Dogs are no longer an afterthought when it comes to travel planning. Across South Africa, a growing number of towns, villages, and coastal escapes have embraced four-legged travellers with open arms.
These are places where dogs can walk trails, snooze under café tables, roam beaches and curl up beside a fire at night.
This guide focuses on destinations where pets are genuinely welcome and where travelling with your dog feels easy, natural and rewarding.
Also see: Enchanting South African towns with timeless European elegance
Greyton
A walking town made for dogs and humans
Greyton is one of those rare places where slowing down feels effortless. Gravel roads weave through oak-lined streets, rivers edge past towns, and farm walks stretch into the surrounding Overberg countryside. Dogs fit naturally into daily life here, and it is common to see them strolling alongside their owners on morning coffee runs.
Walking routes start right from the village and range from gentle loops to longer countryside rambles. The Gobos River path is a favourite for early-morning walks, while nearby farm roads offer wide-open spaces with little traffic. Outdoor cafés happily accommodate dogs on leads, and many places will quietly bring a bowl of water without being asked.
Accommodation is well suited to pet travel, especially self-catering cottages with enclosed gardens. Greyton works particularly well for dogs that enjoy long, steady walks rather than high-energy adventures.
Clarens
Mountain air and village charm
Clarens sits beneath sandstone cliffs and rolling plains, creating an ideal base for dogs that love space and fresh air. The compact village centre is easy to navigate on foot, and dogs on leads are a familiar sight along the main street. The real appeal lies just beyond town. Farm roads, open fields, and gentle hiking routes provide plenty of room for sniffing and exploring.
Many guest farms around Clarens welcome pets and offer large lawns or access to the countryside straight from the front door. Cafés with outdoor seating make it easy to include your dog in leisurely breakfasts and lunches. Clarens suits dogs that enjoy relaxed wandering rather than intense hikes, especially those that thrive in cooler mountain conditions.
Hogsback
Forest paths and misty mornings
Hogsback feels like a place built for wandering. Indigenous forests, mossy trails and quiet mountain roads create an environment where dogs can explore at an unhurried pace. The terrain is softer underfoot than rocky mountain routes, making it comfortable for older dogs as well as enthusiastic youngsters.
Many lodges and cabins in Hogsback are pet-friendly, particularly those tucked away on forested plots. Garden access and nearby trails mean dogs can spend most of the day outdoors. Village cafés with decks or gardens usually welcome pets on leads, especially outside peak hours. Trail rules vary depending on land ownership, so checking locally is important. Community forest walks and informal routes are generally dog-friendly, while nature reserves may have restrictions. Hogsback is best for dogs that love nature and do not mind a little mist or mud along the way.
Plettenberg Bay and Wilderness
Beach days with paws in the sand
The Garden Route offers some of the best dog-friendly beach experiences in the country, with long stretches of sand and clearly marked dog access areas. Both Plettenberg Bay and Wilderness are particularly well-suited to coastal travel with pets. In Plettenberg Bay, beaches such as The Wreck and Sanctuary are popular with dog owners, although leash rules and time restrictions apply depending on the season. Early morning and late afternoon walks are ideal and allow dogs plenty of space to run and explore.
Wilderness delivers wide, open beaches backed by dunes and forests. Long shoreline walks feel restorative for humans and dogs alike. Estuary paths and village walking routes add variety to daily outings. Both towns have a strong culture of outdoor dining. Many restaurants and cafés welcome dogs at outdoor tables, making it easy to spend entire days out without needing to rush back to your accommodation. Self-catering apartments, beach cottages and select hotels cater specifically to pet travellers.
Dullstroom
Highland escapes and endless space
Dullstroom appeals to dogs that crave space more than social scenes. Rolling hills, country lanes and wide open farmland create a peaceful environment where long walks feel unforced. The cooler climate suits thick-coated breeds, and summer travel is far more comfortable than in coastal regions.
Pet-friendly accommodation in and around Dullstroom often includes fenced gardens or private outdoor areas. This allows dogs to relax off-leash while owners enjoy fireside evenings. Country walks begin just beyond the doorstep, and traffic is minimal on surrounding farm roads. The village itself is compact and walkable, with a handful of cafés that allow dogs outside. Dullstroom works best for travellers who want quiet days, rural scenery and a slower rhythm shared with their dogs.
Also see: Embracing mindful travel for a more restorative trip
Practical tips for travelling with your dog
Choosing the right accommodation
Self-catering cottages, guest farms and lodges with outdoor access are usually the easiest option. Look for fenced gardens, clear pet policies and nearby walking routes. Always confirm size limits or additional cleaning fees before booking.
Understanding beach and trail rules
Dog access varies widely depending on the municipality and conservation status. Beaches often have leash rules, designated zones or seasonal restrictions.
Trail access can change between private land, community areas and nature reserves. Reading signage and asking locals helps avoid unpleasant surprises.
Eating out with dogs
Outdoor seating is key. Most dog-friendly eateries allow pets only outside and expect them to remain on leads. Carrying a collapsible bowl and water makes longer outings easier and keeps your dog comfortable.
Packing for comfort
A familiar bed or blanket helps dogs settle in new spaces. Tick prevention is important when travelling to forested or rural areas. Beach trips call for fresh water rinses to prevent salt irritation
Travelling with your dog shifts the pace of a trip in the best possible way. Walks replace rushed itineraries, and cafés become lingering stops rather than quick refuels. These destinations prove that holiday memories are richer when shared with a wagging tail close by.
Compiled by Lee-Ann Steyn
First published on Getaway
Also see: The 2026 travel reset: 7 trends redefining South African tourism
