Summer holidays are upon us – the time families pack up and hit the road for that destination they’ve been dreaming of all year.
In past years, the logistics of this included booking your pets into a kennel or cattery – in plenty of time to be sure of available space – or arranging a pet sitter who will stay with your pet, walk them, feed them, play with them, and let them sleep on the sofa when you ordinarily wouldn’t.
Yet, as we’ve become a more pet-centric community, more and more holiday resorts, farms, hotels and guesthouses have moved with innovation and are providing pet-friendly destinations where your furkids can join you on your break.
We thought we’d take a closer look at some of Cape Town and surrounds popular pet-friendly accommodation spots and we were surprised at just how many our beautiful region has to offer. Here are just a few to choose from.
Knysna
Fern Gully Forest Lodge
In the heart of the Garden Route, Fern Gully is just outside Knysna and close to many scenic and recreational activities. Surrounded by forest, the cottages are built on stilts overlooking a gorge giving the feeling of being in the treetops. With plenty of trails and trees, your pooches will be safe and welcome exploring these stunning surrounds.
Image credit: Fern Gully
Stanford
Villa Felicita
Located in the scenic seaside town of Stanford, just 15 minutes from Hermanus, Villa Felicita offers self-catering accommodation. With understated luxury, magnificent views of the Overberg, and plenty of wide open spaces for your four-legged friends to roam, the Villa is ideal for larger groups and even boasts a “kraal braai”, perfect for entertaining.
Image credit: Felicita
Elands Bay
West Coast Luxury Tents
If the ocean is your go-to then West Coast Luxury Tents is your place to drop anchor. Set in the bush on a private beachfront, the tents are located just 500m from the ocean. With 40km of pristine beach, and plenty of sticks, this is also Fido’s dream come true.
Image credit: West Coast Luxury Tents
Citrusdal
Cederkloof Botanical Retreat
Set in the beautiful Cederberg mountains, these private chalets are fully self-catering and each comes with its own spring-fed jacuzzi and fireplace.
This is the ideal base from which to explore Citrusdal’s lush orchards, the West Coast, and the wild flowers of the Namaqualand. Safe and completely private, your pooches will delight in their mountain explorations.
Image credit: Cederkloof Botanical Retreat
Noordhoek (Cape Town far south)
Heron Chase
Full of old-world charm, the village of Noordhoek has long been known for its pristine beach, horse paddocks and unsurpassed vistas.
The scenic route of Chapman’s Peak offers breathtaking views, and the Silvermine Nature Reserve is the perfect place for hiking, swimming and mountain biking – with your doggos, of course!
Image credit: Heron Chase
Porterville
Beaverlac
Rated one of SA’s top 10 campsites, Beaverlac’s camp site and cabins offer the ultimate experience in tranquillity. Surrounded by mountains, waterfalls and an abundance of wildlife, you can bring your well-behaved pets with you to this magical spot.
Image credit: Beaverlac
And of course, if you can’t take Fido with you, Vienna’s Village in Noordhoek offers the ultimate in luxury accommodation for your small, well socialised and behaved dogs. Complete with playpark, dogpool, cabanas and an indoor chill lounge, your pets won’t even know you’re gone.
Image credit: Vienna’s Village
