Top 8 Pet-Friendly Destinations in South Africa
There’s a saying in the advertising world that one should try to avoid working with young children or pets if you’re trying to keep to a tight filming deadline. That said, either type of cast member, furry or otherwise, can prove unpredictable when it comes to their respective temperament on the day. There exists any number of holiday destinations around South Africa, impressively geared-up towards making sure small children are welcomed and suitably entertained, so too are there havens for animal-lovers keen to share holiday moments with their beloved pets.
Barking Beach Cottage, Hermanus
When the owner of an establishment is surrounded by up to eight dogs of their own, it’s easy to imagine that much thought and planning has gone into welcoming guests arriving with their own furry friends. A short distance away from central Hermanus, the Barking Beach Cottage sleeps up to six guests in three bedrooms and provides both fully secure gardens for visiting pups to explore, as well as access to a walking path leading to a similarly pet-friendly beach.
The owners of Barking Beach Cottage have also opened the Silver Oaks Farm Cottage in Wellington, in the Western Cape, as a sister establishment with an equally well-curated pet-friendly programme.
Beaverlac, Porterville, Western Cape
A two-hour drive north of Cape Town, tucked away in the Olifants River Mountains is the popular Beaverlac family camping destination. Sited on 5 000 hectares of land, this facility offers various hiking trails and lots of adventure via any number of easily accessible mountain pools. With the option to either pitch a tent or hire one of the cabins, Beaverlac asks only that your pets are well-behaved and not disruptive to fellow guests.
Kuilfontein Stable Cottages and Paddocks, Kuilfontein
Located just outside of Colesburg on the N1, Kuilfontein established itself as a popular overnight destination for those transporting race horses, in particular, between Cape Town and stables in the north of the country. While the paddocks are still fully operational, the owners soon realised the potential for turning the old stables into impressively upmarket accommodation.
All set to offer weary travellers and their pets a welcome respite from a day’s worth of travel, Kuilfontein also features a delicious dinner menu and hearty breakfast ahead of a new day’s adventure.
Cottage Pie, Clarens, Free State
Set against the backdrop of an English Country Garden, the wonderfully named Cottage Pie accommodation outside of Clarens features four ensuite bedroom and easy access to several hiking trails into the surrounding Maluti Mountains. As is to be expected, they do prefer prior notice of any expected pets, if only to ensure maximum comfort for all.
Ducktree Cottage, South Coast, KZN
Situated in Port Edward on the KZN South Coast, Ducktree Cottage offers spectacularly maintained gardens, a beautiful natural rock pool and easy access to the beach. Offering luxury accommodation for up to four adults, it’s intriguing to note that this pet-friendly establishment is noted as much for its family-fun facilities, as it is for being a romantic destination.
The Secret Valley, Cullinan, Gauteng
This ultimate pet-friendly destination is sited just 50-kilometres north-east of Pretoria and 12 km from the historically significant town of Cullinan. A four-sleeper stone cottage built on the edge of 26-hectares worth of bushveld, The Secret Valley offers access to numerous hiking and mountain-biking trails, as well as private use to the nearby river for a welcome swim, for all.
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Positioned at the foot of Table Mountain’s western-most reach, the popular 12 Apostles Hotel not only offers spectacular views and unrivalled sunsets, but even has a section on its menu dedicated to dogs.
One of the most famous destinations in KZN, the world-class Oyster Box Hotel welcomes well-behaved pets with a penchant for the good life. Enjoyed by all who visit is exceptional hospitality, a considered menu and, of course, easy access to the beach.
For any more information visit our Willard website here.