As tourism is starting to open up around South Africa, I wanted to share some of my favorite dog friendly accommodation in Kwazulu-Natal. Not only are these places pet friendly, but there are countless outdoor activities for both you and your pup to enjoy. I hope this encourages those of you who live in KZN to take a mini holiday close to home, and inspires those who live outside the province to visit once the country is fully open again.
1. Antbear Lodge – Central Drakensberg
Antbear Lodge is the perfect place for anyone who has ever wanted to hike in the Drakensberg with a dog. Since a large portion of the Drakensberg mountain range is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dogs are not allowed in the park. This is what makes Antbear so special, situated near the Drakensberg, you get clear views of the mountains along with plenty of hiking trails on the lodge’s property for you and your pup.
The lodge has a small farm and practices small scale permaculture. This means you can say hello to sheep, horses, donkeys, cows, chickens and ducks during your walks. Just make sure your dog won’t chase the livestock if you let them off leash. Furthermore, Antbear cooks their own meals using ingredients from their farm.
There is a beautiful mountain view cottage that has a fenced in yard for your dog. I visited Antbear Lodge for my 30th birthday and had the best time. The fenced in area was perfect for when we went to have meals at the main lodge. The cottage itself is stunning, with a cozy fireplace and scenic views. There were lots of dams for Milo to swim in and plenty of choices for hiking all around the property. A very relaxing stay that I highly recommend.
What to bring:
- Hiking gear
- Backpack – Meals are included so you can ask them to prepare a lunch to take on a hike
- Dog food and bowls
- Dog bed
2. The Shack – Palm Beach, South Coast
If you are wanting a beach holiday to the south coast then this is the place to stay. The Shack is conveniently located 1km from the beach in the coastal town of Palm Beach. Perfect if you have a large group, the main accommodation sleeps up to 9 people, while the smaller cottage can accommodate up to 4. It’s self catering with Braai facilities and a kitchen along with swimming pool, jacuzzi and children’s play area.
There is plenty of yard space for your dog to run around and a picnic spot for you to enjoy a stunning view of the coast. Owned by the parents of a good friend, we visited last summer for a long weekend and had such a great time. Brett, Milo and I stayed in the cottage which was the perfect size for the three of us. When we weren’t swimming at Trafalgar beach, Milo was happily chasing monkeys off the property.
The Shack is a beautiful and secure property with friendly owners and in close proximity to the beach. They even have a pet pig that lives next door who will come poke his nose through the fence to say hello.
What to bring:
- Food and drink – self catering
- Swimming gear
- Beach towels – Shower towels are provided
- Dog food and bowls
- Dog bed
3. Myddelton Farm – Creighton, Southern Midlands
A hidden gem located in the Southern Midlands, Myddelton Farm is a great spot if you are looking for a quiet yet versatile getaway. Situated right on the edge of Myddelton’s dam, you have a beautiful water view with rolling hills as your backdrop. Go for a paddle on the dam, mountain bike, trail run or just grab a book and read on the veranda. There is no shortage of things to do on this farm.
Myddelton Farm has a variety of accommodation options. There is a self catering house that sleeps 6, a self catering cottage that sleeps 4, converted dairy rooms that can fit up to 4 as well as outdoor camping space if you want to bring your own gear. There is a small food shop just in Creighton Village that is stocked with enough food and amenities to make your stay comfortable.
We frequent the dam to paddle as the farm is located a convenient 20 minutes from our house. If it’s too cold for the water we enjoy the hiking routes that wind up along the hills. When my husband and I were married our parents came out and we all stayed at the house, including the dog. A little oasis hidden amongst the hills of the Midlands.
What to bring:
- Food and drink – self catering
- Swimming & hiking gear
- Mountain bike if you like cycling
- Dog food and bowls
- Dog bed
4. Long Pool Camp Site – Richmond, Midlands
For an experience that brings you closer to the outdoors check out Long Pool Camp Site. Located just 25km from Richmond, it’s a rustic camping venue located on the banks of the uMkomazi River. You can bring your own camping equipment or book into one of their safari style tents. There are bathrooms and a small communal kitchen, but I would recommend when camping to be self sufficient and bring everything you might need for cooking and storing your food.
What I love about this camp is that it is situated on a private game farm. You can walk through the grassland and see Giraffe, Nyala, Warthogs and Impala along with a variety of bird life. This makes for an incredible experience with your dog, just remember to keep them on a leash if you don’t have them under voice control.
As the name of the camp implies, this section of river is a long pool so it’s great for swimming and paddling. If you don’t have your own boat, the next door Nyala Pans River Camp has inflatable boats available for rent if you want to paddle or fish. I love taking Milo for a paddle along this stretch. We like to picnic on the rocks along the river bank and watch the birds. The managers are welcoming and helpful and have a friendly dog of their own. It’s such a fantastic spot that really makes you feel as though you have escaped to the bush.
What to bring:
- Camping equipment
- Food and drink – self catering
- Swimming gear
- Boat/fishing gear
- Dog food and bowls
- Dog bed
5. 11 Karkloof – Howick, Midlands
This is the perfect spot for those traveling along the Midlands Meander looking for a pet friendly place to stay. This rustic farm is located just 6.5km from Howick in the Karkloof valley, a relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle of town.
There is a variety of accommodation options to choose from. Between cottages that sleep 4-5 and houses that can sleep up to 15 you are bound to find something that suits your needs. In addition to the bedding, towels are also provided along with a fully equipped kitchen.
While I personally haven’t had the pleasure of staying here, I have spent quite a bit of time in the Karkloof valley and it’s truly a beautiful place. You can take your dog to visit the stunning Karkloof falls using the walking or cycling trails. Or, you can hop in the car and take a trip to town to visit Howick falls and the surrounding shops. Moreover, if you’re lucky you might even spot some wildlife, I’ve seen Warthogs and Caracal while walking through Karkloof valley. It’s a beautiful secluded spot located close to town.
What to bring:
- Food and drink – self catering
- Walking gear
- Mountain bike if you like cycling
- Dog food and bowls
- Dog bed
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