[Updated August 2020]
Holidaying without the four-legged members of the family is no fun. Finding pet-friendly accommodation can be tricky, but we’ve narrowed down some of the best pet-friendly accommodation spots around South Africa. These 20 idyllic escapes for families, friends and couples welcome pets any time of the year.
Western Cape
1. Barking Beach Cottage, Hermanus
Great for beach walks, blissful dogs, happy humans and fresh sea air.
Image credit: Barking Beach Cottage
Sleeps: 6 guests, dogs welcome.
Features: Braai area, indoor fireplace, satellite TV, gated security.
Image credit: Barking Beach Cottage
Book your stay at Barking Beach Cottage!
2. The Blue House, Stanford
Beautiful Victorian house with wonderful gardens, cosy living spaces and farmer’s markets down the road.
Sleeps: 8 guests, pets are welcome on request.
Features: Braai area, indoor fireplace, outdoor patio, satellite TV, large farmhouse kitchen, lawn boules.
Book your stay at The Blue House!
3. River Edge Accommodation, Kleinberg Farm, Breede River
Perfect for messing about in boats and swimming in rivers – the dogs and kids will have a ball!
Image credit: River Edge Accommodation
Sleeps: 6, 8 or 10 guests, depending on which cottage. Dogs, cats and caged birds welcome.
Features: Braai area, indoor fireplace, jacuzzi, satellite TV.
Book your stay at River Edge Accommodation!
4. Windfall Wine Farm
A peaceful getaway to the countryside where you can explore the beautiful McGregor valley.
Sleeps: 2 or 4 guests, depending on the cottage.
Features: Braai area, swimming pool, jungle gym, satellite TV, wine tasting.
5. The Twelve Apostles, Camps Bay
For a luxurious getaway with your best friend, surrounded by the best views of Cape Town.
Sleeps: Various rooms and suites available. Only small pets are allowed.
Features: 3 restaurants, swimming pool, health spa, hiking trails, in-house cinema, conservatory, city tours, minibar, Wi-Fi, breakfast included, pet beds and pet menus.
Image credit: 12 Apostles Hotel
Book your stay at The Twelve Apostles!
6. Stanford Hills Estate, Weltevreden Farm, Stanford
Wine tasting, good country food, riverboats and fresh air awaits.
Sleeps: 4, 5 or 6 guests, depending on which cottage.
Features: Braai area, indoor fireplace, restaurant, jungle gym, hiking trails.
Book your stay at Stanford Hills Estate!
7. The Beach House, Witsand
The ultimate beach escape and luxury seaside living – perfect for a big group of friends, family, and the hounds of course.
Sleeps: 5 bedrooms, of which 3 are en-suite. Sleeps up to 10 guests. Small breeds welcome by prior arrangement.
Features: Braai area (fire pit), indoor fireplace, laundry facilities, swimming pool, Wi-Fi, satellite TV, bicycles, fishing rods, splash pool, reading lounge, 2 entertainment areas.
Book your stay at The Beach House Witsand!
8. Plum Tree Cottage, McGregor
Discover this tiny country enclave which borders a nature reserve, with olive and wine farms nearby.
Sleeps: Up to 4 guests. Pets welcome by prior arrangement.
Features: Enclosed back garden, outdoor patio, fully-equipped kitchen, indoor fireplace.
Book your stay at Plum Tree Cottage!
9. Blommekloof Country Cottages
Get off the grid for a rustic, no-frills getaway in the Outeniqua Mountains.
Sleeps: 2 cottages, each sleeping 8 and 6 guests.
Features: Fishing, birdwatching, hiking trails, mountain biking trails, enclosed garden areas, jungle gym, braai areas, indoor fireplace.
Book your stay at Blommekloof Country Cottages!
Gauteng
10. Stone Hill, Magaliesberg
A stone’s throw from Joburg and Pretoria, this is a luxurious home away from home, and all breeds of socialised dogs are welcome.
Sleeps: Multiple cottages sleeping 2, 4 or 6 guests.
Features: Braai areas, indoor fireplace, enclosed gardens, splash pool, satellite TV, fully-equipped kitchens, walking trails, aircon.
11. Kloof Bed & Breakfast, Moreleta
Your tranquil escape to nature, a stone’s throw from the city.
Sleeps: Single, double and family units available – sleeps a total of 28 guests.
Features: Braai area, indoor fireplace, swimming pool, laundry facilities, satellite TV, undercover parking, 24-hr security, airport shuttle, golf course nearby.
Book your stay at Kloof Bed & Breakfast!
12. Stoneybrooke Farm
A quiet nature escape out of town – ideal for a friends’ or family getaway.
Sleeps: Cottages can sleep 2, 4, 6 or 8. The Gander House sleeps 10 guests.
Features: Swimming pool, hiking and cycling trails, satellite TV, restaurant, airport shuttle.
Book your stay at Stoneybrooke Farm!
Mpumalanga
13. Kloofhuis Guesthouse, Barberton
This is Jock of the Bushveld’s old stomping grounds. Perfect for a getaway with your best friend.
Sleeps: 8-10 guests.
Features: Braai area, Wi-Fi, satellite TV, hiking and cycling trails, optional meals.
Book your stay at Kloofhuis Guesthouse!
14. Go Country, Dullstroom
Go fishing and horse riding, and take some well-deserved down-time in the country.
Sleeps: 2-4 people, depending on which cottage. Pets must sleep inside the cottage.
Features: Braai area, indoor fireplace, fishing, horse riding, hiking and cycling trails.
Book your stay at Go Country Farm!
15. Hartfell Lodge
Fly fishing, fresh-air, big skies – what more could you wish for?
Sleeps: 3 lodges available – sleeping 6, 10 or 16 depending on which self-catering cottage.
Features: Braai area, trout fishing, hiking trails.
Book your stay at Hartfell Lodge!
Eastern Cape
16. St Francis E’s-Cape
This holiday town is perfect for some of that famous Eastern Cape sun. Bring on the good times!
Sleeps: 3-4 guests, suitable for large breeds of dogs.
Features: Braai area, laundry facilities, satellite TV, golf course and shops nearby, Wi-Fi, direct beach access.
Book your stay at St Francis E’s-cape!
17. Jack-Pot Beach House, Cape St Francis
You will feel as if you’ve struck gold with this prime seaside gem with space for everyone.
Sleeps: 9 guests (2 bedrooms with queen-sized beds and the third with triple bunk beds, one of which is a double), pets welcome.
Features: Braai area, laundry facilities, fully-equipped kitchen.
Book your stay at Jack-Pot Beach House!
18. Swell Eco Lodge, Mdumbi
A laid-back, magical seaside holiday surrounded by traditional huts, rolling green hills and stretches of caramel beach sand.
Sleeps: 2 adults, 2 kids.
Features: Braai area, laundry facilities, swimming pool, Wi-Fi, spa facilities.
Book a stay at Swell Eco Lodge!
KwaZulu-Natal
19. Stoney Way Place Cottage, Underberg
Mountain biking and fresh-air country living with your four-legged friend.
Sleeps: 1 cabin sleeps 2, the other sleeps 4 guests.
Features: Braai area, indoor fireplace, outdoor patio, Wi-Fi, fly fishing, horse riding, hiking trails.
Book a stay at Stoney Way Place!
20. Umzimkulu River Lodge, Southern Drakensberg
Tucked beneath the mighty Drakensberg, along the peaceful Umzimkulu, you will find your own slice of heaven.
Sleeps: 5 guests.
Features: Braai area, indoor fireplace, outdoor patio, swimming pool, restaurant, Wi-Fi, fishing, horse riding, hiking trails, animal farm, jungle gym, mini-golf, table tennis, canoes, laundry facilities.
Book your stay at Umzimkulu River Lodge!
21. Sierra Resort, Mooi River
Just 3.5 hours’ drive from Joburg, Mooi River is a whole other world.
Sleeps: A wide variety of accommodation including 22 chalets which can sleep 4-6 guests each. Pets welcome on request.
Features: Braai area, swimming pool, laundry facilities, restaurant, fishing, horse riding, hiking trails, quad biking, tennis and squash courts, putt-putt, paintball.
Book your stay at Sierra Resort!
Whether you’re after a quick city break, a luxury retreat, or a quiet getaway in the middle of nowhere, there is no reason to leave your beloved pets at home. Find the ideal pet-friendly accommodation spot where your best friend is welcome any time!
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*Though every effort has been made to verify that these spots are pet-friendly, it is imperative to check with your host when making a booking. Prices are subject to seasonality and may change without notice.
Also read:
- 45 Fun family vacation activities in SA
- Tips for travelling with your pets
- Dog-friendly restaurants across South Africa
