If you and your pooch need a break, LekkeSlaap has the solution ─ a pet-friendly holiday along the Sunshine Coast! This region is regarded to be the sunniest spot in South Africa and the unspoilt beaches will keep the whole family busy for hours. The area also includes many nature reserves, rich wildlife and loads of fun activities. So, let’s head to the Eastern Cape!
Towns worth visiting: East London, Kenton on Sea, Port Elizabeth, Bathurst, Alexandria, Port Alfred, Cape St Francis, Jeffreys Bay and St Francis Bay
Activities: Swimming, horse-riding, fishing, surfing, snorkelling, kite-surfing, game drives and viewing, bird-watching, cycling, hiking, boating and canoeing
Places of interest: The Big Pineapple, Bradshaw’s Mill and The Toposcope (Bathurst), Cape St Francis Lighthouse, Seal Point Lighthouse (Cape St Francis), Kragga Kamma Game Park (Port Elizabeth)
Blue Flag beaches: Kellys Beach (Port Alfred), Kariega Beach, Middle Beach (Kenton on Sea) and Kleinemonde Beach
Popular pet-friendly beaches: East Beach Port Alfred, East Beach Kleinemonde, Cannon Rocks and Bushmans River Mouth Beach
Recommended restaurants:
Kenton on Sea: Bushmans Bar and Grill, Sandbar Floating Restaurant
East London: Cafe Bella, Cafe Neo East London
Bathurst: The Historic Pig and Whistle Inn
Jeffreys Bay: Die Walskipper Restaurant, De Viswijf Restaurant
Port Elizabeth: Cobblestone Bistro and Bakery, Raasoie – The Kitchen of India (Walmer)
Cape St Francis: Big Time Taverna
PS: Dogs must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed on Blue Flag beaches.
Sounds tempting? Then check out these amazing pet-friendly stays along the Sunshine Coast!
1. All Seasons Guesthouse, Jeffreys Bay
Do you dream about a home away from home where you can relax, take a swim, have a braai and spend quality time with your friends and family? All Seasons Guesthouse offers all that and it’s also just a mere 500 m from the beach!
Type: Guesthouse
Capacity: 17
Other facilities: Secure parking, swimming pool, braai area and tea and coffee-making facilities
“Nice comfortable and spacious accommodation close to main beach and good restaurant. Friendly reception. Host made sure we had everything we needed.” – Coligny N
Get your quote here!
2. Addie’s Self-catering in Paradise, Jeffreys Bay
Addie’s Self-catering in Paradise is only a 5-minute walk from the beach and the garden is the perfect place for all your children to have a ball! Therapies such as reflexology, tension, stress and trauma release exercises, sports massage and quantum-energy coaching are also offered at Addie’s on request.
Type: Self-catering
Other facilities: Braai area, secure parking, free WiFi and conferencing facilities
“We had a great visit with Addie and Richard! The accommodation was neat and clean. Everything we needed was supplied. Even good conversation! Only a few minutes’ walk to an unbelievable beach, even the dogs enjoyed it. Would definitely stay here again.” – Lujeanne B
Get your quote here!
3. Paradise Self-Catering Units, Jeffreys Bay
Paradise Self-Catering Units are situated in Paradise Beach and offers a mere 5-minute walk to the beach. Guests can also enjoy a lovely braai on the patio, sunbathe outside on the sunloungers or read a book in the hammock.
Type: Self-catering
Capacity: 7
Other facilities: Swimming pool and free WiFi
“We had a friendly reception by John and his wife. They are wonderful people! The unit was very neat and clean and all of the basic amenities are there. We enjoyed the braai and tranquil atmosphere a lot. It is a quiet area with no noise. It is only a couple of minutes’ walk to a private beach nearby. We can really recommend it and will definitely visit again. Thanks again for the host and hostess. You are beautiful people.” – Hans M
Get your quote here!
4. Supertubes Guest House, Jeffreys Bay
Supertubes Guest House welcomes you with a drink and offers Tuscan-style accommodation. You can look forward to a scrumptious breakfast that can be enjoyed together with lovely sea views.
Type: Self-catering
Capacity: 26
Other facilities: Secure parking, wheelchair-friendly, conferencing facilities and free WiFi
“Was very neat and pretty. Not only the room but the entire guesthouse and the view and the beach is only 30 m from the room. Friendly service, divine breakfast.” – Charlie B
Get your quote here!
5. Shelly Beach Cottages, Port Alfred
Shelly Beach Cottages is a charming and leafy home and it’s within walking distance from the beach. It’s also set in a lovely garden with a Koi pond that offers tranquility, and you can enjoy sea views from the deck.
Type: Self-catering
Capacity: 8
Other facilities: Braai area and secure parking
“We really enjoyed our stay with our two doggies. Margaret is friendly and accommodating and the location to the beach makes it wonderful for early morning and late afternoon walks. Lovely view from the deck.” – Juliana C
Get your quote here!
6. 17 on 5th Avenue Walmer Guesthouse, Port Elizabeth
Looking for something luxurious? 17 on 5th Avenue Walmer Guesthouse situated in Walmer is just the right place for you and your furry friend to sit back and relax. With great hospitality, this guesthouse will ensure a worthwhile holiday!
Type: Guesthouse
Capacity: 16
Other facilities: Secure parking, swimming pool, braai area and free WiFi
“Warm welcome, clean, tidy and well organised. Beds very comfortable, clean crisp bed linen and bathroom clean, towels fresh and clean and decor was beautiful. Home from home. Breakfast fabulous, very accommodating to guests’ preferences. I would recommend a return visit. Guesthouse owners were very accommodating in the change of dates. Prompted assistance.” – Mignon B
Get your quote here!
7. Nautilus Guesthouse, Port Elizabeth
Nautilus Guesthouse offers elegant accommodation in Bluewater Bay and is situated only 450 m from the beach. You can also enjoy a divine breakfast before wandering off to explore all Port Elizabeth has to offer.
Type: Guesthouse
Capacity: 7
Other facilities: Swimming pool, braai area and free WiFi
“Very friendly reception and the breakfast was amazing. Safe area and the rooms well equipped. There’s a comfortable sitting area on the patio where you can relax. Short walking distance to the beach and business area.” – Karen C
Get your quote here!
8. Aquadel, Port Elizabeth
Aquadel offers accommodation within easy access to highways, the beach and other amenities. A shuttle service is also available to and from the airport and other destinations, such as the city centre, local shopping centre and theNelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
Type: B&B
Capacity: 6
Other facilities: Secure parking, wheelchair-friendly and conferencing facilities
“A really enjoyable stay. We were made to feel right at home instead of just being treated as paying guests. Will definitely return if we are in the area.” – Mike H
Get your quote here!
9. Villa Panorama, East London
Villa Panorama is a country-style smallholding that offers comfortable accommodation within a lush garden with lots of space and fun activities for the family to enjoy. In addition, there’s also stunning sea views!
Type: Self-catering
Capacity: 9
Other facilities: Swimming pool, braai area, secure parking and free WiFi
“The most pet-friendly place in East London. We had an amazing stay at Villa Panorama. Sharon is a wonderful hostess and our dogs enjoyed the huge park-like garden tremendously! The gentle giant watch dog Whiskey was my favourite. Thank you so much for everything Sharon, we will definitely be back!” – Rudene V
Get your quote here!
10. Pollock’s B&B, East London
Do you want to stay over in East London? Pollock’s B&B offers the perfect accommodation within 5 to 10 minutes from various beaches, shopping centres, restaurants, golf courses and theatres.
Type: B&B
Capacity: 10
Other facilities: Braai area, secure parking, free WiFi, satellite TV, ADSL, serviced daily and airport transfers by arrangement
“We were warmly welcomed and we greatly appreciated the Pollocks’ generous helpfulness and advice. Also, thoughtful little details such as the jug of fresh milk in the fridge and bowl of fruit. Our room was spacious and quiet with a little private patio. Lovely breakfast served in our room. A very convenient place to stay with easy access to the city and beach.” – Ros H
Get your quote here!
Does this sound like something you and your furry friend would enjoy? Then don’t hesitate to book a stay at one of these pet-friendly places and get ready to soak up some serious sun!
Feature image: Alexander Lemke (Flickr)
