It’s not just humans who have been locked down, your dog is panting to get on the road again too. What better place to go road-tripping than the Garden Route? We’ve sniffed out these budget-friendly spots which are all open for guests and their pets once again.
Blommekloof Country Cottages, near Mossel Bay
Claude and Ali Coetzee have been welcoming pets to their 16-hectare farm for many years, and they’re fond of human guests too, so you’ll find fresh eggs waiting for you upon arrival. The two off-the-grid cottages (one sleeps four, the other sleeps eight) have fenced gardens and you are welcome to walk around the farm, or while away the day fishing at catch-and-release dams. There are cows, sheep and more, so keep your dogs on a leash if they’re not chilled around farm animals.
PET POLICY Well-behaved dogs (and cats, parrots and goldfish) are welcome. Contact them upfront to discuss your pet’s requirements.
CONTACT 082-467-0419, blommekloof.co.za
Berluda Farmhouse & Cottages, near Oudtshoorn
Berluda, in the Schoemanshoek Valley, is a fairly upmarket establishment on a working ostrich farm, with a pet-friendly cottage. The ostriches are not on your doorstep so you won’t have to worry about run-ins involving large toes and beaks. The family cottages are close to the swimming pool and have lovely stoeps with braai areas. There’s a half price winter special currently on; the restaurant is not open so it’s self-catering only.
PET POLICY Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the cottage; there’s no fencing around any of the cottages.
CONTACT 044-272-8518, berluda.co.za
Outeniqua Travel Lodge, George
This antique-filled, historic lodge has six large rooms that are clean and comfortable, and the plant-filled courtyard out back is a wonderful surprise. For dinner pop across the road to Pollock’s Pizza Café for great eisbein.
PET POLICY Well-behaved pets are welcome, and pet sitting can be arranged. There are also resident dogs in addition to the cat.
CONTACT 082-316-7720, outeniqualodge.co.za
The Funny Farm Shire, Wilderness
There really is a gate to Middle Earth in Wilderness. Behind that gate you’ll enter the world of Lord of the Rings, complete with a wishing well, a marsh and forest trail. Even if you aren’t into Tolkien, it’s still a magical place with vast areas for your dogs to run. The three self-catering cob cottages (sleep two to five) are fenced so pets can’t wander off while you braai.
PET POLICY All breeds and sizes of dogs are welcome, but keep them off the furniture and under control when walking on the farm.
CONTACT 082-829-4601, thefunnyfarmshire.co.za
The Old Trading Post, Wilderness
Passers-by used to stock up here in the days before the N2 existed and the only access to the area was by ox wagon. You’ll still find everything you need here for a comfortable break from your journey. There are three cosy rooms for couples and one self-catering cottage that sleeps four (good for larger dogs). Book for the Friday night dinner – it’s popular with the locals.
PET POLICY Dogs, cats and caged birds are welcome. There are resident dogs, so yours must be well-socialised
CONTACT 044-882-1207, oldtradingpost.co.za
Equleni Guest Farm, Sedgefield
At Equleni it’s just you, 21 hectares of fynbos and a magnificent view over Rondevlei and the Outeniqua Mountains. This bright, airy modern pad has every comfort for all creatures. You’ll love the uncapped Wi-Fi, Apple TV and the cupboard filled with condiments and treats. We joined owner Dianne Simpson and her two energetic retrievers for a walk (she’ll also pet sit at no extra charge if you need to nip away to the shop). This is tick country, so check your dogs after they’ve been frolicking in the fynbos.
PET POLICY All well-socialised dogs are welcome, but not on the furniture or beds. The resident dogs will visit.
CONTACT 082-903-5170, find it on Facebook; inquire about winter specials.
The Studio @ Mount View Lodge, Sedgefield
This beautifully decorated, fully enclosed, modern cottage with pastoral views came with a bottle of wine – just in case the setting hadn’t already induced blissful relaxation. You can enjoy lazy afternoons reading in a hammock-chair, watch the local birdlife and forage for herbs for your dinner in the vegetable garden. There’s a nice stroll down to the nearby dam. The owners love dogs and even provide dog beds and bowls if you forget yours at home
PET POLICY Well-behaved dogs are welcome if they stay off the (designer) furniture and beds. The owners have dogs of their own.
CONTACT 082-921-9682, airbnb.com
Cornerway House B&B, Plettenberg Bay
Gardeners will love the manicured lawns, colourful flowers, trees and shrubs, while dogs will enjoy snooping about in a safe environment. The seven rooms have been carefully thought-out, with small courtyards and gates (there’s also a self-catering unit, ideal for a large group). The guest house is available for you to rustle up something in the kitchen, have a braai, swim in the pool or read in one of the lounges. Solar Beach, where dogs are allowed off the leash (look for pansy shells), is a short drive away.
PET POLICY Proudly pet-friendly, with resident dogs keen to meet guests.
CONTACT 044-533-3190, cornerwayhouse.co.za
Pear Tree Cottage, Storms River
Expect a resounding welcome from the dog pack that lives on the property when you arrive in Storms River Village. They will follow you to your cottage and pop in for visits. Self-catering Pear Tree Cottage is nestled by a seasonal pond and is perfect for two, complete with a braai by the water’s edge. There is also a larger cottage that sleeps four. In the evenings amble down to a pizzeria in the village for dinner.
PET POLICY Pear Tree is small so small dogs only (preferably one) and they must be kept off the furniture and bed.
CONTACT 082-427-5248, pear-tree-cottage.business.site
PET-FRIENDLY PITSTOPS ALONG THE WAY
Peregine Farmstall, Grabouw
Padloper, Riviersonderend
Delish, Heidelberg
Boerqi Bistro @ Ruiterbos Farm Stall, Mossel Bay
Getafix Garden Café, George
Pollock’s Pizza Café, George
Beejuice Café, Wilderness
Hoekwil Country Café, Hoekwil
Timberlake Organic Village, Sedgefield
Wild Oats Market (Saturdays), Sedgefield
RiverDeck Restaurant, Buffelsbaai
Flippin’ Knys, Buffelsbaai
Totties Farm Kitchen, Rheenendal
Thyme & Again Farmstall
& Bakery, Plettenberg Bay
Papa Africa Pizza, Storms River Village
Marilyn’s 60s Diner, Storms River
Words: Rachel Moncrieff-Robinson
