Travelling with your dog no longer means compromising on comfort or style. In South Africa’s Great Karoo, a new standard of pet-friendly travel is emerging, where luxury and companionship exist side by side.
Luxury pet-friendly travel in the Karoo offers elegant stays, open landscapes and experiences designed for both you and your dog.
Where luxury meets pet-friendly travel
In Graaff-Reinet, one of South Africa’s most historic towns, the idea that pet-friendly stays lack refinement is being challenged.
At the centre of this shift is Drostdy Hotel, where heritage architecture meets a modern approach to hospitality that includes four-legged guests.
The shift toward travelling with pets
More travellers are choosing to include their dogs in their journeys. What was once seen as an inconvenience is now part of a broader lifestyle shift.
According to says Tebello Polisane-Casper, General Manager of Drostdy Hotel, expectations around luxury have changed.
“True luxury is the freedom to travel with your whole family, and for many of our guests, their dogs are at the very heart of that. It is no longer about just allowing pets. It is about integrating them into the experience without losing the sophistication of the hotel,” she says.
The ultimate Karoo road trip with your dog
The journey into the Karoo is part of the experience. Routes along the N1 and surrounding regional roads offer wide-open landscapes and quiet stops.
To travel comfortably with your dog:
- Plan regular stops for walking and rest
- Visit farm stalls along the route
- Carry water and essentials for your pet
- Allow time to travel at a slower pace
This approach turns the journey into a shared experience rather than a rushed drive.
Related articles
- Holiday accommodation that will get tails wagging
- Pawsport Ready
- Summer travel tips for furbies
- Paws Up! Radisson RED Launches RAD PETS
- atFrits Celebrates 10 Years as South Africa’s First Dog Hotel
A heritage stay designed for you and your pet
At Drostdy Hotel, pet-friendly travel is integrated into the experience.
The hotel offers:
- Spacious courtyards for relaxation
- Historic architecture with modern comfort
- Cool interiors suited to the Karoo climate
- A setting where pets are part of the stay
“A pet-friendly stay should never feel like an afterthought,” says Polisane-Casper.
“From arrival, guests should feel that the experience remains seamless and considered. It is about creating comfort for both the guest and their companion.”
Why the Karoo is ideal for pet-friendly travel
The Karoo offers space, quiet and natural beauty that suits both travellers and their pets.
You can expect:
- Open landscapes for walks
- Minimal crowds
- Clean air and wide skies
- A slower pace of travel
This makes it one of the best regions in South Africa for travelling with dogs.
What to know before travelling with your pet
- Confirm pet policies before booking
- Pack bedding, food and essentials
- Keep your pet on a lead in shared spaces
- Respect wildlife and surrounding nature
Planning ahead ensures a smooth and enjoyable trip.
FAQs: Luxury pet-friendly travel
Can you travel with dogs in luxury hotels
Yes. Some hotels now offer high-end pet-friendly experiences with dedicated amenities.
Is the Karoo good for travelling with pets
Yes. Its open spaces and quiet environment make it ideal for dogs.
What should I pack for my dog
Bring food, water, bedding, a lead and any necessary medication.
Luxury travel no longer excludes your pet. In the Karoo, it enhances the experience. With thoughtful hospitality and open landscapes, travelling with your dog becomes part of what makes the journey memorable.
Related articles
- Holiday accommodation that will get tails wagging
- Pawsport Ready
- Summer travel tips for furbies
- Paws Up! Radisson RED Launches RAD PETS
- atFrits Celebrates 10 Years as South Africa’s First Dog Hotel
Leave a comment