Preparing for your trip with your pet

Planning a holiday with your pet will need some preparation. There are a few essentials you will need to cater for your cat or dog. If you are traveling with a dog it is best to get a car seat hammock to  make the trip more comfortable, or for a curious cat it may be safer to use a pet carrier. If you are planning to take your pet on walks or hikes on your holiday it will be useful to have a 2-in-1 water bottle or a pet-bowl combo in a waterproof bag. Some pets get anxious or stressed while travelling in cars so we recommend Calmeze tablets for dogs or some Happy Cat Stressfree herb to help relax your cat. 

KWAZULU-NATAL

Ballito - North Coast

1. Beach Forest Lodge is situated 400m from Ballito’s beachfront and offers four spacious self-catering apartments, all with their own entrances, private patios and braai areas, set in a peaceful tropical garden paradise.

If you are in the area, head to Galley Beach Bar and Grill. Your dog will probably be offered a menu before you are. If you feel like a nice stroll with your pet you can head to the Golden Mile along the Durban beach front. Otherwise, the Shongweni Farmers Market is also a lovely place to enjoy breakfast on a Saturday morning, with your dog.

2. The Oyster Box in Umhlanga is a 5 star hotel offering pet-friendly accommodation which includes dog beds and dog menus for your best friend. There's a lovely beach and promenade for walking and you will find all the pet supplies you need at our Absolute Pets store down the road at The Pearls Mall.

Drakensberg - Underberg

3. Lake Naverone is a natural sanctuary far from the distractions of modern life and offers picturesque stone cottages, some on the lakeside and some in tranquil clearings shadowed by the surrounding woods. They provide fully serviced, self-catering accommodation for you and your pets. If your pet enjoys outdoor adventures, fresh air and wide open spaces then this is the perfect spot.

WESTERN CAPE

Cape Town - Blouberg

1. The Blue Corner Guesthouse offers pet-friendly, self-catering accommodation and a perfect spot for a seaside holiday with your pet. It's a five minute walk from Blouberg Beach where you and your dog can sink your toes (and paws) into the sand. You can relax on the grass bank at Eden on the Bay with other dogs and dog owners enjoying the fresh air and sunshine, or visit the Leadville Dog Park where he/ she can enjoy playtime with other dogs while you visit the coffee shop.

Citrusdal

2. Petersfield offers pets and their owners three secluded mountain cottages set 2km apart in total privacy. All dogs and cats are welcome at all four cottages (each with their own plunge pools and fireplaces) and get to stay for free. You can take your pet on a hike up the mountains, swim or row in the farm dam, or try the relatively easy 4x4 track.

Plettenberg Bay - Garden Route

3. Cornerway House offers pet-friendly rooms with private courtyards so your dog or cat will be safe if you choose to go out and can't take them with. Otherwise there is a large full-walled, secure garden for them to run around in. If your pet is joining you on your outings there is the pet-friendly Robberg Beach only a few minutes away, two parks available down the road and a few pet-friendly restaurants in the area.

FREE STATE

Clarens

1. Old Mill Drift Guest Farm  is the ideal place for you and your pet to enjoy adventures in the mountains and explore out and about in nature. Situated along a river, just outside Clarens in the Free State, you have the option of pet-friendly chalets or a camping spot. The surrounding mountain and forest will offer endless opportunities for fun, quality time with your pet.

GAUTENG

Magaliesberg - Mountains

1. Stone Hill is a favourite pet-friendly destination and offers ten fully-equipped, luxurious self-catering timber cottages with fully fenced gardens for your pets. There is a 5km, well-maintained walking and mountain bike trail as well as a small riverine for you and your dog to explore. Let them run free or go for a swim - a great getaway for the whole family.

Cullinan district

2. The Secret Valley is where you and your pets can relax and rejuvenate! A beautiful self-catering stone cottage refuge on 26 hectares just 12km from Cullinan. Here you can enjoy stunning walks or head down the Valley and enjoy a picnic by the river. Complete relaxation and solitude!

MPUMALANGA

Dullstroom

1. Field and Stream: The Farmstead is an ideal getaway for anyone looking for privacy, peace and quiet, and is a place where you and your dog can get back in touch with nature. Take your dog for a hike and discover the four springs and three waterfalls on the farm.

Nelspruit

2. Happy Hound Bed and Breakfast is the first ever pet-friendly B&B in Nelspruit with a pet-friendly restaurant and safe walking trails for you and your pet. The cottages are completely fenced off so you have peace of mind that your dogs are safe and secure if you need to leave them at the cottage.  

NORTHERN CAPE

Kakamas

1. Vergelegen Guest House and Restaurant sits nestled in the Orange River Valley, in a beautiful farm setting, on the outskirts of Kakamas. All rooms have private entrances which walk out onto a covered patio and some have courtyards to accommodate your pets. Take time to relax at the swimming pool or take your dog for a walk down to the river. 

Keimoes

2. Kalahari Water offers a variety of self-catering accommodation options from camping on the banks of the Orange River, to fully equipped self-catering units nestled between lush vineyards. With plenty outdoor activities, fresh air and open space you and your pets are bound for a fun and happy holiday.

These are just a few of many fantastic places across South Africa that you can enjoy and explore with your pet. For more options, be sure to check out the Pet-Friendly SA directory.

Thank you, again, to Janine from Pet Friendly SA for some great recommendations and also to Debbie from Petwise for her help.

We hope you find this article helpful in finding the right place for you and your pet to go on holiday.

Happy and healthy,

The Absolute Pets team