We’ve retaken to the countryside, but this time in search of places to stay for a weekend away or a holiday getaway that is perfect for you and your plus one. And yes, we mean for you and your pooch.
Your bags are packed for you and your pooch; you are ready to go; it’s holiday time. You cannot contain your excitement, and your best friend is following and sniffing, along knowing he is going somewhere new.
You arrive at your destination only to be faced with a sign that says – “No Pets Allowed”.
What?!
To save you the extra effort of finding another place to stay for a countryside breakaway – and a place where any pets are allowed – we have compiled a list of some of the best spots in the Midlands. Yes, pooches ARE coming with!
11 Karkloof
11 Karkloof is a rustic, pet-friendly farm stay located in the beautiful KZN Midlands, only 6.5 km from Howick. Set in prime farmland of the Karkloof valley, surrounded by stunning views, 11 Karkloof is the perfect choice for a relaxing getaway.
Initially operating as a mushroom farm, the buildings have been transformed into unique self-catering units, which accommodate 51 people in the two houses, five cottages, and The Old Mushroom Farm Apartment.
The cottages sleep four people, the Round House sleeps 12, the Falls House sleeps 15, and The Apartment sleeps four. Each unit is self-contained and fully furnished with 100% cotton linen and an equipped kitchen.
The Old Mushroom Farm’s artisanal hub is located on the same property, and The Karkloof Farmer’s Market is next door. Restaurants, shopping centres, Karkloof Canopy tours, Karkloof Falls, the Karkloof Polo Club, and the Karkloof horse trails are all in close proximity making it an ideal destination for the whole family and people from all walks of life.
Mission House
Welcome to Mission House; we’re on the Curry’s Post Road just 10 minutes out of Howick. You’ll have to come and stay with us for us to share just why we think it’s the best place. And best of all, we’re PET FRIENDLY here at Mission House!
We look forward to the arrival of guests and, sometimes, even more so, your pets. We’ve had a few visits from Samson, the large furry black rabbit who, we’re sure, enjoys the excitement of a trip out of Durban and into the fresh countryside just as much as his fantastic humans.
We thrive on making sure guests and their pets are treated with the care and respect they deserve. Witnessing a dog experience a large open field, having come from the confines of suburbia, is pure joy.
360 is large, bright, and spacious and is situated on a ridge with magnificent views of the Drakensberg, the Karkloof Forest, and the midlands countryside. It accommodates 12 guests. It has DSTV and WIFI, a fully equipped kitchen with a Nespresso coffee machine, and a laundry with a washing machine and dryer. There is a Weber for braaing, and an open fireplace in the lounge with some firewood provided. There is also underfloor heating and electric blankets on the beds for chilly nights.
180 is a field away and also has beautiful views of the surrounding open farmland. It sleeps a couple and one or two small children. There is also DSTV and Wi-Fi, a well-equipped kitchen, heaters and electric blankets and a Weber for braaing.
Both spots are fenced and fully secure, so you can relax knowing your pets are not going to stray, and both have fields beyond for romping, throwing a ball, or just running about in,
Hope to see you here!
Caladdi Bed and Breakfast
So often, places are described as “pet friendly”, but Caladdi Bed and Breakfast has managed to even make the travelling pets feel welcome by giving all their furry guests a bacon titbit at breakfast.
This award-winning establishment boasts eight tastefully decorated rooms, all en-suite with little bespoke touches like handmade soaps in the bathrooms and French press Manna Roastery coffee on their beverage trays in each room. They welcome all types of pets as long as they are house trained and socialized, as they will have to get along with Caladdi’s own menagerie.
These include Holly and Storm, the two very welcoming Golden Retrievers, Bailey, the Belgian Shepherd, who is still learning to be a friendly host, and the two Jackie’s, Willow and Rosie, who kind of run the place. They also have four super friendly cats who will often walk into your room to get some love and a scratch but know they shouldn’t be there.
If that’s not enough, there are a multitude of free-range chickens, bunnies, and of course Nova’s passion, her two thoroughbred horses, two robust little ponies, as well as her livery guest, Jude, who is owned and ridden by Sadie Bisset. All these beauties will also come up to the paddock fence for love, a pat, and some human attention, but be careful not to be beguiled by their pleading eyes for a carrot or two.
Caladdi is perfect for an overnight stay, weekend getaway, or just a morning at the new onsite,
N-Squared Garden Bakery. Prior arrangements do need to be made with Nova, however, as there are some “Pet Friendly” terms and conditions to consider, as well as a nominal nightly rate for your fur buddy.
Conveniently situated on the R103 between Howick and Nottingham Road, this destination is suitable for all types of vehicles, motorbikes, and cycling enthusiasts. This is truly a place where good folk meet and tails are wagged.
Clydesdale Country Lodge
Escape to the Midlands Countryside and enjoy a peaceful stay at our elegant country lodge, situated on the banks of the Lions River. There’s no need to venture far; spend your days exploring our grounds, relax in your spacious room or suite, enjoy a braai and truly unwind. If you’re looking to venture a little further, there’s plenty to discover – from the Nelson Mandela monument and the full Midlands Meander experience.
If staying in is the order of the day, pick up a book and sink into a sofa by the fire, play a gentle board game or take a walk along the riverbanks. If the grounds are calling, don some walking shoes and explore the acres of forests around us with your dogs, challenge your friends to a game of pool or sit in a deck chair with the sun on your face and a glass of Pimms in hand.
The Trough is a spacious room, having large, fully opening doors affording a light and airy feel and providing stunning views across the lawns to the river beyond. Although quite sizable, little enclaves and cosy corners abound in this room, providing ample opportunity to sit with friends or family, to snuggle up with a good book, play board games, or just simply to soak up the tranquil atmosphere.
There are eight suites and rooms here at Clydesdale, which are an irresistible fusion of the past and present. Every room is individually styled and designed so that no two are the same, with gorgeous soft furnishings, plump cushions, and quirky furniture. We provide flawless attention to detail and homely charm in bucket loads, as well as the most spectacular views over the Lions River.
We have several well-trodden paths close by, as well as others slightly farther afield, but whichever you choose, walking enthusiasts or those who prefer a gentler and more relaxed walk are sure to find something to suit all abilities. To the West of the lodge, there is the stunning Inhlazane Mountain, and just north of the hotel is the less well-known but equally worthy, Kamberg, in which there a number of picturesque lakes and reservoirs can be found.
Pooches are coming! Your four-legged friend will love our grounds and the Midlands countryside beyond, so why leave them at home? Our very own loving pets welcome well-behaved dogs.
Far Away Place
In the heart of the Midlands is a Far Away Place, and let us just say it goes without saying that they are pet friendly. With a handful of dachshunds, an SPCA special, a gigantic bird aviary, exotic ducks, and chickens, this tranquil spot will give you all the solitude and fresh air you need for a country getaway. You can enjoy lazy days in hammock chairs on the patio and get to know,
Wimpy, Smooch, Chino, Peanut, Toffee, Jellybean & Lady.
There are two cottages to choose from, the Dashy Cottage, which was revamped in 2020, and the Nguni Cottage. Dashy Cottage is a 5-sleeper unit with views to forever down the Karkloof Valley. It has an open-plan kitchen, lounge, fireplace, braai, and an amazing patio with hammock chairs. There is a main bedroom with a queen-size bed, a loft bedroom with a double bed, and a single bed and bathroom with a shower, toilet, and basin. All beds feature 600 thread count Egyptian cotton linen.
Nguni Cottage also has views (to forever) down the Karkloof Valley. Careful attention has been paid to decor and finer details to make your stay a luxurious, comfortable one. The main bedroom has a queen-size bed with an en-suite bathroom, a loft bedroom with two single beds and an upstairs bedroom with a queen-size bed, toilet, and basin. Similar to Dashy Cottage, all beds feature 600 thread count Egyptian cotton linen.
There are two dams on the property if you fancy some fishing or a swim. You can also take long walks or cycle your way through the countryside. There is also an airfield if you wish to fly in. It is the perfect spot for families, couples, serenity or adventure seekers.
