parking
Public wifi
Pool / beach towels
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Shallow end in pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Snack bar
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Hiking
Horseback riding
Windsurfing
Canoeing offsite
Fishing
Tennis court offsite
Walking tours
Board games / puzzles
Facial treatments
Foot massage
Full body massage
Hand massage
Head massage
Manicure
Massage
Neck massage
Pedicure
Gift shop
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Picnic area
Sun deck
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Sun umbrellas
First aid kit
Private check-in / check-out
Laundry service
Ironing service
Room features
Blackout curtains
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Desk
Coffee / tea maker
Cable / satellite TV
Electric blanket
Whirlpool bathtub
Fireplace
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Safe
Sofa
Telephone
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Bottled water
Clothes rack
Private bathrooms
Tile / marble floor
Minibar
Electric kettle
Flatscreen TV
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Room types
Mountain view
Landmark view
Bridal suite
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Luxury
Languages Spoken
English, Afrikaans, Zulu
Location
Sterkfontein Dam, Harrismith 9880 South Africa
Getting there
Johannesburg Intl Airport
273.4 km•
See all flights
Car Hire
2 Attractions
within 10 kilometers
265Reviews4Q+A59Room tips
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Detailed Reviews
We found Wild Horses Lodge to be great value for money and we were hosted extremely well from when we arrived until we left.
The views from the lodge overlooking the dam were amazing and you never got tired of looking at them.
Overall an excellent weekend.
The views from the lodge overlooking the dam were amazing and you never got tired of looking at them.
Overall an excellent weekend.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: April 2021
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jonathan Hawkins, Owner at Wild Horses Lodge
Responded 13 Apr 2021
We are so thrilled you enjoyed your stay with us and cannot wait for you to return again! Thank you so much for the kind words
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Really glad I found this awesome place to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Our stay was everything and more from what we expected. We felt special and our host, Kayla looked after or every need. Dinner was made special by having our private table in their cosy wine cellar, gourmet food with an exquisite taste in a perfect ambiance. After breakfast we were spoiled with a 2 hour private boat cruise on the Sterkfontein dam. For lunch our choice was a picnic basket enjoyed at the bottom private terrace overlooking the dam. Again the food was delicious, way to much but again did not disappoint. Our room overlooking the dam also had a private balcony with everything you need and would expect for a romantic getaway. I can definitely recommend this special place that will leave a lasting memory.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: December 2021
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jonathan Hawkins, Owner at Wild Horses Lodge
Responded 13 Jan 2022
Hi Johan and Adele. We were so happy to be able to give you both such a memorable wedding anniversary. Thankfully the weather held out so that you could have the boa cruise. We are so grateful for this review and we really hope to welcome you back for all your future anniversaries!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
An amazing location overlooking the Stjerkfontein Dam. A 15km run from the main road over gravel but well worth the trip. It has only four rooms so feels like a house party enjoying excellent breakfasts and dinners. Our room, Zebra, was very comfortable with a wonderful view over the lake. We were, however, disappointed that the advertised boat trips were not available as the owner was away..
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Date of stay: February 2020
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from WildHorsesLodge, Manager at Wild Horses Lodge
Responded 29 Feb 2020
Always glad to hear our guests thoroughly enjoyed their stay with us! Sorry that there was no skipper available during your stay but now you have a reason to come back and we are so looking forward to your return
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This boutique lodge is wonderfully situated overlooking the beautiful Sterkfontein Dam that stretches far as the eye can see. The cuisine is delicious and all meals are thoughtfully prepared and presented by the resident chef. There is a wide selection of activities (riding, sailing, hiking etc) for those so inclined (I was there to swim in the clear dam waters), or else one can rest and recuperate on one of the comfortable chaise-longue while reading in the sunshine. The staff were very friendly and helpful and accepted my feedback constructively.
Our only minor complaints were the noise from adjoining rooms, (probably quieter on the upper rooms) a dripping aircon onto our balcony and the very annoying creepy crawly which ran noisily through both nights of our stay.
Our only minor complaints were the noise from adjoining rooms, (probably quieter on the upper rooms) a dripping aircon onto our balcony and the very annoying creepy crawly which ran noisily through both nights of our stay.
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Date of stay: January 2021
Rooms
Location
Service
Room Tip: The Sunrise room has a great view but the Zebra (upper level) is probably quieter with the same view
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jonathan Hawkins, Owner at Wild Horses Lodge
Responded 03 Feb 2021
Dear Nic & Nancy We are so thrilled you had a lovely stay with us and a delightful swim in the dam! Many thanks for the kind words and suggestions , we have fixed, and made the necessary changes Look forward to having you back again!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
I have been told by the avid fisherman that when you find a “honey hole”, you keep the location secure. You don’t even mention its name for fear of it being overrun and the elusive fish you have been yearning to catch, done in. I’m no fisherman, but that’s exactly how I feel about Wild Horses Lodge. I want to scream its name from the rooftops but am afraid to do so for fear of it being overrun. That said, I feel compelled to share how amazing this place is with others. It’s a conundrum. Wild Horses is an absolute hidden gem, an oasis of calmness and serenity, hidden amongst the hills and dales of Sterkfontein Dam. Arriving at its door is akin to arriving home – somewhere all too familiar, amongst people you have known forever – and yet – something new and enticing all at the same time. “No” is simply not a word at Wild Horses – just my kind of place. Nothing is too much effort or impossible. I arrived at Wild Horses with dietary requirements as long as my arm and every single one was followed to the letter. Not only that, but I could have sworn I was eating in a hidden Michelin Star restaurant, world-renowned for its mastery. And yet, I found myself in a remote location in a small corner of South Africa. The rooms were immaculately clean and extremely comfortable, with magnificent views of the Dam. We stayed in the Zebra Suite, and I can highly recommend it. You can go sailing, fishing, take a trip on a speed boat, quad biking and more. There is so much to do but also nothing to do at the same time – depending on your preference for the day. All of that aside, the standout for me is the people. From the incomparable Kayla who is the face of Wild Horses and your first interaction with the lodge, to Marlise the very talented and incredible chef, to your server for your stay, the friendly Miriam and of course there is the charismatic owner of Wild Horses himself Jon Hawkins, his charming wife Trish and their delightful son Scott. It was an honour to spend three marvelous nights at Wild Horses. I was terribly sad to leave – feeling like I was leaving behind family. But I’m excited to return and know – beyond a shadow of a doubt – that my next stay will be as superb as my first. Do yourself a service and spend some time at this tranquil locale. You won’t regret it.
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Date of stay: January 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jonathan Hawkins, Owner at Wild Horses Lodge
Responded 11 Jul 2024
Thank you for sharing your heartfelt review. Your warm & loving words make all our efforts so worthwhile & rewarding. When we meet people like you, we always wait for them to return.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
What a great stop-over to/from the coast or for a weekend. Wonderful views, personal friendly service and superb food. To add to this we had a great motorboat trip with Jon which showcased the beautiful dam and it's wildlife.
The service was personal but not in your face as can be the case with small owner-run lodgings.
Thanks Jon, Trish, Scott, Christelle, Marilize and all the other helpful and friendly staff.
We will be back, perhaps to take a trip around the dam with Jon in their very special yacht in which he did the Cape To Rio yacht race in the 70s, or just to chill!
Regards,
Andrew and Fran
The service was personal but not in your face as can be the case with small owner-run lodgings.
Thanks Jon, Trish, Scott, Christelle, Marilize and all the other helpful and friendly staff.
We will be back, perhaps to take a trip around the dam with Jon in their very special yacht in which he did the Cape To Rio yacht race in the 70s, or just to chill!
Regards,
Andrew and Fran
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Date of stay: November 2020
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip: We stayed in Zebra which has a great view
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jonathan Hawkins, Owner at Wild Horses Lodge
Responded 23 Nov 2020
Dear Andrew And Fran It was so lovely having you stay with us and the fact that you enjoyed it so much made it even more special We look forward to your next stay with us!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We went to Wild Horses Lodge on the recommendation of a friend. He had done lots of research regarding a romantic spot not too far from Johannesburg, especially if you’re only going for the weekend. He found Wild Horses and said that this was what we were looking for. He was right, it’s very exclusive in that it only has 4 rooms, this makes in very personal. The view from our room the sunset room was beautiful as we had a view of the Sterkfontein Dam. Our first dinner was in the wine cellar, this was a very intimate dinner for just the two of us. The chef shared the meal for the evening. The next morning, we had breakfast with the other guests in the dining room, this also had a magnificent view of the Sterkfontein Dam. Our room was cozy, we had after a dinner nightcap in our room every evening . Kayla had organized a picnic basket for our next days adventure. The picnic basket had an array of delicious snacks. Wild Horse is well located as you are able to visit other spots and then return to your cozy lodge for the evening.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: August 2022
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jonathan Hawkins, Owner at Wild Horses Lodge
Responded 15 Sept 2022
Hi Karen, thank you so much for a wonderful and detailed review. We are so glad you were able to enjoy your stay with us to it's full extent. We wish to welcome both you and Antonio soon.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed for two nights. The exceptional experience started with the owners and staff personally meeting us at the vehicle on arrival and ended with them bidding us farewell on departure. The setting is beautiful and the gardens are well cared for. With only four rooms the lodge provides you with an intimate feeling, but simultaneously gives you plenty of space to relax privately. The rooms are beautiful furbished each with its own private balcony overlooking the dam and/or the mountain. Each meal was exceptional and beautifully presented. The second evening we dined in their private wine cellar which was very special. Although the owners provide guided hikes, we did a lovely walk at our own leisure. Certainly a “must do”. We will definitely visit the lodge again.
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Date of stay: January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jonathan Hawkins, Owner at Wild Horses Lodge
Responded 03 Feb 2022
Thank you for such a lovely review. We are so happy that you both enjoyed the experience we provide at Wild Horses Lodge. We are always happy to help celebrate special evenings in our Wine Cellar and we are happy you could be a part of that moment which we hope will last forever. We can't wait to welcome you back home and hopefully for a longer stay.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Our experience at Wild Horses did not meet our expectations at all. We expected five star furnishes and guest experience however was left dissappointed with the low quality/ neglected furnishings and offerings in the room as well as the feeling in the main areas that you have stepped into the owners personal house, almost feeling intrusive and out of place. The experience would have been fair at a 3 star accommodation rate but for what we paid for two nights this felt like a complete rip off! We did enjoy the food and the quality thereof however. We will not be returning in future.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: May 2022
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Jonathan Hawkins, Owner at Wild Horses Lodge
Responded 16 Jun 2022
We are so sorry that you didn't enjoy your stay. It is such a pity that you didn't let us know while you were at the lodge, even though we asked you on numerous occasions. Most people arrive at the lodge as guests & leave as friends.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The scenery around the lodge is spectacular, you arrive at the lodge after a 25min gravel drive. The staff look after your luggage, wash your car, nothing is to much trouble. We went on the speedboat which is a must, Jon the owner is so passionate about the wildlife and so knowledgeable. The sailing boat is also amazing. Food is 5 stars, great selection of drinks.
A lovely place to unwind for a few days.
A lovely place to unwind for a few days.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from WildHorsesLodge, Manager at Wild Horses Lodge
Responded 13 Feb 2020
Thank you so much for the kind words! It fills us with so much happiness knowing you enjoyed your stay to the fullest extent Looking forward to having you back for a stay in the future!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hello, We are about 30+- Kms from Harrismith
Good day
Unfortunately our maximum amount of people we can have on the property is 30.
We also do not allow day visitors
Kind regards
We do not have day visitors at our lodge.
We only have the max of 8 guests who can stay at our lodge at a time.
Best wishes on finding somewhere for your family gathering.
Hi
It depends what you are looking for. There are only 4 rooms at the lodge, which means it is very private and secluded. Every room also has a double bed as opposed to twin beds.
The seclusion means that the getaway will be quiet and intimate. The days are best spent walking/hiking around the grounds, lazing by the pool, reading a book or playing a board game. There is also a boat that belongs to the lodge that offers sunset cruises etc. but I have not yet had the opportunity to use it as it was not in commission the two times I was there.
If you are looking to spend quality time with your sister, without the distractions of 'the outside world', I would highly recommend it. If you are looking to get immersed in activities and adventures together, this would not be the place for you.
I hope this helps?
"The road in the immediate area is definitely not suited for low-profile vehicles or tyres (or motorcycles for that matter), take it slow if you must."Read full review
"Fill up your fuel tank in Harrismith prior to starting the last part of your journey to the lodge !"Read full review
"The Sunrise room has a great view but the Zebra (upper level) is probably quieter with the same view"Read full review
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PRICE RANGE
R 4,396 - R 4,577 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
South AfricaFree StateHarrismith
NUMBER OF ROOMS
4
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Wild Horses Lodge
Which popular attractions are close to Wild Horses Lodge?
Nearby attractions include Sterkfontein Dam Nature Reserve (3.1 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Wild Horses Lodge?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free breakfast, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
Which room amenities are available at Wild Horses Lodge?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at Wild Horses Lodge?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Wild Horses Lodge?
Yes, free parking and secured parking are available to guests.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Wild Horses Lodge?
Yes, guests have access to a pool during their stay.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Wild Horses Lodge?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Afrikaans, and Zulu.
Does Wild Horses Lodge have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the lake view available here.