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Hit the trails with these 9 pet-friendly hikes to explore

Fancy a hike with your furry friend? Here are some options to choose from.

Furry friends make the best outdoor companions. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of pet-friendly hikes in South Africa.

So get out those walking shoes and grab a handful of dog biscuits.

Doornkloof Magaliesberg

Level: Easy to moderate
Contact: 072 487 1733, www.saamrus.co.za

Saamrus is a pet-friendly address in Magaliesberg – and it’s romantic.

If you want to flex your athleticism with your puppies, the pet-friendly Kranskloof Hiking Trail is perfect. It offers challenging hikes for dog owners and moderate hiking and walking trails to suit your four-legged companions. Pet-friendly accommodation is also offered, along with pool facilities. The area has streams sandwiched by pristine mountains for your viewing pleasure. Note that dogs must be on a leash at all times, and bookings for accommodation are to be done three weeks in advance.

Buffalo Gorge, Middelburg

Level: Moderate to strenuous
Contact: 0835289586, buffalogorge.co.za

Buffalo Gorge is perfect for bike riding while watching over your pets. It also offers mountain biking, horse riding, abseiling, rock climbing, and paintball. If you plan to stay for a day or two there are various camping options.

Newlands Forest, Cape Town

Level: Easy
Contact: 0217120527 or 0217127471, sanparks.org

Newlands Forest is a pet-friendly hiking trail with beautiful views of Cape Town’s renowned Table Mountain. If pet owners are looking for an easy-going trail to get in some exercise before the start of the day, or perhaps a lovely walk to cool off from the hustle and bustle of the office, then the Newlands Forest in Cape Town is a good choice to relieve some stress – don’t forget your furry friend!

Huddle Park Golf and Recreation, Johannesburg

Level: Easy
Contact: 011 640 6693, huddlepark.com

Huddle Park Golf and Recreation offers pet owners and their pets easy-going walking trails. Trails range from 2.5km to 5km. The newly established dog-walking area is open to the public in summer and winter from 06:30 to 18:00 and 07:00 to 17:00, respectively. What’s more, for regulars who travel as a family of two people and two dogs at minimum, unlimited dog-walking memberships are available at a fee.

Constantia Nek, Cape Town

Level: Easy
Contact: 012 428 9111

For a more liberal experience, pet owners and their companions can take a hike from Constantia Nek to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in the Western Cape. The easy-to-cover route is about 6km and takes about an hour or two to complete. This is a scenic route with a backdrop of Table Mountain, foregrounded by Constantia’s plethora of greenery. Routes and contours are well maintained and the final destination is no disappointment either.

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Cape Town

Level: Easy
Contact: 021 799 8800, sanbi.org

If you simply want to enjoy Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens with your pets, make sure to head to gate three for a lovely stroll. Dogs must be leashed at all times and owners are expected to pick up after their pets.

Umhlanga Lighthouse Beach

Level: Easy
Contact: 031 561 4257, umhlangatourism.co.za

For a view of the sun melting away into the waves of the Indian Ocean, visit Umhlanga Lighthouse Beach. The beach is located right around the corner from the Oyster Box Hotel and is in front of the beach’s main attraction – the lighthouse. Get ready to have the perfect Kodak moment with your dogs. The Umhlanga Information Tourism Centre warns that dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.

Walk Haven Dog Park, Johannesburg

Level: Easy
Contact: 0712129955, 0823264844 or walkhaven.co.za

Built for the sole purpose of walking your four-legged friends, Walk Haven offers its visitors a little ‘peace’ of the countryside. The site primarily serves dogs with enjoyable facilities and beautiful views overlooking two large dams (where dogs can indulge in some daytime swimming) and wet grassland. Entrance is free for the dogs but there is a fee for owners. Restaurant services are also available with a full breakfast and lunch menu to cater to our human friends too.

Leadville Dog Park, Cape Town

Level: Easy
Contact: 021 556 3344

For a space fully dedicated to your dogs, visit this off-leash park. Different sections accommodate shy and social canines and there is also a play-in fountain! All of your dogs’ needs can be taken care of with the on-site vet shop, rehab centre and dog behaviourist. If you’re in need of caffeine while watching your pups play, visit Reload Espresso Bar for breakfast, light lunch, a bagel or cake. The park is open from 07:00 to 19:00 and the Reload Espresso Bar is open from 07.30 to 18:30.

Compiled and first published by Getaway.

Also see: A beach lover’s guide to quiet coastal gems around Cape Town

The post Hit the trails with these 9 pet-friendly hikes to explore appeared first on Hit the trails with these 9 pet-friendly hikes to explore.

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