If your idea of the perfect day includes fresh air, beautiful scenery and your dog happily leading the way, Gqeberha delivers in abundance.
With kilometres of coastline, scenic nature trails and green spaces woven throughout the city, there’s no shortage of places to explore with your four-legged companion. While not every reserve welcomes dogs, several popular walking routes do, offering everything from easy beachfront strolls to more adventurous hiking trails.
Here are six of the best dog-friendly walks in Gqeberha.
1. Baakens Valley
The vibe: Wilderness in the city
Dogs: Yes, on a leash
Baakens Valley is Gqeberha’s natural playground. Stretching for 23km from the harbour into the suburbs, this sprawling reserve features forested kloofs, streams and an extensive network of hiking and mountain biking trails.
Top tip: Walk with a friend or group. Regular visitors say the trails feel safer when explored with company and a dog or two.
2. The Sacramento Trail
The vibe: Spectacular coastal scenery
Dogs: Yes, on a leash along the beach and lower coastal sections
Running through the Sardinia Bay Nature Reserve, the Sacramento Trail offers breathtaking ocean views, spring wildflowers and opportunities to spot dolphins and seabirds. Along the way you’ll also find bronze cannons from the wreck of the Portuguese galleon Sacramento.
Top tip: Dogs are permitted on the beach sections but not within the protected reserve core. Follow the signage at the trail entrance.
3. Retha’s Trail
The vibe: A whimsical art walk
Dogs: Yes, on a leash
Hidden between Marine Drive numbers 22 and 24, Retha’s Trail combines nature with creativity. Created by Retha Taylor from Sacramento Restaurant, the trail features a labyrinth, quirky sculptures and imaginative artworks made from natural and recycled materials.
Its short, shaded and mostly flat route makes it ideal for older dogs, puppies or as a gentle stroll after tackling the Sacramento Trail.
4. Sardinia Bay Beach
The vibe: Endless beach walks
Dogs: Yes, on a leash below the main sand dunes
At low tide, Sardinia Bay becomes one of the city’s best places for a long beach walk with your dog. The wide sandy shoreline provides plenty of space to explore while enjoying fresh sea air.
Top tip: Keep dogs leashed near the dunes. The fragile dune vegetation is environmentally protected.
5. Norm-Hudlin Trails, Kragga Kamma
The vibe: Adventure playground
Dogs: Yes, on a leash
Entry: Small entrance fee
Located just off Kragga Kamma Road, the Norm-Hudlin Trails are among the city’s best-maintained trail systems. With three loop options ranging from 3.1km to 15km, there’s a route to suit everything from leisurely walkers to energetic trail runners and their dogs.
Expect winding singletrack paths through indigenous thicket and sandy terrain.
Top tip: Parking is excellent and there’s a nearby farm stall. At the time of writing, the Norm-Hudlin Trails, The Cowshed Coffee Kiosk and The Chef Guy Food Truck are temporarily closed and will reopen on Thursday, 30 July 2026.
6. The Donkin Heritage Trail
The vibe: Urban exploration
Dogs: Yes, on a leash
If your dog enjoys people-watching as much as nature, the Donkin Heritage Trail offers a 3.5km walk through central Gqeberha. The route links historic landmarks, colourful street art, galleries and the famous Route 67 public art installation.
Top tip: During summer, walk early in the morning as much of the route follows paved surfaces that become hot later in the day.
Before you head out
Always carry fresh water for both you and your dog, clean up after your pet and keep dogs on a leash where required. Respect local wildlife and other trail users to help keep these beautiful spaces open for everyone.
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