By Sandy Robins
Pet travel expert and author
June 22, 2010

Cape Town is currently one of the eleven cities in South Africa playing host to the Soccer World Cup. It’s also the most dog-friendly city in the country and there’s a lot for pooches to do year round.

Situated on the beautiful Cape Peninsula at the tip of Africa, it’s outlined by the cold Atlantic Ocean on the one side and the warm Indian Ocean and the other. The warmer ocean is a natural attraction for dog-lovers and is further enhanced by a wonderful laid-back lifestyle in all the tiny resort towns that dot this coastline.

The dog beach at Fish Hoek is a popular meeting place and you can be sure to see dogs of all sizes frolicking in the surf. It’s adjacent to the main area and is open 24/7. There are numerous bakeries and supermarkets along the Fish Hoek Main Road selling take-away sandwiches and ready-made meals, making it easy to pack a picnic and enjoy a day of fun in the sun.

The village of Kalk Bay hums with fishing boats while locals come to buy the catch of the day to cook at home. An alternative is to head across the road to the Olympia Café, a trendy bohemian-styled eaterie that invites canine customers inside to hang with their people. It’s an experience neither your dog nor you will forget: the food is fabulous, the chefs’ flamboyant cooking styles in the open kitchen area are sheer entertainment and the energetic servers add flavor to the fun.

Surfer’s Corner at Muizenberg is a famous surfers hangout and Knead Bakery is the place to meet for freshly baked croissants and the best cappuccino outside of Italy. The restaurant shares premises with a surf shop and people come and go in wetsuits touting long boards. Once again your dog is welcome to join you at an inside table or hang on the sidewalk and watch the interesting passing parade.

The best time to walk the Beach Walk from Muizenberg to the next little town of St. James is either early morning or at sunset. The paved walkway traces the coastline and the waves crash and spritz walkers constantly. It’s a great ocean view and very exhilarating.

One of the most famous little towns along this coast is Simonstown, home to the South African Navy. Be sure to visit the statue of Just Nuisance in the town’s Jubilee Square. This famous Great Dane was the only dog ever to be officially enlisted in the British Royal Navy. He served at HMS Afrikander the Royal Navy shore establishment from 1939 -1944 and was buried with full military honors. Every April, Great Danes take part in a special parade to honor him.

The Best Western Cape Suites Hotel near the Waterfront harbor area in downtown Cape Town invites pets to stay free. However, most of the pet-friendly accommodations throughout the city are in the form of stylish bed and breakfast inns and self-catering apartments such as the Whale Watcher’s, self-catering apartments with a fabulous view over Fish Hoek beach. You’ll love this convenient location to all the attractions this coastline has to offer.

More information about pet-friendly attractions and accommodations is available from the Cape Town Tourist Authority.

Olympia Café 134 Main Road Kalk Bay, Cape Town (+27 21 788-6396)
Knead Bakery Surfer’s Corner, Beach Road, Muizenberg, Cape Town (+27 21 788-2909)

Photos courtesy of Dawne Haddad and Ethene Zinn