Cape Town is a beautiful city with so much to offer locals and tourists… Blessed with world-class eateries, stunning coastlines and mountains and incredible indoor and outdoor experiences – it’s a well-rounded, exciting city to enjoy.
But what about your feline friends and pooches… How can they join in on the fun, you ask?
Well, here are some ideas on how you can include the whole family (four-legged members too!) when exploring the Mother City:
Found within one of South Africa’s prettiest provinces Western Cape – Cape Town is a popular city for sightseeing as well as a city and seaside adventures.
If you’re looking for pet-friendly accommodation in Cape Town, book you stay with Afristay, or browse our wonderful collection of all accommodation in Cape Town.
#1 Take Them to De Waal Park
This pretty green space in the heart of the inner city is one of the most popular places for people and pets to enjoy.
With its wide open spaces, numerous trees and fun concerts and events, it’s a unique outdoorsy spot in the city.
Best of all, it’s one of the most popular parks among dog walkers – and rightly so! But even if you don’t have a pooch, you can try take a calm kitty on a leash there and enjoy some special moments with your precious pet(s).
Just remember to be considerate (especially with dogs) – and when needed, clean up after them and keep the animals and people around you safe too, especially if your animal gets tense around other people or pets.
Contact: N/A
Website: dewaalpark.co.za
Address: De Waal Park, Molteno Road, Oranjezicht, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
#2 Exercise with Your Pet in Green Point Urban Park
Green Point Urban Park is one of the best things to ever hit the city. Offering spectacular views of the mountains and Cape Town Stadium, it is a tranquil oasis filled with dams, birds, interesting garden sections, park benches and plenty of excellent grassy picnic spots for the whole family to utilise.
It’s easy to explore, as it is even wheel-chair and pram-friendly in most sections, and offers a rich outdoor experience for both young and old.
And of course, you can take your leashed pooches and cats (if you’re more a cat person…) to the park to enjoy some time in the sun or good, old-fashioned exercise!
Again, please be considerate of others and clean up after your pets because this is a very popular, clean public space that the city is most proud of.
Contact: +27 (021) 444 4258
Website: N/A
Address: Green Point Urban Park, 1 Fritz Sonnenberg Road, Green Point, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
#3 Head to the (Scarborough) Beach
Scarborough in the Deep South is a quieter, yet incredibly beautiful beach. Offering a peaceful shoreline, adventurous rock cluster and ocean, it makes for a lovely walk or sunset picnic experience.
What’s more, this is also one of the most well-loved beaches for dogs. And while dogs are permitted to visit Scarborough Beach, you will need to keep an eye on them and clean up after them.
In return, you can enjoy beach walks and endless fun with your best friend, who will absolutely love this beach treat!
Note: There are usable poop scoops, bags and bins at the beach.
Contact: +27 (021) 780 1122
Website: N/A
Address: Scarborough Beach, Camel Rock Road, Scarborough, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
#4 Picnic in Tokai Lower Park
Not only is this one of the best spots wherein to enjoy nature, while walking your dog – but it is child-friendly too so the whole family can get in on the fun.
With the beauty of the forest, streams and firm, dirt paths, it makes for an excellent adventure for dog walkers, families, horse riders, runners and cyclists all.
And, if you are careful not to litter or spoil the outdoor space, you can even pack in a tasty picnic lunch to enjoy with family – and fur friends.
Note: Dog walkers, horse riders and cyclists require permits/activity cards, as per Table Mountain National Park rules… Read more here.
Contact: +27 (021) 712 7471, tablem@sanparks.org
Website: N/A
Address: Tokai Lower Park, Orpen Road, Tokai Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
#5 Playtime on Bloubergstrand Beach
If your pet likes beach walks or playtime by the shoreline, you are in luck because Bloubergstrand Beach is known and loved for its dog-friendliness!
You will often see dog walkers in this area, enjoying the beach’s picture-perfect views, natural beauty and ocean setting, along with all the other beachgoers.
And with cafes, food trucks and paved walkways near at hand, you can easily enjoy a bite to eat or stroll with your dog too.
Contact: N/A
Website: N/A
Address: Bloubergstrand Beach, Otto Du Plessis Drive (M14) between Big Bay and Table View Beach, Bloubergstrand, Blaauwberg, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
#6 Explore Newlands Forest with Your Pet
Newlands Forest is one of the most incredible places to hike in the city… and as a bonus, you can bring along two dogs (as per Level 1 permits)… there’s probably no limit on cats though!
And, whether you wish to stick to an easier, less demanding hike or go chasing after waterfalls, there is something for everyone – even the kids – to enjoy here.
If you add in a picnic or slow walks along pretty trails, you are in for a glorious time all round.
In winter, there are plenty of flowing streams for pets to drink from but during the warmer months, it’s probably best to pack in water and collapsible water bowls.
Note: Dog walkers require permits/activity cards, as per Table Mountain National Park rules… Read more here.
Contact: +27 (021) 712 0527, tablem@sanparks.org
Website: N/A
Address: Newlands Forest, Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
#7 Breakfast with Your Pet at Cafe Paradiso
The charming Cafe Paradiso is an excellent place to enjoy a delicious breakfast in the Mother City… especially as it is so wonderfully child- and dog-friendly!
Children can enjoy the kid’s kitchen experience, while pets happily stay by your side. Pets are warmly welcomed (in fact, they aren’t just welcome – they are invited along!) and the soothing garden setting is sure to keep them at ease.
With great food, a gorgeous restaurant space and care for your pet… this is surely the perfect place to enjoy a town breakfast.
Contact: cafeparadiso@madamezingara.com
Website: www.cafeparadiso.co.za
Address: Cafè Paradiso, 110 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
#8 Go for Lunch at Lighthouse Cafe
Lighthouse Cafe in Simon’s Town is a wholly delightful, dog-friendly cafe for you and your fur baby to enjoy.
This popular local eatery is known for its charming interiors, delicious breakfasts and lunches and warm hospitality. It offers a great range of food, so you can tuck in while your furry friend enjoys a relaxed outing instead of being left behind at home…
So, if you own a well-behaved, polite doggy, then they are most welcome to join your group at lovely Lighthouse Cafe!
Contact: +27 (021) 786 9000, thelighthousecafe.co.za
Website: www.thelighthousecafe.co.za
Address: Lighthouse Cafe, 90 St George’s Street, Simon’s Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
#9 Afternoon Tea Treats with Your Fur Friend
Because they understand just how hard it is to leave a pet alone at home, pining for its beloved owner, the luxurious Twelve Apostles Hotel in Camps Bay invites pets to stay at the hotel in special rooms, equipped with the necessary pet beds, bowls and menus… And, in addition to this, at the Leopard Bar, small breed dogs (coming in lower than knee height) are welcome to join you for your afternoon tea experience.
So while you tuck in, your well-behaved best friend can provide an excellent companion, especially if you are a solo traveller or otherwise dine alone.
Contact: +27 (021) 437 9000
Website: www.12apostleshotel.com
Address: Leopard Bar, 12 Apostles Hotel, Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
#10 Dinner with Your Pooch at Massimo’s
Massimo’s is not only one of the best and most popular restaurants in Cape Town (Italian or otherwise) – but it is also one of the most dog-friendly, as well-behaved dogs are welcome outside and in selected inside areas too.
Serving up an enticing, dedicated dog menu, good dogs on a leash can enjoy their own feast, while you and your friends or family enjoy your own incredible meal and flowing conversations.
Best of all, for every doggy meal sold, R1 is donated to Underdog Project – while for every bandana bought for your fashionable pooch, all profits go to DARG.
So bring your furry friend along… and support dogs in need in the process!
Note: Due to popular restaurant demand, booking is advisable. And it’s also a good idea to notify the restaurant in advance if you are bringing your pooch along for the meal too.
Contact: +27 (021) 790 5648, info@massimos.co.za
Website: www.massimos.co.za
Address: Massimo’s, Oakhurst Farm Park,
Main Road, Hout Bay, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
These are just some of the incredible pet-friendly activities you can enjoy with your best friend… but, as ever, please be considerate of others and their pets, no matter where you go or what you choose to do!