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10 Best Dog-Friendly Day Trips Near You in South Africa

By August 26, 2026August 27th, 2026No Comments

South Africa’s list of dog-friendly day trips keeps growing, & a day out no longer means leaving your furry friend behind. From forest trails to wine estates, there’s now a pet-friendly place suited to almost any pet lover’s outing.

This guide rounds up ten of the best, spanning dog parks, hiking trails, wine estates, farms & gardens across Cape Town & the Western Cape, Gauteng & North West, & KwaZulu-Natal.

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Key Takeaways:

  • Pet policies vary significantly across this list: some venues are fully off-leash, others require dogs to stay leashed throughout, & a few charge separate entry fees. Always confirm the current rules with each venue before you visit.
  • The 10 day trips in this list span three regions, from Cape Town & the Western Cape to Gauteng & North West & KwaZulu-Natal. Walkhaven Dog Park, Groot Constantia, & the Hermanus Cliff Path Biodiversity Walk are three standout picks for different kinds of outings.
  • Popular spots get busy over weekends & school holidays; arrive early or book ahead where required, particularly for markets like Shongweni & activity-based venues like The Big Red Barn.

Dog-Friendly Adventures in Cape Town & the Western Cape

From Table Mountain’s forest trails to the Winelands & the Overberg coast, the Western Cape has some of South Africa’s most varied dog-friendly terrain. Expect a mix of free public spaces, like forest trails & dog parks, alongside paid wine-estate experiences, so entry conditions vary a fair amount within the region.

Some spots are off-leash; others are strictly on-leash, so it’s worth double-checking pet policies before you visit.

1. Hermanus Cliff Path Biodiversity Walk

Location: Westcliff Rd, Overstrand, Hermanus, 7200 (New Harbour to Grotto Beach)

The Hermanus Cliff Path is a free, open-access coastal walk that hugs Walker Bay for roughly 10 to 12km, running from New Harbour to the Klein River lagoon mouth near Grotto Beach. Multiple entry points along the route make it easy to join wherever suits you.

It’s consistently ranked among Hermanus’s top attractions, best known for its shore-based whale watching. Sightings run from June to November, with the season peaking around August & September, alongside stretches of coastal fynbos that line the cliffs the whole way.

Find out more at the Hermanus Cliff Path website.

  • Wooden benches are dotted along the way, including a few prime whale-watching spots
  • Some sections pass through shaded milkwood forest
  • Terrain is mostly well-maintained & recently resurfaced, though a few cliff-edge stretches are uneven, so keep dogs close underfoot there

  • Dogs must stay on a leash for the entire route
  • Grotto Beach’s Blue Flag section closes to dogs during peak season
  • These dog-free zones can shift from year to year, so check the current rules with the Cliff Path Management Group before you set off

  • Grab a bite at New Harbour or Bientang’s Cave, a restaurant built into a cliff cave
  • Stick to the marked paths near the cliff edge & check the tides before heading down to any rock pools
  • Park at the western end near New Harbour for a quieter start
Hermanus Cliff Path

2. Newlands Forest

Location: Newlands Forest Rd, Newlands, Cape Town (Table Mountain National Park)

Newlands Forest sits on the lower slopes of Table Mountain, just a few minutes from Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs & part of Table Mountain National Park. The forest is a mix of pine & gum plantation alongside pockets of indigenous woodland, with at least one waterfall tucked along the ravine trails.

It’s long been a favourite with local dog walkers & trail runners, with routes connecting through to Kirstenbosch & Rhodes Memorial for those wanting to extend the walk further.

Find out more at the Table Mountain National Park website.

  • Multiple named routes, including the Contour Path, Fernwood Track, Woodcutters Path to Rhodes Memorial & Newlands Ravine, ranging from gentle forest walks to steep summit routes
  • Streams cross several of the trails, with shaded cover most of the way

  • A SANParks “My Activity Permit” is required to walk dogs anywhere in the park
  • Dogs must be leashed near the car park & entrance, though they’re commonly allowed off-leash under control once on the main trails
  • Dogs aren’t permitted in the designated picnic & braai areas
  • The standard conservation fee applies for formally gated access (R44 for adults, R22 for children, SA residents); informal trailheads carry no separate charge

  • Best visited in a group, especially early or late in the day, & it’s worth leaving valuables at home
  • There’s an ablution block near the trailhead, with parking available at the main entrance
  • Summer mornings are the busiest time to visit, before the heat sets in
Woodcutter's Path at Newlands Forest

3. Radloff Park Dog Park

Location: Radloff Park River Trail, Somerset West, 7130

Radloff Park is a large, multi-use public park of around 38.7 hectares in Somerset West, built around an off-leash trail that follows the Lourens River. Good tree cover keeps the park comfortable even on hot days, & the river frontage gives dogs plenty of room to explore off the lead.

It’s a well-used local off-leash spot, & regulars describe it as busy with dogs of all shapes & sizes passing through on any given walk, making it a solid choice for a sociable outing.

Find out more at the Radloff Park on Google Maps.

  • A riverside walking path with bridges crossing the river, mixing level stretches with steeper embankment sections
  • Shallow areas of the river where dogs can wade or swim

  • Entry is free, & the park has no set hours, with regulars reporting it’s accessible around the clock
  • There’s no fencing on-site, so keep your dogs close when going near the water
  • There’s no membership or booking system in place, & it stays popular with regulars year-round

  • Waste bag stations are provided at the start of the walk & dotted throughout the park
  • The gravel parking area can get muddy after rain, & benches are dotted along the route
  • It’s a good pick for very social dogs, given how many others use the trail daily
Two dogs playing at a pond

4. Groot Constantia

Location: Groot Constantia Road, Constantia, Cape Town, 7806

Groot Constantia is South Africa’s oldest wine-producing estate, founded in 1685 & set on the slopes of the Constantia Valley among historic Cape Dutch architecture. Leashed pets are welcome on the estate’s designated vineyard paths, which wind through rolling vineyards, oak-lined walks & several ponds, making for a scenic stroll before or after a tasting.

Both on-site restaurants, Jonkershuis & Simon’s, are pet-friendly venues & provide water bowls for visiting dogs, making it easy to relax with a glass of wine after the walk.

Find out more & book a tasting at the Groot Constantia website.

  • A walking loop of roughly 4km through the vineyards, hilly in sections, with mature oak & willow trees for shade
  • Shaded rest areas & two shallow ponds where dogs can cool off

  • Wine tastings, cellar tours & museum entry are separate paid experiences, with tastings from roughly R170 per person
  • No booking is needed just to walk the vineyard paths with your dog; only picnics & tastings require a reservation

  • Simon’s Restaurant goes a step further with a doggy menu of biltong, droëwors & a sensitive-stomach option
  • Outside picnics aren’t permitted; picnic baskets must be booked 24 hours ahead through either restaurant
  • The route is largely exposed to the sun, so early morning or late afternoon visits work best
The entrance to Groot Constantia

Day Trips in Gauteng & North West

Gauteng & neighbouring North West cover a wide range of dog-friendly outings, from a purpose-built off-leash dog park to farm trails & a multi-activity precinct built around a converted barn. Facilities & pet rules vary widely from one venue to the next, so it’s worth confirming the details before setting off.

Whether you’re after a quick afternoon outing close to Johannesburg or Pretoria, or a fuller day trip further out, there’s a good spread of options across the region.

5. B'sorah Trails

Location: Farm Bassora, Broederstroom, 0240, North West (near Hartbeespoort)

B’sorah Trails is a 1,600-hectare working cattle farm set between Hartbeespoort Dam & the Magaliesberg, within an hour’s drive of both Johannesburg & Pretoria. Trail distances range from 5km up to 18km, with separate mountain-biking routes on offer.

Dogs are welcome on the designated trails only, & must stay on a leash throughout, since the farm is home to wildlife that roams freely across the land.

Find out more & book your visit at the B’sorah Trails website.

  • The trails cross dense bush, open grassland & riverine vegetation along the Skeerpoort River, with rocky outcrops & wildlife such as kudu, impala & warthog
  • B’sorah Bistro operates on weekends & public holidays, with a small shop for refreshments & firewood, plus a luxury tented camp & bush campsites for overnight stays

  • Entry costs roughly R50 to R70 per adult, & dogs enter free
  • B’sorah disclaims liability for pets on the trail
  • Optional add-ons include a picnic hamper or hiker’s brunch pack, bookable a day in advance
  • No music, littering, fires or alcohol are allowed on the trails, & last entry is 13:00

  • Walk-ins are generally welcome from Friday to Sunday; weekdays may require an appointment, so check ahead
  • It’s a good pick for a proper half-day hike rather than a quick stroll
B'sorah forest hiking trail

6. Walkhaven Dog Park

Location: Plot 77, Walkhaven Farm, M5, Zwartkop, Muldersdrift, Gauteng

Walkhaven is a 22-hectare off-leash dog park near Muldersdrift, roughly 30 minutes from Sandton, with views out toward the Magaliesberg. The grounds are fully fenced & include two swimming dams, plus more than 2km of walking trails.

It’s one of Gauteng’s best-known off-leash spots, drawing regular dog walkers from across Johannesburg & the West Rand for a proper run around off the lead.

Find out more at the Walkhaven website.

  • Rolling grassland, bushveld & wetland areas to explore, alongside dog-washing stations with fresh water
  • An on-site restaurant & bar, Dog Box Grill & Pizza Mutt, serving breakfasts, pizzas & craft beers

  • Entry costs roughly R40 to R45 per adult, discounted for children & pensioners, with dogs entering free
  • Well-socialised, non-aggressive dogs are requested
  • Annual passes are available for regular visitors, alongside single-visit entry

  • Open daily from 07:00 to 18:30, with the gate closing strictly on time
  • It’s a popular park, so expect company, especially over weekends; keep an eye on your dog during busier periods
  • Boarding kennels are also available on-site
Walkhaven Dog Park

7. The Big Red Barn

Location: 7 Nelson Rd, Sunlawns AH, Olifantsfontein, 1666 (Irene, Gauteng)

The Big Red Barn is a multi-activity farm precinct midway between Pretoria & Johannesburg, built around a converted antique hay barn. It combines a café & restaurant precinct with hiking & mountain-biking trails through eucalyptus groves, plus play zones for the kids, making it an easy spot for the whole family to spend a few hours.

The venue is confirmed dog-friendly across both the precinct & the on-site Irene Village Market, with dogs welcome on a leash throughout.

Find out more at the The Big Red Barn website.

  • Three marked hiking routes of roughly 2.5km, 5km & 10km through shady eucalyptus trees, plus separate mountain-biking trails
  • Red Barn Café & other on-site restaurants, alongside kids’ play zones like a pirate ship, trampoline park & go-karts
  • The Irene Village Market runs on the first & last Saturday of each month, with crafts, food stalls & live music

  • The grounds are free to enter, with individual activities such as the trails, Acrobranch & go-karts charged separately
  • Payment points for trails & activities are card or SnapScan only, with no cash accepted
  • Acrobranch, the tree-top adventure course, is booked separately online & runs Wednesday to Sunday

  • Market days tend to be the busiest time to visit, so book Acrobranch online in advance if you’re coming then
  • Bring a bank card rather than cash for trails & activities
  • It’s a good full-morning-to-afternoon option, combining a walk with food, shopping & kids’ activities
Dog resting on hiking trail at The Big Red Barn

Day Trips in KwaZulu-Natal

Durban & its surrounds bring a smaller but dependable line-up of dog-friendly outings: a farmers’ market, a landscaped city park & a historic botanical garden, each confirmed pet-friendly. There are fewer options here than in the Western Cape or Gauteng, but every pick on this list is well-established & easy to plan around.

Pet policies still vary from venue to venue, so it’s worth confirming the details before you visit.

8. The Shongweni Farmers & Craft Market

Location: Lot 457, MR551, Shongweni, KwaZulu-Natal, 3650

The Shongweni Farmers & Craft Market is one of KwaZulu-Natal’s biggest markets, with around 250 traders set in the Shongweni Valley overlooking Kirk Falls, near Hillcrest & the Valley of a Thousand Hills. It’s marketed as family-friendly with pets explicitly included, & runs largely undercover, so trading goes ahead rain or shine.

It’s a popular weekend outing for Durban locals & visitors alike, with plenty on offer to fill a leisurely morning.

Find out more at the Shongweni Farmers & Craft Market website.

  • Fresh produce, deli & artisan bread stalls, street food from multiple cuisines, plus crafts, plants & jewellery
  • Kids’ activities such as train rides, a zipline, pony rides & jungle gyms, with live music on two stages from roughly 10:00 to 13:00
  • Wheelchair-accessible bathroom facilities, & plenty of outdoor seating across haystacks, indoor areas & stretch tents

  • Free to browse, with free parking
  • Pets are welcome, on a leash
  • Open every Saturday from 07:00 to 13:00

  • It gets busy fast on Saturday mornings, so arrive by 7am to beat the parking queues & sold-out food stalls
  • Cash is the primary payment method, though most vendors accept card & Zapper too
  • The market also opens on the last Sunday of each month
Closeup of a dog at the Shongweni Farmers & Craft Market

9. Durban Botanic Gardens

Location: 9A John Zikhali Road (formerly Sydenham Road), Durban, 4001

Durban Botanic Gardens is Africa’s oldest surviving botanical garden, established in 1849 on the eastern slope of the Berea ridge. It’s home to the rare Wood’s Cycad, a large orchid collection, & a lake with a breeding colony of Pink-backed Pelicans between December & April.

Dogs are welcome on a leash, with free entry & donations appreciated.

Find out more at the Durban Botanic Gardens website.

  • Shaded lawns, a Tea Garden & Tea Room near the entrance, & the Ernest Thorp Orchid House with over 9,000 orchid plants
  • Golf-cart tours available, plus resident birdlife & vervet monkeys as common sights (feeding isn’t permitted)
  • Informal picnic-style seating on tables & benches, rather than a dedicated dog picnic area

  • Dogs aren’t permitted at ticketed or organised events, & are excluded from the cultivated plant beds & the Orchid House display area
  • Guided golf-cart tours cost R60 per adult & R40 per child, & are free for children under 10

  • Open daily, with seasonal hours roughly 07:30 to 17:15 or 17:45, plus 24-hour roaming security & monitored parking
  • Only a coffee cart is on-site, so bring your own food
  • A quieter, inland pick away from Durban’s busier beachfront
Durban Botanical Gardens path

10. Chris Saunders Park

Location: Centenary Boulevard, Umhlanga Ridge, Durban, 4310

Chris Saunders Park is a landscaped precinct park in Umhlanga Ridge, a short walk from the Gateway Theatre of Shopping & surrounded by the area’s office & retail precinct. General entry to the park is free & the grounds are easy to explore at an unhurried pace, away from the crowds.

Unlike other areas along Durban’s beachfront, this is an inland park, offering a quieter, garden-style walk instead of a stretch of sand.

Find out more at the Umhlanga Ridge Management website.

  • Beautiful views of the central lake/pond with ducks, Egyptian geese & other waterfowl; wooden walkways & paved paths through landscaped wide open lawns & gardens
  • A purpose-built amphitheatre hosts occasional concerts in nature & a regular Sunday market

  • Some ticketed events, such as a December light display, charge a separate entry fee on top of the park’s usual free access
  • Leashed dogs are welcome, in line with standard practice at Durban’s public parks

  • Alcohol & glass containers are prohibited, & there are no braais, structures or jumping castles allowed for casual visits
  • The park is reported as clean, safe & patrolled by security guards
  • It’s a short drive or walk from central Umhlanga’s hotels & restaurants
A leashed chihuahua walking on a park path

Final Thoughts on the Best Dog-Friendly Day Trips Near You in South Africa

From off-leash dog parks like Walkhaven & Radloff Park to hiking & farm trails at Newlands Forest & B’sorah Trails, a wine estate at Groot Constantia, a coastal walk along the Hermanus Cliff Path, markets at Shongweni & The Big Red Barn, & city gardens at Chris Saunders Park & Durban Botanic Gardens, there’s a dog-friendly day trip for almost any outing.

Not sure where to start? Walkhaven makes an easy first pick for a sociable off-leash romp, while Groot Constantia pairs a scenic walk with a proper meal out. Pet policies vary widely across this list, so always confirm before visiting.

MediPet isSA’s leading pet insurance broker, we offer comprehensive, genuine & transparent cover. Compare our pet insurance plans & get an obligation-free quote today. 

As a pet owner in South Africa, you may also enjoy reading our related blogs covering the best dog-friendly picnic spots in South Africa, best pet-friendly campsites in the Western Cape, and in Gauteng, best dog friendly wine farms in the Western Cape & more.

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