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.
share this on social media
STAY INFORMED
Sign up here for the latest animal ‘mews’ – delivered straight to your mailbox!
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY
Charitable giving is good for your soul – and your wallet, thanks to Section 18A
Charitable giving is good for your soul – and your wallet, thanks to Section 18A Did you know that when you make a donation to a registered charity like the Durban & Coast SPCA, you receive a Section 18A Certificate – which you can submit with your tax...
No hot dogs, please
No hot dogs, please Every summer there are cases of dogs dying after being left locked in a car for ‘just a minute’ while their owners pop into a store or run an errand. This is a tragedy that should never occur. Durban summers can be brutal but even when the...
Holiday hazards for mischievous pets
Holiday hazards for mischievous pets As the festive season approaches, our hearts are filled with joy and anticipation. It's a time for celebrations, friends and family – including the four-legged family members. But, amid all the holiday cheer, it's crucial to...
Fireworks Season – no fun for animals
Fireworks Season – no fun for animals While firework displays look beautiful and exciting to humans, most animals – both domestic and wild – can feel like they’re in a war zone. It’s not only the noise, although that is frightening enough to animals with...
What to do if you find a stranded marine animal
What to do if you find a stranded marine animal Firstly, here’s what not to do. Do not attempt to pick up the stranded marine animal and put it back in the sea. Seals, in particular, will leave the water if they need to rest. Chasing one back into the sea is...
Heartbreak of a missing pet – what to do
Heartbreak of a missing pet - what to do It’s the stuff of nightmares for a pet owner … coming home to find a gate or window has been left open and your furry friend is nowhere to be seen. They don’t come when you call them, and they’re not hiding in any of their...
Rabies outbreak – a wake-up call for pet owners and communities
Rabies outbreak – a wake-up call for pet owners and communities Over the past two years, South Africa has experienced a worrying increase in dog rabies cases. Previously, the worst affected areas were the Eastern Cape and KZN. But last year, the rabies outbreak...
How to teach children compassion for animals
How to teach children compassion for animals Empathy – the ability to understand and share the feelings of those around us – is one of the most complex emotions. While most children have a natural empathy towards other living beings, some need to be taught...