For business leaders who count their trusty pooch as part of the family, the destination of choice for their much-needed breakaway needs to be dog-friendly. u|Chief ran the rule over four country towns that are open for four-leggers.
The Chinese New Year starts on 16 February and, for those who don’t know, this is an annual Chinese festival (also known as the Spring Festival) that marks the start of China’s new year. The festival begins on the second new moon after the winter solstice and lasts around two weeks. Every year represents a different animal, and much like the animal, each year comes with its own set of traits. This year is the turn of the dog – a symbol of loyalty and honesty, and anyone with a fur baby would know just how true that rings.
To reward the loyalty and love that our pups lavish us with, why not make 2018 the year of YOUR dog with these stunning pet-friendly Airbnb homes to visit across South Africa.
Make 2018 the year of YOUR dog by taking your special friend with on your next holiday.
CLARENS
Situated in the Eastern Cape, Clarens is a small town on the slopes of the Maloti Mountain. With activities such as hiking and nature walks – not to mention numerous dams, rivers and streams dotted about – it’s the perfect little town for you and your loyal hound to explore.
Stay at Lola’s self-catering accommodation for a touch of luxury in the countryside. With large lawns, open spaces and a patio where you can soak up the sun, both you and your dog will find it difficult to lock up and leave this Airbnb home. The unit is completely private and fenced with its own gate to the property.
“Our Cottage is ideal for pets. It has a fully enclosed garden with a lovely lawn. There are also pet bowls and we are within walking distance to the town square and lovely hikes that pets would really enjoy,” says Airbnb host Lorna.
Cost: R1 504/night
Read more: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/15848654
In the Year of the Dog, it only seems right that your pup should travel with you and enjoy some down-time.
BARKLY EAST
Nestled in the Southern Drakensberg, Barkly East is the type of town you visit when you want to escape the rush of modern life. Everything slows down here and you and your pooch can relax in peace and tranquillity in an astounding natural setting. There are many trails for lovely walks, not to mention a spot of ball catching. Yes, it’s truly a dog’s life in this town!
Enjoy a unique experience by staying on a stunning sheep farm in the countryside to fully soak up all this area has to offer your family. Undoubtedly, your faithful friend will enjoy the open spaces and the designated areas where they can run around with total freedom. Seeing as the cottage garden is not fenced off, your pooch will have the pleasure of staying indoors with their humans (cuddle time!), taking a break from the domestic bliss to go on leashed walks with you when you’re keen to explore the farm.
Cost: R704/night
Read more: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/14211686
Your faithful friend will enjoy the open spaces and the designated areas where they can run around with total freedom.
STANFORD
This riverside village is located in the Overberg area of the Western Cape. It boasts a variety of outdoor activities that can be enjoyed by dogs and their humans alike. With its Victorian-esque buildings, slow pace, mountains and rives, Stanford makes for a wonderful weekend retreat away from the Mother City.
If you want a room with a view, then Red Rooster Farmhouse is just the ticket. Look out onto the Kleinriver Mountains and enjoy a spacious home with its really big outdoor area. The quaint patio is a wonderful spot that both you and your dog can use to simply relax and take in all that surrounds you on this farm.
Cost: R2 196/night
Read more: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/21272524
The quaint patio is a wonderful spot to simply relax and take in your surrounds.
PRINCE ALBERT
This Karoo town sits at the foot of the Swartberg Mountains. It’s surrounded by olive and fruit farms, not to mention some top vineyards. This town is over 250 years old and offers a number of great activities for you and your dog to enjoy. It’s also the perfect place to do some star gazing, as there are many nights when the sky is crystal clear and you can just enjoy the twinkling lights above.
Just a quick browse through Airbnb’s website will reveal many pet-friendly Prince Albert-based homes for you to enjoy. Geduld is one that caught our eye. This six-sleeper accommodation is on the edge of town and overlooks peaceful farmlands. It’s close to everything (but then again, so are most things in Prince Albert!), so you and your furry friend can go on many walks to get to all the places you wish to see.
Cost: R800/night
Read more: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/11615740
It’s also the perfect place to do some star gazing, as there are many nights when the sky is crystal clear.