Many travellers want to take their pups on holiday but not all campsites are dog-friendly.
We’ve found a good few camping sites in the Western Cape that will allow your doggy companion to join your next trip.
1. Beaverlac
High up in the Olifants River Mountains above Porterville, Beaverlac offers camping and cabins in a secluded 5 000 hectare valley. With big grassy areas, spacious sites, and the ability to accommodate up to 800 people, a stay at Beaverlac won’t feel overcrowded, especially if you go during the off-peak seasons.
The area is home to several wildlife species, including the Rhebok, Klipspringer, Caracal, Grysbokkie, Honey Badger and the African Wild Cat, and sometimes you can hear the cries of Baboons as they forage in the mountains. Beaverlac’s rich diversity of birds includes the majestic Black Eagle, Jackal Buzzard and colourful sunbirds and is truly a paradise for bird lovers. Make sure that your dog is not reactive to wildlife, and will be safe during your stay at the campsite.
Besides the basic camping fees, campers also pay R50 per night per dog. Campsites are capped at two dogs per site.
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2. Kleine Paradys
Kleine Paradys in Piketberg has campsites, glamping options in fully equipped caravans, as well as cottages, with guests able to enjoy fishing, a heated pool, a kids play area, and the farm animals.
Besides a large part of their premises being a dog-friendly zone, they also have certain fenced-off campsites that help a ton with dogs who love to roam. They have two sections for accommodation: Bloekompark and Rivierpark. While Bloekompark doesn’t allow dogs, Rivierpark is ideal for camping with your four-legged friend. The campsites are spacious and lined up along the Berg River.
Rivierpark 2 and Rivierpark 8 are two sites that are entirely fenced off from neighbouring sites, meaning you can let your dog wander. Rivierpark 2 is a 14x18m lot, while Rivierpark is slightly smaller at 11x15m. Both sites have their own ablution block and electricity.
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3. Rivierplaas
Rivierplaas is situated on the banks of the Breede River, only an hour and a half’s drive from Cape Town near Worcester.
The entire campsite is a dog-friendly zone, but Rivierplaas reminds visitors that dogs must be friendly and get along well with other animals and people. Loud or unruly pets will not be allowed. If your pup is well-trained and won’t pester the other campers, or the resident dogs, farm animals and wildlife, then they are just as welcome as the humans are.They charge an extra R150 per dog per booking.
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4. Rivierzicht River Resort
In the heart of the Robertson Valley between vineyards and orchards lie the farm Rivierzicht on the Breede River, 13km before Robertson. This resort is ideal for enjoying fishing, canoeing, bird-watching, swimming and hiking or horse-riding in the area.
They offer a choice of accommodation: self-catering cabins, bush camp tent units or traditional camping sites on the Breede River from which you can enjoy the quiet and peaceful surroundings of nature.
They are fully dog-friendly, but pups must be well-behaved and be kept off beds and furniture if you opt for the cabin accommodation.
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5. Rondeberg Resort
This award-winning destination is one of those perfect spots for a getaway. Easily accessible from the N7, and after the 500 m of good quality dirt road, it is located close enough to civilisation, but far enough off the beaten track.
The resort caters for the campers, as well as the glampers and somewhere in the future for off-the-grid nomads. There are plenty of activities for everyone, whether your interest is in adventure and adrenalin, or relaxing, recharging and silence. And best of all, dogs are also welcome.
They do have some rules regarding dogs, but as long as you keep a close eye on your pup and clean up after them, everyone will have a good time.
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Location: Along N7 Cape Namibia Highway 22 km north of Clanwilliam, Clanwilliam, 8135
Contact: Call 021 100 3689 or 079 760 0247, or book online
Website: rondeberg.com
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