Pet-friendly holidays in Durban: where to stay, play and dine with your furry friend
Durban, with its warm climate and scenic coastline, is a fantastic destination for pet
lovers. If you’re planning a summer holiday at the beach, you’ll find plenty of places
that will welcome your furry friend … from beaches to play on, a park to stroll through, or a place to grab a bite with your furry companion.
Pet-Friendly Accommodation
Whether you are looking for a B&B, a self-catered holiday home or a hotel – there are plenty of pet friendly options.
Just head on over to booking.com to see the many, many choices available. You can compare various options to find accommodation that suits your specific requirements.
Surprisingly, the luxury five-star Umhlanga hotel, The Oyster Box, welcomes pets with open arms. In fact, in true Oyster Box fashion, they go as far as offering a range of pet beds and menus, so your pets can enjoy being pampered and looked after too!
Pet-Friendly Beaches
Nothing beats a walk on the beach and a dip in the ocean with your furry best friend – in fact, it’s not a Durban Holiday without a visit to the beach.
Whilst dogs aren’t allowed on the main Durban bathing beaches, you can take your
pet for a walk (on a leash) along both the Durban and Umhlanga Promenades.
If you’re walking on the Umhlanga Promenade, be sure to keep a look out for the statue of our famous SPCA Ambassador, Humphrey, who sadly passed away earlier this year after raising over a million rand to help stray and unwanted animals. Drop a coin in his collection box and keep Humphrey’s legacy alive.
Dogs on leashes are also allowed on uShaka Beach (near the Aquarium) and Treasure Beach on the Bluff. To give your dog the freedom to run and play on an off-leash beach, try one of these:
- Beachwood Mangrove Area (Durban North)
- South of Brighton Beach – (Durban Bluff)
- La-Mercy Beach (North of Durban)
- North of Bronze beach
- North of Westbrook
- Christmas Bay (North of Ballito)
Just a friendly reminder to always carry bags and clean up after your pet, and to only
let your dog explore off-leash if they are well trained and will listen to your commands.
Pet-Friendly Restaurants and Cafés
Top of the list has to be our very own Coffee Cats Café situated at the SPCA in Springfield Park (2 Willowfield Crescent). Enjoy divine cappuccinos, lattes, great value breakfasts, burgers and light meals in a relaxed open air environment. Plus home baked treats like our famous Oreo muffins! Dogs on a leash are welcome, but they must be cat friendly as our famous Yard Cats call the café home. As does, Lay-la, our pet chicken.
The Bike & Bean: This casual coffee station, right next to the beach is one of the most pet-friendly spots in Durban. Friendly dogs are not only welcome, they are assured of fresh water to drink, and there are special dog treats on sale.
Surf Riders Café: Another popular pet friendly spot on the Durban Promenade, where you can grab a bite to eat while enjoying wonderful views of the ocean. There is a special menu for your furry friend, ensuring the whole family enjoys breakfast or
lunch out.
Old Town Italy on Umhlanga Ridge is a firm favourite with locals. You are welcome to
bring your dog on a leash, and enjoy a traditional Italian meal in the outdoor seating
area.
Pet-Friendly Parks and Nature Reserves
Durban Botanic Gardens is Durban’s oldest public institution and Africa’s oldest surviving botanic garden. Entrance is free for both humans and leashed pets. You’ll both enjoy the well-maintained walking trails among shady trees and beautiful gardens. Coffee and light refreshments are available from Gourmet Coffee within the grounds.
Virginia Bush Nature Reserve: Situated in the heart of Durban North, Virginia Bush
Nature Reserve is a peaceful spot where you and your pets (on a leash) can enjoy
lovely picnic areas, hiking trails, and bird watching.
Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve: With scenic trails and open spaces, this reserve
offers a beautiful outdoor setting to explore together.
Jameson Park in Morningside: Well behaved and socialised dogs can run free and
have a lovely time. It’s the ideal place to take your pooch for some fresh air and
exercise, and you’re likely to encounter many fellow dog walkers here.
With all these pet friendly options available, there’s no need to be parted from your
beloved pets over the festive holiday season. Bring them with you and explore all Durban has to offer.
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