Best places to take your dog with you on holiday in SA
- by DR Roxanne Jones
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A family holiday isn’t complete without all members of your family being there - furries included! We’ve packed the balls and water bowls, rolled up the leads, and rounded up the coolest places to take your pooch with you on holiday in SA. Let’s go road-tripping!
4 fun places to take Fido with you these holidays
- Pet-friendly beaches in SA
If you and your family are crazy about the coast, you’ll be thrilled to know that there are plenty of dog-friendly beaches across South Africa.
In the Garden Route, head to Wilderness Beach, part of the Garden Route National Park, where there are several sections that welcome dogs. In Plett, your pooch will be able to frolic freely on Lookout Beach and in the Pootjies Lagoon Area.
Closer to the Cape? Yzerfontein beach, with its almost never-ending stretch of white sand, is the perfect playground for any beach-mad dog. A little further out, in Langebaan, your dog is free to chase the waves - just not the surfers!
Meanwhile, if you’re hitting up Durbs these holidays, you’ll have many fantastic options. Along the KZN coast, your doggie is welcome at uShaka Beach, as well as Trafalgar Beach (between Margate and Richards Bay), and Alkantstrand in Richards Bay.
For even more, Traveller24 has a comprehensive list of dog-friendly beaches in SA.
- Pet-friendly camping sites
If you’re a family who loves to camp, you (and your four-legged bestie) are spoilt for choice - there are hundreds of pet-friendly camping sites across the country.
To name but a few, check out the affordable and popular Jesa Accommodation & Caravan Park in Graaff-Reinet, or the beautiful Augrabies Falls Lodge & Camp, where you can combine a pet-friendly getaway with plenty of adventure, as the falls are just two kilometers away. Want to get your adrenaline pumping even more? Pick the Orange River Rafting Lodge in Vioolsdrif - just be sure to keep your pooch safe on the river!
- Pet-friendly B&Bs, guest houses and lodges
If you’re looking for something a little more luxurious or laid-back, you’ll be pleased to know that many B&Bs and self-catering lodges are pet friendly.
According to Travelstart, you’ll be able to lap it up at Barking Beach Cottage in Hermanus, one of the most popular coastal destinations in the Western Cape, just 90 minutes’ drive from Cape Town. In Cape Town itself, check out the gorgeous Rose Cottage Studio in Constantia.
Lavender Lake Farm in Magaliesberg offers a blissful country retreat, where you can sit back and relax with your pooch at your feet. Because country air isn’t just healthy for humans - it’s good for doggies too!
Then of course, there’s the irresistibly named Jack-Pot Beach House in Cape St Francis, a beautiful, luxurious seaside home that’s perfect for the whole family - and really will have you feeling like you hit the jackpot!
- Pet-friendly staycation ideas
Even if you’re not heading out of town these holidays, you can still include your furry bestie in your holiday activities. Check out Bringfido.com to find pet-friendly restaurants, outdoor venues, hotels and more across SA - or, if you’re looking to hit the hiking trails, Getaway.com has some great suggestions. Here are some of our favourite pet-friendly places across SA:
- De Waal Park, Cape Town
- Shongweni Farmer’s Market, Durban
- Moyo Zoo Lake and Moyo Fountains (other Moyo restaurants may also be pet friendly)
- Bramon Wines, Plett
- Green Point Park, Cape Town
- Kranskloof hiking trail, Magaliesberg
- Walk Haven Dog Park, Joburg
- Constantia Nek, Cape Town
Have a great vacation with your family, and if you’re taking to the roads, be sure to check out our vet’s tips on travelling with your pet. Here’s to a safe and happy holiday!
Disclaimer: Always consult your vet for professional advice. The Zuki.co.za blog is provided as an educational tool and should not be used to diagnose illness or treat an animal.
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