We love traveling as a family and our family includes the fur babies too… But, they aren’t little lapdogs. Luna and Milo are border collies that enjoy adventuring along with us. That’s why finding accommodation options that suit the needs of our big brood can be a challenge but it’s not impossible… And because we know we aren’t the only family that loves traveling with their dogs, we’re starting a new travel series: Pet-Friendly Accommodation South Africa.

This will be the 1st of many more posts sharing all the wonderful places we visit.

Hopefully, in doing so we can make planning your next family vacation a little easier too… The most important thing to remember, however, is that traveling with your pets will be different but equally as memorable, especially for the kids.

Pet-Friendly Accommodation South Africa criteria:

We have a few things we look out for when considering a getaway with pets. These include:

• Space: Our kids (just like our pets) enjoy big open spaces to explore, run around and get rid all their energy.
• Security: Not just in terms of accommodation but also in the surrounding area. Will our dogs be able to roam freely and is there an option for them to be kept off the leash? If you do need to leave them at the vacation home, will they be safe and fenced in or are there pet-sitting services available.
• Comfort: Spending time in pretty places is a MUST on our holiday checklist. It doesn’t have to be 5 stars all the time BUT beautiful aesthetics, thoughtful design and visiting locations different to the norm feed our souls.
• Restrictions: We always make sure to inform our hosts of the type of dogs that will be joining us. Some pet-friendly accommodation options will only allow small breeds.
• Things to do: Taking your pet along on holiday is amazing but your to-do list will need a little tweaking. Be sure to check for on-site as well as nearby pet-friendly activities. You’ll be surprised at the options available for well-socialised pets.

Tewgaan Country Getaway offers all of the above and more…

Only a mere 2 and a half hours drive from Pretoria, right in the heart of Waterval Boven lies this magical, hidden gem. A peaceful slice of country heaven that offers visitors a unique escape from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives.

Husband and wife team, Balthazar and Renia, with their 2 children have set out to create this incredible haven for conscious living where visitors step back into nature. It’s about kicking off your shoes, feeling the grass tickle your toes, walking through the beautiful permaculture garden while hearing the water bubbling in a nearby brook and saying hello to the friendly farm chickens.

Stay in one of the uniquely designed cottages, tiny houses or “glamp”! Each accommodation option offers a different experience to suit your family. And pets are of course welcome in all of them.

We stayed in the stone cottage

A charming cottage built in original stone from the property. It has 3 bedrooms (1 with a double bed, 2 with 2 single beds) and can sleep up to 6-8 people with a futon sleeper couch in the living room. 1.5 bathrooms and a fully-equipped kitchen that opens to the back of the cottage where you’ll find a shaded patio and the braai. We even had access to a hearty herb garden for our own private use (season permitting).

The living room fireplace was put to good use every evening as we played board games, built puzzles, read books and simply hung out as a family (no TV or WiFi to distract). And every morning we woke up to breathtaking views of the lush garden and one of the nearby ponds as the early morning sunlight peered through the pecan nut orchard next to the cottage.

Every day at Tegwaan is slow, peaceful and a reminder of how nature recharges our souls. Best of all, we didn’t even have to leave the property with so many activities to do right on the farm!

Things to do on the farm…

• Hiking is a MUST! We took on 3 of the 5 farm trails which lead us to some of the coolest cliffs, natural rock formations and waterfalls (perfect for a swim)! The kind of places one can only ever find on foot and that stay in your heart forever.
• The abundance of feathered friends on route makes for perfect Bird-watching conditions. A hobby Mr. Perfect and the girls enjoy (and if I’m honest, it’s starting to grow on me too.)
• If fishing is your thing, you’ll want to cast a line into one of the 5 Bass dams. It’s catch and releases only and you’ll need to bring your own gear.

• Join in for a Sunday morning Yoga session in the garden or barn, depending on the weather. Kids are welcome and if you don’t have your own yoga mat, Tegwaan can assist.
• Looking for a bit of pampering? Luxurious massages or spa treatments can be pre-arranged in the quietness of your room or in the serenity of the garden.
• And the kids will never run out of play ideas with swingsets, treehouses, hammocks, a spring-fed swimming pool and rolling lawns to explore.

• On special occasions, your hosts may even invite you to join in a magnificent bonfire evening so don’t forget the smores.

The kids and the dogs loved every minute – and were all exhausted and ready for an early bedtime at the end of each day which provided mom and dad with loads of alone time too.

Adventures out and about…

We never left the farm but with its incredible natural charm, Waterval Boven offers MANY options for adventurous souls:

• Climbing & Abseiling: Climb at the famous Restaurant Crags within a 15-minute walk from the farm! Or if you’re feeling adventurous explore the forgotten Triple Tier just 20 minutes away. Visit the Roc ‘n Rope website for more details.
• Horseback Riding: Susan and Mary from BBK Trails offer incredible champagne breakfast tours, sundowners tours, historic tours and more. All done on horseback.
• Zip-lining: Mountain Strings Zip Line has the longest zip-line in Mpumalanga! It’s a MUST VISIT for all adrenaline junkies.
• Mountain Biking: If mountain biking is your thing, you’ll definitely want to explore one of the many trails available at Tranquilitas Adventure Farm. With 9 routes to choose from, all designed to accommodate various skill levels, you’re sure to find a course to enjoy.

Or plan a day trip to any of the nearby destinations:

• Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Saragossa Game Reserve
• Kaapsehoop
• Dullstroom
• Sudwala Caves

Just remember…

Tegwaan is situated near a very small town. So, don’t expect a Woolworths around the corner. Rather come prepared with all your usual comforts such as coffee, milk, treats, food and drinks. You won’t want to leave the farm anyway.

A worthwhile “add-on” we enjoyed was the “Local Farmers Veggie Basket”. It includes honey and fresh produce from farmers nearby as well as veggies picked straight out of the Tegwaan veggie patch.

Another special touch…

A lovely surprise welcome basket greeted the girls upon arrival. It was filled with wonderful nature-inspired activities for them to enjoy as well as a fun scavenger hunt that provided all of us with a tour of the farm. It even ended in the discovery of a “sweet treasure” for our little explorers.

Tegwaan truly offers a uniquely calm and restful country escape for the entire family. Our time here was unforgettable and we can’t wait to visit again!

Book your own weekend away to Tewgaan Country Getaway online at www.tegwaan.co.za for wonderful Pet-Friendly Accommodation South Africa.

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