Planning a pet-friendly holiday in the Garden Route – wanting to bring along all your loved ones, including your four-legged fur babies with on vacation? Synonymous with its profound natural beauty and hospitality, the Garden Route is an ideal holiday destination for you and your pets.
Most pets (especially dogs) really enjoy experiencing new things with a great love the the outdoors, fresh air and sunshine. What better place for this than the Garden Route?
There are a variety of attractions in and around the Garden Route which appeal to travellers with pets, not to mention a fantastic selection of pet-friendly holiday accommodation options that can accommodate small or large groups of family and friends.
Explore the many seaside towns and friendly villages of the stunning Garden Route with your ‘best friend’ pet alongside you! The team at Hello Garden Route – Your Friendly Experts in Garden Route Holidays is available to help plan, book and make your all-inclusive family holiday one to remember.
Pet-Friendly Restaurants in the Garden Route
Enjoy a delicious meal with your cat or dog in tow whilst discovering the beautiful Garden Route. Whether you’re sipping on some coffee as your dog soaks up the sunshine or enjoying a mouth-watering meal with your best tail-wagging friend close by, there are a variety of pet-friendly restaurants and eateries in the Garden Route that welcome well-behaved pets in their outdoor seating areas. Here are but a few…
Often referred to as “the best restaurant on the Harbour Wall in Mossel Bay”, the Sea Gypsy is a wonderful family orientated restaurant/cafe located along the oceanfront that is perfect for any outing. Diners can choose from a range of excellent dishes that perfectly complement the surrounding beauty of Mossel Bay, with vast and uninterrupted Indian Ocean views stealing the show. Visitors can look forward to a fantastic time – the staff are friendly, the food is fresh, and the views are out of this world! Pack in a few snacks for your pet and bring their bowls along for fresh water.
Plettenberg Bay has fast become a top wine destination in the Garden Route, gaining recognition throughout South Africa. There is no reason why two of your favourite activities cannot coexist – enjoy a day of fine wines, sensational food and time spent with your favourite non-human. Bramon Boutique Wine Estate overlooks the striking Tsitsikamma Mountains and offers guests an irresistible menu of fresh tapas, a variety of cheeses and seafood. For wine lovers, the estate’s winning Cap Classique bubbles and Sauvignon Blanc wines are said to be something extra special. Pets are welcome in the restaurant’s outdoor seating area.
With sweeping views over the Goukamma River and beautiful forest trees, the River Deck Restaurant is one of Knysna’s best-kept secrets. Diners can indulge in several enticing dishes from the restaurant’s varied food menu, whilst the River Deck embraces traditional South African-style cooking. Meals featured on the menu include potjies and scrumptious braai food that can be enjoyed by all. The atmosphere is very relaxed and social, with plenty of seating both inside and outside and a large garden area that can be enjoyed by pets and their owners alike. There are also numerous activities to take part in at the River Deck, from canoeing across the river to fishing, paddle boating and horse riding. Best of all, pets are welcome and there are plenty of outdoor places for them to play.
Located in Wilderness, with the stunning beach and popular village just a short walk away, the inviting Beejuice Cafe is a great choice for young and old, whilst also welcoming your beloved pets. Arrive hungry and enjoy the Beejuice Restaurant’s well-rounded and mouth-watering menu. The grounds are serene and fun to explore, with a well-kept garden and the old Wilderness Train Station that’s open to all and even a safe play area for the children to enjoy. The menu is perfect for tea in summer or a hearty and divine dinner in winter. As the name suggests, diners can look forward to honey or “beejuice” featuring on the menu, while the blackboard offers changing daily specials.
The Garden Route’s lovely Hoekwil Country Cafe is perfect for a laid-back outing with all your loved ones in tow, including pets. Enjoy the restaurant’s spacious outdoor seating with views of the surrounding village, the fresh country air, fragrant breakfasts and a delicious selection of homemade cakes and treats. There is the place for kids to play as they wait for their food to arrive, while the atmosphere is both welcoming and warm. The Hoekwil Country Cafe is famous for its renowned Aidin’s homemade cheesecake, so be sure to try a slice during your visit.
OTHERS
- Blue Shed Coffee Roastery, Mossel Bay
- Kaai 4 Braai Beach Restaurant, Mossel Bay
- Hart & Bosch Village, Hartenbos
- The Girls on the Square, Wilderness
- Hoeka Toeka Pub & Diner, Hoekwil – Wilderness
- Cornerstone Creek, Hoekwil
- Getafix Cafe at George Botanical Gardens, George
- Timberlake Village, Wilderness
Dog-Friendly Public Places to Visit in the Garden Route
- The Garden Route National Park
Over the past few years, the Garden Route National Park has made exceptions that allow dogs to enjoy select beaches and designated areas within the park itself. These areas are divided into three colour codes of conduct – if you are taking your dog, please be sure to check the signage regularly and adhere to the rules (signs are placed throughout these beach and forest areas).
Dog owners are responsible for following the guidelines and restrictions set in place by SANParks. The various zones exist in order to protect birds during breeding season, indigenous plant species that are vital to the ecosystem and also to protect your dog from wild animals and predators that call these areas home. By enjoying outings to these beautiful natural landscapes, your pets can embark on adventures right by your side.
- Leisure Isle, Knysna
Knysna is home to Leisure Isle, a picture-perfect island that welcomes many holidaymakers throughout the year. Leisure Isle also welcomes dogs, as long as owners clean up after them! While there is plenty of space for dogs to run around and play on the island, untrained and unruly dogs need to be kept on leads and supervised at all times to protect residents and holidaymakers alike. Separated from the mainland of Knysna, Leisure Isle is ideal for peaceful escapes surrounded by the Knysna Estuary and flowing hills, also home to lovely sandy beaches, restaurants and shops. Activities for the whole family include various sports, fishing and picnics in the park.
OTHERS
- Kleinkrantz Beach, Wilderness
- Steenbok Nature Reserve, Knysna
- Scarab Village, Mosaic and Wild Oats Farmers Market, Sedgefield
- Brenton-on-Sea, Knysna
- Buffalo Bay, Knysna
- Harkerville Market, Plettenberg Bay
Pet-Friendly Accommodations in the Garden Route
Here’s Hello Garden Route’s top hand-selected, pet-friendly holiday accommodations across the region. Pack your dogs and other pets in and come on holiday to #ThePlaceToBe
Mossel Bay
Glentana
George
Victoria Bay
Kaaimans
Wilderness
Sedgefield
Sedgefield Island Holiday House
Knysna
Plettenberg Bay
Tsitsikamma
For more Pet-Friendly Accommodation options in the Garden Route, click on the bolded link.
Allow the friendly experts at Hello Garden Route to help you plan your Garden Route Family Holiday or Garden Route December Holiday.
We offer tailor-made packages and amazing pet-friendly accommodation at any time of the year!
