Where to stay in KwaZulu-Natal with your pets
`Planning a holiday with your fur baby? These places offer pet-friendly accommodation.
Planning a holiday without your four-legged family members is heartbreaking.
Many people are forced to leave their dogs and cats with relatives or a pet sitter.
Some also turn to boarding kennels and catteries, which can be expensive, especially if you are gone for more than a few days.
The best solution for you and your fur babies is to book pet-friendly accommodation.
1. Dragon Peaks Mountain Resort
Dragon Peaks Mountain Resort in the Drakensberg borders the Ukahlamba National Heritage Park. The accommodation is self-catering, with camping and caravan sites. There is also a restaurant on site that offers meals such as dragon's liver toast, wraps, burgers, and steaks.
While pets are welcome in certain areas of Dragon Peaks Mountain Resort, there is a strict policy in place.
"Dogs are welcome on Caravan and camping sites as well as some units; however, they must be kept under strict control and are not to chase poultry and other livestock," it states.
"Owners should please clean up after their dogs."
Check out their website for more details.
2. Springvale Farm Cottages
Springvale Farm Cottages in the Midlands is your home away from home. It offers the perfect countryside getaway for couples and families who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
"All our cottages feature inviting farm-style stoeps, warm wood-burning stoves, and private enclosed gardens, ensuring your stay is as comfortable as it is memorable," it states on its website.
Some standout features include:
- Hiking trails
- Local wildlife (bushbuck, reedbuck)
- Farm-fresh produce
- Farm-style hot tubs
Your dog will probably have more fun on the farm!
"And because we know pets are family too, our cottages welcome your four-legged friends to join in the farm fun."
Visit their website for more details.
3. Howela Beach House
Howela Beach House in Salt Rock is one of the North Coast's best-kept secrets. The self-catering accommodation is not only Instagram-worthy but also pet-friendly.
Perfect for family holidays, the double-storey beach house features eight bedrooms. It's wheelchair-friendly, with a braai area and daily housekeeping. It is also fully fenced, so you don't have to worry about your pets running off.
Pets are only allowed by arrangement, so be sure to check before making a booking. Guests are also not allowed to leave their pets alone in the beach house.
Read more about the pet policy here.
4. The Oyster Box
Durban's luxury hotel, The Oyster Box, is popular with both human and furry friends. Stars such as Charlize Theron, Khloe Kardashian and Prince Harry have stayed at the Umhlanga Rocks hotel, but a tabby cat named Skabenga was its most famous resident.
Skabenga spent nearly two decades at the hotel before passing away in March 2025.
At The Oyster Box, pets get the five-star treatment and are treated like any other guest. Not only do they get a specially curated menu, but their water bowls are topped up with mineral water!
Read the full pet policy on The Oyster Box website.
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