It’s finally time for that holiday you’ve been planning, and with your bags packed and the house cleaned, you’re ready to go. But Fluffy keeps looking at you with his sad doggy eyes, asking: “Why are you leaving me alone? Did I do something wrong? Is this going to be forever?”.
It’s always hard to leave your domesticated companions by themselves, and it’s never easy asking someone to pop in and make sure that they’re fed, and in some cases, walked daily. But with so many accommodations offering the option of bringing your pets with, why not give this holiday style a try?
We’ve round-up some of the best pet-friendly establishments across South Africa, so you don’t need to leave Fluffy on his lonesome this holiday! Just don’t forget to call or e-mail the establishments before hand to advise them that you want to bring your four-legged friend with – this is just in case the pet-friendly rooms are fully occupied.
If you’re looking for pet-friendly accommodation in Bredasdorp, a warm German welcome awaits you at Haus Barbara. Here you’ll have a choice of staying either in their bed and breakfast rooms, their self-catering apartments, or in their backpackers room. Bredasdorp is the perfect place to stay over if you’re interested in visiting Cape Agulhas, de Hoop Nature Reserve, Arniston, Hermanus, Swellendam, or Route 62. They offer pets by arrangement, so just make sure to mention you want to bring your pooch when you book at Haus Barbara.
Nagenoeg Guesthouse in Somerset West
Set within one of the most beautiful farmland areas of Somerset West, is a self-catering guest house that offers cosy farm-style cottages, where you and your pets are welcome – just ensure you provide advanced warning. Nagenoeg provides nothing short of an idyllic stay, and is blessed with rolling lawns, picture-perfect views, and lush outdoor seating areas. With nature in abundance, you and your pet will have lots of fun on your daily ‘walkies’. Each of the offered self-catering cottages has a braai area, so you can take advantage of the warm evenings, and the cottages also come with an equipped kitchen, large living room, comfortable bedroom, and a welcome tray with tea and coffee. Find out more about Nagenoeg Guesthouse here.
In San, “Keisie” means ‘sweet water’ and the cosy cottages set in the lush fruit and wine region of Montagu, certainly lives up to it’s name. The self-catering cottages are located on the Vredendal farm, where you can pick home-grown grapes, apricots, gooseberries and peaches during the season. They also have a large herb garden, two hectares of roses, a gazebo, a swimming pool, as well as a warm place in their hearts for friendly dogs, who will love this unique farm environment! If you’re looking for a pet-friendly accommodation in Montau, Keisie is the place to go.
The Resting Place Guesthouse aka Die Rusplek Gastehuis in Bloemfontein
The Rest Place Guesthouse is set in the quiet suburbs of Bloemfontein, and stretches over the span of three properties, so there are plenty of lush lawns and gardens to enjoy. They have rooms to suit every budget and luxury requirement, and all of the rooms have their own bathrooms (some even come with Jet baths). They are a pet-friendly establishment with a few rules in place, so that every guest has an enjoyable stay. Click here to find out more.
Impangele guest house is a pet-friendly accommodation in Swellendam, nearby the base of the towering Langeberg mountain range, and offers unsurpassed luxury touches, such as robes, slippers, hot water bottles and a hostess tray that even includes a bit of dop. The magnificent view, fresh clean air, nearby hiking trails in the Marloth Mountain Reserve, and simple serenity exuded, will ensure your holiday here is memorable. The hosts are friendly to all visitors, so both you and Fluffy are certain to have a fabulous time walking, running, and even taking a dip in the pool. Find out more about the Imangele guest house here.
Have you ever gone on holiday with a pet? What was it like? Challenging, fun, frustrating? I know I’d love to take my three cats on holiday, but they unfortunately don’t care too much for changes in scenery. Do you know of any pet-friendly guest houses that didn’t make our list? Let us know, and we’ll add them!
Main image credited to Bryan Birdwell (Flickr)
