Even as the weather gets cooler and winter starts creeping in, it’s still wonderful to get outdoors and soak up some beautiful South African sunshine with your beloved pets. Here’s a list of fantastic locations in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town where you can enjoy a leisurely walk with your fur-kids.
ALSO SEE: 8 Reasons To Start Walking Today
Johannesburg
Walkhaven Dog Park, Muldersdrift
Walkhaven Dog Park is a wonderful expanse of land devoted to providing fun for your furry friends. While it may be a 40-minute drive from the Sandton CBD, the 22 hectares of open parkland is well worth the drive.
They even have a dog-friendly restaurant, The Dog Box Grill!
Where: Plot 77, Walkhaven farm, M5, Zwartkop, Johannesburg
When: Monday to Sunday 7:00 am to 6:30 pm
Cost: R40 for adults, R25 for kids and pensioners
Contact: walkhaven.co.za
The Wilds Municipal Nature Reserve
The Wilds is arguably one of Joburg’s most beautiful park spots, and it’s a wonderful place for dogs, both young and old, to socialise with one another. There’s ample space for them to run around and explore – about 40 acres to be exact!
Where: Houghton Dr, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg
When: Monday to Sunday, 7am to 5:30pm
Cost: Free
Contact: 011 643 2313
KwaZulu-Natal
La Mercy Beach
Durban’s beach fronts provide the perfect place to walk your dogs. Your dog can run on the beach and enjoy swimming in the waves, while you catch a tan on the beach.
There’s even a picnic area on the beach, so pack a basket full of goodies to enjoy after your walk – dog treats included!
Where: South Beach Road, la Mercy, Durban
When: Monday to Sunday, open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Contact: lamercy.org
Salmon Bay
Another secluded beach, this time in the north near Ballito. Salmon Bay is another ideal location to let your dogs swim in the sea. Only 200m away from the popular Clark’s Bay, Salmon Bay’s quieter atmosphere makes it the perfect place to relax with your furry friends.
Where: Ballito Drive, Ballito, Kwa-Zulu Natal
When: Monday to Sundays, open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Contact: petfriendly.co.za
ALSO SEE: Pet-Friendly Restaurants In SA We Love
Cape Town
Blackburn Ravine
If you stay around the Hout Bay area, and love to hike, why not take your dog up this spectacular 4km mountain trail. It’s gentle enough for dogs to easily make the trek, and the ocean and mountain views are absolutely breath-taking!
Where: East Fort carpark, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Hout Bay, Cape Town
When: Monday to Sunday, open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Contact: Call 021 712 0527, or e-mail [email protected]
Green Point Park
This wonderful park in Green Point is a great place to enjoy a gentle jog with your dog. You will have to keep your pets leashed, but the crisp Cape air and beautiful green gardens are well worth the effort.
There are loads of playground areas too, so if you have children it’s the perfect place for a full family outing!
Where: 1 Fritz Sonnenberg Rd, Green Point, Cape Town
When: Monday to Sunday, 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
Cost: Free
Contact: gprra.co.za
ALSO SEE: 5 Workshops To Get Back Into Nature
Compiled by Features Writer, Stephanie van der Plank
