As the late summer heat still sweeps across South Africa, dog owners search for ways to keep their furry friends cool and active. While early morning walks help, nothing beats the joy of watching your dog splash happily in water – tail wagging, ears flapping, and that unmistakable doggy grin spreading across their face – a perfect solution to the summer heat.
Finding swimming spots for dogs can be challenging, especially when traveling. Most public pools don’t welcome pets, and not all natural water sources are safe or enclosed enough for our four-legged companions. The last thing any pet parent wants is to arrive at a holiday destination only to discover their dog has nowhere appropriate to cool off.
That’s why we’ve created this guide to our favourite pet-safe pet-friendly getaways with swimming spots. From properties with private, fenced pools to countryside retreats with secure access to natural swimming holes, we’ve identified the best places where both you and your dog can cool off safely while enjoying a little break.
So, pack your pet’s water toys and towels, and discover South Africa’s coolest pet-safe swimming destinations to escape to for late summer and early autumn.
Our Favourite Pet-Friendly Getaways with Private Pools
These are some of our favourite getaways with private pool areas for you and your dogs to enjoy.
Listening Wind Cottage – Betty`s Bay, WC – is my top choice for a truly wonderful escape that has everything a group of friends or family may wish for in a holiday! Big private, enclosed yard for running around, or chilling in the shade of the many trees. A walk-in pool so the doggies can cool off their feet or lie in the water if they wish. An outdoor shower to rinse off after a swim in the pool, or once back from the beach, which is a close 7-min away.
Vindoux Luxury Tree Lodge – Tulbagh, WC – in my favourite winelands stay. A private and enclosed large grassy yard, timber house and enclosed private pool. Lots of shade during hot days too.
Glen Eden Farm – Montagu, WC – has 5 different pet-friendly cottages to choose from. Each with their own private and enclosed space, plunge pool, and situated away from the other cottages.
- Blue Crane House – a larger house and the original farmhouse. Has a little more space than the cottages.
- Fish Eagle, Honeybee and Sugarbird pet-friendly Cottages Montagu – are very similar and the newer additions to the farm.
Dog-Friendly Beaches in South Africa
If you’re just looking for a day- or afternoon escape, the following beaches are also dog-friendly.
Be sure to keep an eye on your dog as some human beach goers don’t love having wet, sandy dogs jumping on them or their children.
We have another article that delves into Cape Town dog friendly beaches here.
- Western Cape
- Clifton 1st Beach, Cape Town (dogs allowed all day)
- Sunset Beach, Milnerton (dogs allowed off-leash before 9am and after 6pm)
- Noordhoek Beach, Cape Peninsula (dogs allowed off-leash)
- Muizenberg Beach’s Surfer’s Corner (dogs allowed on leash before 9am and after 6pm)
- Buffels Bay, Cape Point (dogs allowed on leash)
- Robberg Beach, Plettenberg Bay (dogs allowed at certain times)
- Eastern Cape
- The Beach in Port Elizabeth (select areas allow dogs on leash)
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Umhlanga Main Beach, KZN (dogs allowed before 6am and after 5pm)
Getaways Close to a Dog Friendly Beach
Captain’s Cabin – Yzerfontein, WC – situated right on the beach in Yzerfontein, this is a great escape for large groups. Firepits, braais and your own private beach.
De Swarte Mossel – Hondeklip Bay, WC – if you’re planning a road trip up the west coast to or from Namibia, this is an excellent stop in the peaceful village of Hondeklip Bay.
La Luna Guest House – Gansbaai, WC – a wooden cabin styled house perched high above the ocean with endless vistas across the bay.
Zula Beach Cottage & Casa da Praia – Paternoster, WC – These are two separate getaways on the same plot. Can be rented separately or together for larger groups. Right on the dog-friendly beach.
Country Retreats with Swimming Options
Country retreats are a little more easy going when it comes to doggies and pools, or at least natural water sources. Some of the country getaways on Holidawgs don’t mind a doggy splashing in the pools to cool off, but it is always best to check the establishment’s pet-policy when it comes to pool usage for pets.
Pet-friendly countryside escapes do sometimes offer natural water-based facilities nearby such as streams, rivers, dams or rock pools.
These are some of our most popular country- or farm retreats across the country:
- Assegaai House & Tipis – Robertson, WC – A large farm set in the mountains. Assegaai has two accommodation style options: a large private farmhouse and tipi-style camping in individually enclosed spaces within a larger shared area. The pool is shared and humans only, but there is a mountain stream close-by to let the furkids cool off too.
- Klein Paradijs – Gansbaai, WC – has a Small Cottage or Large Cottage. Set on a large farm close to the beach. Has its own mountain trails and a large dam for both human and furry friends to cool off on warmer days.
- Olifants River Cabins – Robertson, WC – 7 riverfront cottages ranging from 2- to 4- person sleepers, or rent multiple for larger groups! Each wooden cabin is enclosed with its own braai area, but the river beach and large lawn area are shared.
- Saamrus Farm– Magalies, GP – Saamrus is a large farm with 8 private cottage options. Each is enclosed. The larger farm offers 4×4 routes, hikes and a beautiful river as well as a pool area. Popular choices include
- Stone Hill Farm – Magalies, GP – very similar to Saamrus, is a larger farm with 9 private cottage options. Each enclosed. The larger farm offers 4×4 routes, hikes and a beautiful river as well as a pool area. Popular choices include
- Umzimkulu River Lodge – Drakensberg, KZN – Set in the beautiful Drakensberg area, this riverside lodge offers 3 accommodation options. Each enclosed with access to the larger property for hikes, green lawns and the river.
- Old Mill Drift – Clarens, FS – Set in one of the best places for star-gazing, Old Mill Drift offers 5 cabin options, with the following being the most popular. Some areas are shared, but these offer an enclosed space.
- Guard House, Lake Cabin and Spring Cabin pet-friendly Clarens escapes
What To Look For In Terms Of Water Quality And Pet Safety
When hiking in the mountains, or swimming in dams and rivers, there could be other things to look out for to ensure that your dog (and yourself) will be safe.
- Dogs have tendencies to also drink the water they are running or swimming in. Be sure to check if there are any livestock surrounding the water source as this may lead to some tummy issues should any of that effluent run off into the water source.
- Mountain pools and rock pools may have additional concerns such as sharp rocks, cliffs or water snakes. The latter usually slithers off quickly when disturbed. However snakes do come part and parcel with our beautiful nature and any mountain, beach or rural hike poses threat of snakes – so be vigilant when hiking with your dog and try to know what type of snakes might be in the area, that should you encounter one on your trail, you can recall your dog, keep them on a leash or, worst case, know what type of snake it was that struck your dog (or yourself).
Planning Your Pet-Friendly Swimming Getaway
What to pack for a swimming-focused holiday with your dog:
- Quick-dry dog towels for damp mornings and after swim drying off
- Adjustable leashes: Long for trails, short for busier areas
- Collapsible water bowls and extra water bottles for hikes
- Updated ID tags and microchip information
- Tick and flea prevention appropriate for autumn
- Paw balm for dry conditions
- Familiar bedding for comfortable nights
- Basic first aid supplies
Health considerations:
Many dogs may suffer from ear, skin or other infections or irritations after swimming. Swimming in natural mountain pools may have additional safety concerns. These are our tips for staying aware of, or what to bring for your dog that might have skin or digestive sensitivities and be prepared on your getaway.
- Don’t forget to rinse! Post-swim rinses from salt water, chlorine or natural pools will help ease any irritation or clean off any bugs that may have hitched a ride from a rock pool.
- Medications & supplements. Pack any regular medications in waterproof containers, and also pack digestive supports such as probiotics. Eating foreign grass or drinking mountain water may bring with it a little tummy upset.
- Know where you’re going. Check for seasonal hazards (snakes, toads, jellyfish, etc.)
- Locate nearest vet clinics to your accommodation. When you book a holiday with Holidawgs, we always provide this kind of information as part of your booking itinerary.
- Ear care. Some dogs may be more prone to ear infections than others. Always dry your dogs ears very well post a swim.
- Skin protection. Sensitive dogs may require additional protection from the sun in the form of sun lotion (for noses) or even second-skin vests for dogs that are really sensitive to the sun.
- Hydration. Pack their doggie bowls and extra water for any hike, or even swimming trip.
Remember if you are staying at a getaway with an uncovered pool or one that is not fenced, or a dam close-by, to keep an eye on your dog. Just like humans they can get tired, over-exercised or sun-burnt when in the water too long.
If you’re keen to experience a pet-safe getaway with your dog, check out all our pet-friendly getaways and start planning your next holiday where you can take them ‘wuff with peace of mind.
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