Want a quick getaway that feels like home? For you and your pets? Try these animal-friendly places to stay.
Pet-friendly, you say? We review Airbnb
Yep. Airbnb is cool like that. Always check in writing to find out the parameters, though. Your python ain’t a problem for us (to insure), and hopefully not for your superhosts, either!
“Superhosts”? What’s that?
Each of these spots are popular with guests and has been given the honourable label of “Superhost”. AirBnB explains. “Superhosts are experienced, highly rated hosts who are committed to providing great stays for guests.”
Nearby
These stays are not only animal-friendly and superb, they’re all (about) one hour from a major South African city. Depending on traffic. Arrive on Thursday if you can!
Great places to spend a weekend away with your pets
Near Cape Town
R&R under milkwood trees over the bay
Gordon’s Bay is False Bay’s best-kept secret. It’s a quiet seaside village near incredible nature reserves. The cottage overlooks a secluded beach, is cleanly decorated and begs you to toss off your shoes and cuddle your …pooch.
Sleeps: 4
Price: from R586 per night
Wi-Fi? Yes!
Guest review: “The view is incredible, and the place had everything we needed. We enjoyed the colourful, quirky decor, and the beds were so comfortable.” - Joanne
Tip:
Near Johannesburg
A fishing paradise for pets and people
The huge garden and gorgeous views will kick your stay off to a good start. Cocktails on the deck and pizza from the oven will set the tone. This spot is perfect for a bigger group of party animals with or without rods (by which we mean fishing gear, eh?)
Sleeps: 14
Price: from R1 050 per night
Wi-Fi? No. Log on to the Vaal dam outside…
Guest review: “It was such a wonderful experience and everything was better than expected. The perfect getaway that makes you relax and my dogs just loved it!” - Ashley
Tip: You might be far from the city, but the basics are available nearby – petrol station, restaurant, grocery store.
Near Pretoria
Orchards in the bushveld
Mkholo Cottage is calling you to Broederstroom. Facebrick finesse and high ceilings are the perfect home for farm adventures. Enjoy a large, enclosed garden for your pooches and a reservoir for summer dips.
Sleeps: 6
Price: from R1 517 per night
Wi-Fi? Nope. Try a digital detox?
Guest review: “We had so much fun and created unforgettable memories. Context, we booked this place for a girls’ weekend away. We knew that the place was fairly isolated therefore we were a bit concerned on safety but the house has great security measures installed therefore we felt 100% safe!!” - Relebohile
Tip: Hartebeespoort Dam is just down the drag.
Find out more
Near Durban
Ocean view, Scandinavian style
Modern, minimalist design puts Umdloti beach before you and coastal forest behind. Clean interiors and stylish finishes combine with Netflix service for series lovers and a koi pond for nature lovers.
Sleeps: 5
Price: from R720 per night
Wi-Fi? Yep.
Guest review: “A beautiful and modern beach house that could just as easily have been a stylish city home - with everything you need. The beach is a minute away, and we had a great time viewing dolphin acrobatics right in front of the house, and seeing whales spraying big plumes.” - Janes
“Tip: easy self-check-in with a lockbox.
Near Port Elizabeth
Surf cottage a stone’s throw from the sea
What more do you need than your favourite people and pooches in a car, a few boards and the right boarding for your surf-safari? This rustic garden flat is stylishly unfussy and a few minutes’ walk from the beach through a green belt.
Sleeps: 3
Price: from R455 per night
Wi-Fi? Yes.
Guest review: “I chose Cara's place so that I could work remotely and surf. It was a perfect place for both! The Wi-Fi connection was great, so I could do virtual conference calls easily, and there is a small view (between buildings), of the surf break at the Point from the patio, which was great for choosing when to go surfing.” - Karen
Tip: Remember the biodegradable poop bags for the beach…! Click here to order some in advance.
P.S. Road tripping with your pets? Read this checklist first
