Put your pet at the heart of your next road trip adventure

Imagine setting off on a journey where every turn brings a new discovery, not just for you, but for your four-legged best friend too! This isn't just any road trip; it's an adventure that puts your pet at the heart of the experience.

Road trips are the perfect way to explore South Africa's breathtaking scenery and unwind with your favourite travel buddy — your furry best friend! From the city's bustling streets to the countryside's serene landscapes, every destination holds a treasure trove of sights, smells, sounds, and experiences for your pet.

With a little planning, and these pet-friendly travel ideas, your pet can be your copilot on an unforgettable adventure. 

Gear Up for a Pawsome Journey

Plan Ahead: Make sure you’ve planned your general route in advance so you know when and where you can make pit stops, pick up more snacks, refuel, and refresh along the way. It’s a good idea to book accommodation ahead of time so you don’t get caught short. 

Vet Check-Up: Ensure your pet gets a clean bill of health from the vet before you begin your road trip. Make sure their vaccinations are up-to-date, and discuss any medications they might need during the trip. Some animals get car sick - we recommend going on a test drive before the big adventure to test this out!

Comfy Ride: Make sure your Suzuki has a cosy spot for your pet. A crate or pet hammock will keep them safe and secure during the ride, even on those bumpy dirt roads you’re bound to encounter. Here are some of the Best Dog Car Seats and some of the Best Cat Carriers. 

Pack Smart: Pack enough food, water, bowls, and waste bags for the entire trip. Don't forget their favourite blanket or toy for a touch of home. If your pet is prone to anxiety, make sure you know how best to calm them on the road. 

Paw-Approved Pit Stops

Stretch and Sniff Breaks: Regular breaks are a must for both you and your pet. Luckily, South Africa has many pet-friendly parks and rest areas where your furry friend can stretch their legs and sniff around.

Here are a few ideas:

• The Windmills | Fresh Farm Food (Midlands, KwaZulu-Natal)
• Millys N4 (Machadodorp, Mpumalanga)
• ALZU Petroport (Middelburg, Mpumalanga)
  
  

Adventure Buddies: Plan your route with pet-friendly hikes or doggy beaches in mind. While a few trails and beaches allow dogs to explore off-leash, always keep a harness/collar on your dog and a leash on hand. For certain hiking trails, you’ll need to call ahead and see if you need to bring any documents or apply for any permits to bring your furball along. 

Here are some spots to explore:

• Hiking Trails:
  • Somerset Park Walk - Pets24 (Durban, KwaZulu-Natal)
  • Biking, Running and Hiking Trails | Boschendal (Cape Town, Western Cape)
  • Stone Circle Trail (Emgwenya, Mpumalanga)
    
    

• Doggy Beaches:
  • Ushaka Beach (Durban, KwaZulu-Natal)
  • Wilderness Beach (Garden Route, Western Cape)
  • Sards Bark Park (Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape)
    
    

Tail-Wagging Activities for Your Furry Friend

Outdoor adventures aren’t the only fun options for you to explore. Beyond hiking trails, dog parks, and beaches, you can also enjoy a bunch of pet-friendly restaurants, farmers' markets, and even treat your pet to some hard-earned pampering at a spa.

• Pet-friendly cafes and restaurants:
  • Arbour Cafe (Joburg, Gauteng)
  • Mug & Mutt Coffee Shop  (Pretoria, Gauteng)
  • Bike and Bean Beach (Durban, KwaZulu-Natal)
  • Massimo's (Cape Town, Western Cape)

• Pet-friendly markets:
  • Shongweni Farmers Market (Kwa-Zulu Natal)
  • The Linden Market - Pets24 (Joburg, Gauteng)
  • Hermanus Country Market (Hermanus, Western Cape)

• Treat your pet to a pampering session at a pet spa:
  • SEVEN Villa Hotel & Spa (Sandton, Gauteng)
  • Pawtastic Spa (Pretoria, Gauteng)
  • atFrits | Dog Care Facilities (Cape Town, Western Cape)

Cosy Nights with Your Fur-kids

Rest and Recharge: After a fun-filled day of exploring, unwind at pet-friendly accommodation or at a campsite if you’re more of an outdoorsy family.

Here are some popular pet-friendly accommodations:

• Saamrus Guest Farm (Magaliesburg, Gauteng)
• Home Suite Hotels Sea Point (Cape Town, Western Cape)
• Dragon Peaks Mountain Resort (Drakensburg, KwaZulu-Natal)
• Greystone Lodge (Dullstroom, Mpumalanga)

Or if you’d like to explore a more rugged type of accommodation, you can stay at one of these campsites:

• Umshanti (Buffalo Creek, Western Cape)
• The Crooked Tree (Magaliesburg, Gauteng)
• Dragon Peaks Mountain Resort (Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal)
• Thabaphaswa Mountain Sanctuary (Mokopane, Limpopo)
  
  

Here are some resources to help you find the perfect pet-friendly place to stay:

• SA-Venues
• Holidawgs
  
  

Capture the Memories: Don't forget to snap photos and videos of your furry friend enjoying the ride. These memories will be priceless! You can post them on your social media and tag us in the photos and captions so we can gush over your gorgeous fur-kids too.

Have fun planning family road trips with your fur-kids. Buckle up, hit the open road, and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Download our guide to planning the ultimate holiday road trip now and start planning your next trip.