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Midlands Saddle & Trout
Best dog-friendly family accommodation in the Midlands
In the rolling hills of the Mooi River countryside, Midlands Saddle & Trout stands as a top-tier choice for luxury hotels in the Midlands – perfect for families, couples and pet parents craving nature without sacrificing indulgence.
Our spacious self-catering chalets blend classic country charm with modern comfort, making this one of the most sought-after luxury accommodation options in the Midlands. Whether you're waking up to sweeping valley views or winding down with a sunset braai, every moment here feels like a breath of fresh, five-star air.
Onsite, unwind with spa treatments that melt the stress away or indulge at our restaurant where local flavours take centre stage. For families, the sparkling pool, adventure golf course and horse-riding trails will help to keep everyone entertained. And yes, dogs are more than welcome. Our dog-friendly accommodation includes everything from a curated Bon-A-Pet-Treat menu to a shop stocked with stylish leads, toys and treats.
Located on the iconic Midlands Meander, this resort puts you minutes from some of the region’s best attractions, including canopy tours, local artisanal markets and the historic Mandela Capture Site.
Midlands Saddle & Trout is a luxe country lifestyle experience. With curated comforts, unforgettable scenery and warm hospitality, it’s no wonder our guests keep coming back.
Escape the ordinary. Book your Midlands getaway today.
Midlands Saddle & Trout - Dog-Friendly Countryside Retreat on the Midlands Meander
Where Countryside Escapes Begin on the Midlands Meander
Midlands Saddle & Trout is a dog-friendly countryside resort at 152 Hidcote Road, Moor River on the Midlands Meander in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands and at the gateway to the Drakensberg. Operated by First Group, the resort offers 58 self-catering luxury chalets set among rolling green hills, trout dams and open farmland - 60km from Pietermaritzburg and approximately 190km from King Shaka International Airport. The resort combines chalet accommodation with over 20 outdoor and indoor activities, the La Vita Spa, the Fred First Kids Club, the 29° South restaurant and a welcoming policy for dogs that makes it one of the most sought-after pet-friendly escapes on the Midlands Meander.
Why Guests Choose Midlands Saddle & Trout
Midlands Saddle & Trout has earned a 90% recommendation rate across more than 1,000 guest reviews for its combination of countryside scenery, outdoor activities and warm First Group hospitality. Guests enjoy:
- Dog-friendly self-catering chalets at 152 Hidcote Road – with Bon-A-Pet-Treat menu and onsite pet shop Accommodation
- 58 luxury chalets in 1–4 bedroom configurations, each with fireplace and built-in braai patio
- Horse riding trails through scenic KZN Midlands countryside
- Stocked trout fishing dams and canoeing on resort dams
- La Vita Spa – Italian-inspired wellness, 8am – 10pm, 7 days Spa
- Fred First Kids Club – supervised children’s activities Facilities
- 29° South onsite restaurant – comfort cuisine in a scenic countryside setting Dining
- Adventure golf, mashie golf, putting green, tennis, bowls, volleyball, table tennis, chess, snooker and more
- Bird watching, animal farm, bicycle hire and countryside walks
- Conference, wedding and events venue — ideal for KZN Midlands functions Events
- Gateway to the Drakensberg — ideal for combining Midlands Meander and Drakensberg itineraries
- First Loyalty — save up to 20% on direct bookings with First Group
With a minimum 2-night stay, Midlands Saddle & Trout is designed for guests who want to genuinely explore the Midlands Meander — not just pass through it.
Dog-Friendly Countryside Stays in the KZN Midlands
Midlands Saddle & Trout is one of the most well-regarded dog-friendly resorts on the Midlands Meander. The resort's open grounds, countryside walking routes and natural farmland setting create an ideal environment for dogs and their owners - not merely tolerated but genuinely catered for. Dog-friendly guests at 152 Hidcote Road enjoy the Bon-A-Pet-Treat menu for their pets, browse the onsite pet shop (leads, toys and treats) and explore the sprawling resort grounds daily.
Relaxation & Dining in the Midlands
Guests can unwind at La Vita Spa – an Italian-inspired wellness facility with couples and single treatment rooms, outdoor poolside treatments, a steam room and sunbed, operating 8am-10pm, 7 days a week. Dining is at 29° South restaurant – comfort cuisine using local flavours in a scenic countryside setting, with a bar and cocktail lounge, in-room dining for chalet guests and all the warmth of a Midlands evening by the fire.
Explore the Midlands Meander & the Drakensberg Gateway
Located on the Midlands Meander, Midlands Saddle & Trout places guests at the centre of South Africa’s most celebrated countryside tourism route – and at the gateway to the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg World Heritage Site. Nearby highlights include Howick Falls, the Nelson Mandela Capture Site (42 min), Karkloof Canopy Tours (60 min) and the Nottingham Road Brewing Company (31 min).
PLAN YOUR MIDLANDS COUNTRYSIDE ESCAPE
Midlands Saddle & Trout combines dog-friendly chalet accommodation, over 20 onsite activities, La Vita Spa and countryside dining at the gateway to the Drakensberg — 60km from Pietermaritzburg on the Midlands Meander. Minimum 2-night stay.
First Loyalty members save up to 20%. Contact: 033 263 2758.
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Accommodation
Midlands Saddle & Trout offers a variety of self-catering accommodation options, from 1-bedroom to 4-bedroom chalets, all with sweeping views of the surrounding hills – making it a top destination in KwaZulu-Natal. Each unit is perfect for a relaxing getaway or fun-filled family break, and now welcomes dogs, so your four-legged companion can enjoy the holiday with you.
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Facilities
Midlands Saddle & Trout offers its guests endless opportunities to appreciate all the facilities and services that this resort has to offer, from adventure golf to relaxing around the pool or enjoying some much-needed pampering at La Vita Spa. Sit around a bonfire and take in the night sky, or delight in a meal at our restaurant, 29° South.
Activities
There is no shortage of things to do onsite at Midlands Saddle & Trout. A stay at one of the best Midlands family-friendly resorts is made even better with a wide range of activities to choose from.
Events
Located in the tranquil setting of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, surrounded by rolling green pastures and fresh country air, Midlands Saddle & Trout is the perfect events venue near Mooi River for your next business conference, celebratory banquet, or intimate wedding.
