Top Activities For Dogs In South Africa

Introduction

South Africa is one of the most intriguing and diverse countries in the entire world. It attracts a lot of interest from outsiders due to the different sites and activities that the country has to offer. The country has a rich history (Nelson Mandela, anyone?), abundance of wildlife, impressive cities, beautiful beaches, picturesque landscapes and a whole lot more. These alone are enough to entice you to book a ticket to South Africa. Another draw that the country has is its reputation for being predominantly dog-friendly. This means that you can visit this amazing nation without having to leave your dog behind. Below are some of the top dog-friendly activities that you may try when in South Africa.

Visit Plettenberg Bay

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Moderate

Normal

24 - 72 hrs

Items needed

Leash

Activity description

One of the most famous areas in South Africa is Plettenberg Bay, which is situated in the country’s Western Cape Province. Nicknamed Plett, this town has a plethora of different sites, accommodations, attractions and activities that tourists will surely enjoy. Furthermore, the area is mainly dog-friendly, with lots of establishments that allow patrons to bring their dogs. From wildlife tours and sanctuaries to dog-friendly cottages and restaurants, there are lots of things to do and places to visit at the Plett. If you have limited time in South Africa, it might be a good idea to just focus around the Plett area.

Step

1

Create an itinerary

To make the most out of your time at Plett, create an itinerary and stick to it. This itinerary will obviously be based on your interests, but make sure that you also consider your dog’s wants and needs. Plett has a lot of dog-friendly establishments that you can visit. It is also the home of the famous Pampered Pooch, which is a great doggy spa that your dog can visit.

Step

2

Check out the places on your list

After you have made all the necessary arrangements and finalized what you want to see and where you want to go, it is time to get out there and make it happen. Just make sure to follow the rules about bringing your dog and to have a leash ready in case it is required. End your day by checking out any of Plett’s famous dog-friendly restaurants, including Thyme & Again and The Grand Café & Rooms.

Beach Time

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Cheap

Easy

1 - 2 hrs

Items needed

Leash

Toys

Flotation vest

Activity description

A visit to South Africa will not be complete without checking out the beautiful beaches that the country boasts. South Africa is well-known to house some of the most crystal clear waters and picturesque shores and views. If you want to have some fun in the beach with your dog, the best cities to go to would be Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Durban. All three cities are tourist destinations specifically because of their extensive beaches. Hence, you should not have any difficulty in finding a place to stay while you are in any of the cities. The best time to go visit South African beaches is during the summer.

Step

1

Make a list of beaches to see

It should be easy to make a list of beaches to see depending on which area you would like to visit. If you have limited time in South Africa, just choose one of the country’s coastal cities and explore that area. Most dog-friendly beaches are categorized according to their rules; some allow dogs off leash while some don’t. You may consider this when looking for a beach to visit.

Step

2

Bring the necessities

After your decision, pack up all the beach essentials. For yourself, do not forget to bring a beach towel, sunscreen, swimsuit and sunglasses. Bring some snacks and water as well if you get hungry. For your dog, make sure to pack some water, food, toys and even a flotation vest if you intend to go in the water with your pooch.

Step

3

Play and swim!

When you are all good to go, head on down to the beach of your choice. Play in the shore with your dog and go for a dip in the water. However, be mindful of other beachgoers and see if they are comfortable with dogs running around or not. Also, do not forget to give your dog water and food every now and then, especially if they are being active. Always respect the rules of the beach that you are in.

Road Trip

Popular

0 Votes

Sunny Day

Moderate

Normal

24 - 48 hrs

Items needed

Food

Water

Leash

Activity description

Aside from the impressive cities and gorgeous beaches, South Africa is also known for offering tourists out-of-this-world sceneries and adventures like no other. If you are getting overwhelmed with all the things to do and attractions to see, why not check them all out by going on a road trip? A road trip is the best way to maximize your time in a certain place without missing out on the top attractions. Plus, it also serves as a great bonding moment between you and your pooch. There are plenty of rental services where you can acquire a car for your trip.

Step

1

Prepare everything that you need

Preparation is a must for any road trip, especially if you are just a visitor. You would not want to get into any trouble or face some problems that you could have prevented had you prepared for it. Pack food, water and snacks for both you and your dog. Bring some of your dog’s favorite toys as well. This will keep your dog entertained for long car rides. If your dog gets anxious when riding a car, make sure to have Calmeze tablets.

Step

2

See the best of South Africa

When you have all your stuff ready and packed up, create the route you want to go to on your road trip. The route is usually based on the number of days you have and what you want to see. Don’t forget to check out some of the most amazing outdoor sceneries such as the Rheenendal and Goukamma Nature Reserve and Tsitsikamma National Park. If you want to see some majestic forests, add the small town of Hogsback to your route. The possibilities are endless and there are lots of places in South Africa waiting to be discovered.

More Fun Ideas...

Book a Pet-friendly Accommodation

South Africa has a long, impressive list of pet-friendly accommodations scattered all across the country. Forget hotels; most of these places are cottages with fenced backyards, luxurious facilities and a view like no other. Places such as Karoo View Cottages and Kalahari Water are worth checking out. Just make sure to book ahead of time, especially during the peak seasons.

Grab a Bite

Dining out with your dog is quite easy in South Africa, given the number of dog-friendly restaurants found in the country. Most tourist destinations like Cape Town and Johannesburg are filled with such diners. Some of the most popular dog-friendly restaurants are IYO Burgers, Ons Huisie, Voodoo Lilly and Boiler Room Café.

Conclusion

Vacations and holiday trips are always filled with good times. The only way to make it more fun is to bring your pooch along with you for the ride. Fortunately, South Africa offers a variety of activities that cater not only to humans but also their canine companions. If you want a truly unique and amusing adventure, take your dog on a trip to South Africa and discover the best that the country has to offer.