With the festive season around the corner, it is time to start booking your next family getaway. Of course, we are here to help: here is our guide to pet friendly accommodation in South Africa for you and your furry family members!
The festive season looks a little different for every family, some like to stay home to celebrate the occasion and others like to take the opportunity to escape to the countryside to take a breath of fresh, warm air. But for all pet parents, the festive season means more time to spend with your precious pet!
Here’s a list of fur-bulous pet-friendly holiday places to take your whole family this festive season – furry family members included!
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Pet Friendly Accommodation in South Africa
Eastern Cape
The Rose ‘n Ale, Gonubie
Located in the tranquil seaside town of Gonubie, The Rose ‘n Ale is the perfect place to put your feet up and relax (whilst scratching Scruffy, of course!). This beautiful accommodation is a stone throw away from Gonubie’s fantastic beach, where you can go for long walks or play catch as the hot summer sun shines!
Four of the units at The Rose ‘n Ale have fully enclosed gardens to keep your pet safe and sound. This accommodation will keep both your furry friend and your kiddies happy – with a communal garden equipped with a trampoline, swimming pool, sandpit, jungle gym and swings. We can assure you that leaving The Rose ‘n Ale won’t be easy!
Westend House, Port Alfred
This one is for true nature lovers! The Westend House can be found along the Eastern Cape’s Sunshine Coast, perched on the banks of the West Kleinemonde estuary. This holiday home is perfect for a group holiday with family, friends and pawsome pets! This spacious house can sleep a group of 10 people and welcomes furry friends to come to stay too.
Spend your days with your toes in the sand at one of the pristine white sand beaches or saltwater lagoons in Kleinemonde. Here you can fish, canoe, birdwatch or take a dip in the crystal blue water with your furry friend – sounds idyllic!
Northern Cape
Tankwa River Lodge, Tankwa Karoo
If you are wanting to take a step back and have some real downtime, the Tankwa River Lodge is for you! Nestled deep in the breath-taking Karoo landscape, the Tankwa River Lodge is a much-loved hideaway.
Escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, and spend your days floating in the plunge pool, lazing on the couches, playing board games or feeding the two resident rescue horses. After enjoying sundowners in front of the glorious Karoo view, you can lie back and count each star in the big, black sky as the crackling fire keeps your toes warm.
And the best part, this 300-year-old homestead opens its doors to all pet pooches! Bring your four-legged friend to join in on this unforgettable stay.
Related: 5 Essential Tips on How to Road Trip with a Dog
Boutique Guesthouse, Hanover
Take your precious pooch along for the ride and stay over at the picturesque Boutique Guesthouse in Karoo town, along the N1. The Boutique Guesthouse opens its doors and hearts to each and every guest (human and animal) and welcomes them into the peaceful environment they have created.
The friendly, helpful staff will cater to your every need and ensure that both you and Fluffy have a comfortable stay. This gorgeous boutique hotel has everything well thought-out, including the food!
Treat yourself to authentic Karoo dishes with a twist, such as lamb shanks and mutton tails to delish veggie-based meals.
Free State
The Stoke House, Clarens
Clarens should definitely be on your travel bucket list. This charming, small town offers the perfect escape and is filled with galleries, restaurants, breweries and much more. You are guaranteed to fall in love with this quaint town and its slow way of life, and so will your precious pet.
Whisk your family, four-legged members included, to the Stoke House nestled in the beautiful town of Clarens. This self-catering, paw-friendly accommodation is just a few minutes from the town centre and is surrounded by incredible walking trails in the Clarens Conservancy – your pup will thoroughly enjoy exploring these with you!
Mpumalanga
Highland Giants Estate, Dullstroom
Nicknamed “Dullstroom’s original dog-friendly destination,” this beautiful, countryside getaway is the perfect escape for the whole family! Surrounded by magnificent views, a variety of spectacular dams and often a zebra or two, the Highlands Giant Estate is a wonderful holiday place if you are looking for some privacy, peace and quiet.
There are six picturesque cottages, each sleeping between 4 and 6 people, making this a great spot to take the whole family. The house is fully fenced off, so you can rest assured that your pooches are safe and secure in the property.
Take your pup for a swim in the river, for a long walk between the hills or simply sit next to the bonfire. This accommodation will definitely leave you with many special memories that your family will treasure.
Read next: 4 Pet Christmas Presents Ideas That Your Fur Baby will LOVE
Before you start packing your bags, remember to cover your precious pet with pet insurance! Ensure that your furry friend has access to the best veterinarian care and that the bill is covered, should anything go wrong whilst you are on vacay!
Don’t have pet insurance yet? Don’t fret, you’re in the right place. Follow this link to get a quote from our favourite South African pet insurer – Oneplan Pet Insurance!
