A barking good time with pet friendly accommodation in George and Wilderness

If it just isn’t a holiday without your hound, then you have come to the right place! George and Wilderness are ideal getaway destinations for dogs travelling with their human companions. There are long sandy beaches for swimming and sandbathing, a few cool rivers to take a dip and even some terrific artisan crafts for your four-legged friends. Explore, hike, sniff about these pet friendly destinations and have a barking good time!

Featured Image: Over the Moon Guest Farm

Over the Mountain Guest Farm offers relaxing farm-style accommodation in the secluded little hamlet of Herold, a 30-minute drive from George. This historic guest house was once the village’s only post office and police station.

Over the Mountain Guest Farm is owned and run by Estelle and Gerrit Brits. The couple host two and four legged guests in their charming self-catering cottages and en-suite double rooms. The guest farm has lots of space for pets, as well as an outdoor terrace and a swimming pool. Free WIFI is available and guests are advised to bring their own doggy beds. A pooch-friendly tea garden is open daily for light meals and snacks.

Featured Image: Herolds Wine

The village of Herold is uniquely located in the only hop growing area in South Africa and is close to a network of hiking trails and a fantastic local winery, Herold Wines. This winery welcomes dogs, they have outdoor picnic benches, plenty of grass, rows of scented lavender and drinking water available. Herold Winery reserves one of their cottages as pet-friendly accommodation. Ask for the Flufftail Cottage! Be aware that there are other animals on-site, including sheep and ducks.

Featured Image: The Outeniqua Travel Lodge

The Outeniqua Travel Lodge offers affordable pet-friendly accommodation, in Blanco. Co-owner Sue Schulze says they have had a wide range of animal guests from Sphynx cats to snakes, Bearded Dragons, parrots, mice and dogs. This three-star hotel has 6 rooms and offers dog bedding (on request) and even a pet-sitting service. The lodge has two bedrooms which are suited to larger dogs as these open out onto the owners’ private enclosed garden.

Featured Image: The Old Trading Post

The Old Trading Post just outside Wilderness village has lots of rustic old-world charm. Hosts Mike and René Raubenheimer have four self-catering units situated adjacent to the Wilderness Section of the Garden Route National Park. The Old Trading Post also offers cosy glamping, in two canvas safari tents. The hosts are very welcoming to both human and furry kids (there is no extra charge for dogs). This accommodation has a pretty, enclosed garden which is ideal for keeping pets entertained and there is a swimming pool for the kids (the human variety). Be sure to ask owner Mike about bike rental, local dog friendly hiking and his own side hustle – magical sunset eco-boat cruises on the Touw Estuary. René bakes her own artisan breads and pizza on-site with stoneground flour and local ingredients.

Featured Image: The Pink Lodge on the Beach

The luxurious Pink Lodge on the Beach is a four-star lodge overlooking the golden sands of Wilderness Beach. The lodge has 10 suites and one self-catering family cottage. It is located at Die Dune, with large open gardens and direct access to a phenomenal stretch of dog-friendly beach. The lodge has free WiFi and is a few minutes’ drive from the uber dog-friendly centre of Wilderness village, with shops, pet-friendly cafes, bars and restaurants. Inquire about the Dolphin or Hadedah units, both are ground floor double en-suites with private patios and garden access.

When travelling with your pet, we advise asking the following questions:
Are dogs are allowed off leash on the premises?
Are there any additional charges for animals or any breed restrictions?
Are pets allowed to sit on the beds, couches and linen? If not, you will be expected to bring your own dog bed and you may be asked to pay a damage deposit.
Can pets be left unattended in the accommodation?
Is there an enclosed ‘escape-proof’ outdoor area for pets?
Does the accommodation have feeding and water bowls / a pooper scooper / outdoor tap on the premises?

See our next blog for details of pet-friendly beaches, restaurants, bars and cafes in George and Wilderness.