Issue 60 • Travel • by Claudia Bensimoun

First Published in Fido Friendly magazine

In one of her Fido Friendly features, pet journalist Claudia Bensimoun takes us on a pet-inclusive adventure through Southern Africa’s vineyards and wildlife reserves, with a nod to Switzerland’s charm. From Stellenbosch’s dog-friendly Eikendal Lodge to Drakensberg’s Komati Gorge, Claudia shares tips for off-leash hikes, luxury stays, and even cheetah cub encounters that boost canine wellness. Read on for highlights from her pet travel article, and explore the whole piece here.

Eikendal Lodge: Vineyard Vibes for Dogs

Like so many of life’s firsts, a trip to Southern Africa’s most Fido–friendly hotels can be an inspiring respite from regular travel.

Eikendal Lodge, Stellenbosch, South Africa

Claudia Bensimoun showcases Eikendal Lodge in Stellenbosch as a premier pet-friendly retreat.

Eikendal Lodge is nestled in between lush vineyards at the foot of the Helderberg near Stellenbosch, and offers every guest a chance to revitalize their senses with the idyllic vineyards.

Amenities: Pets are allowed on the wine estate, winery, and restaurant, provided they are on a leash at all times. There is plenty of room for running and hiking off-leash.

Activities: Fly Fishing clinic on the farm, cellar tours daily, wine tasting at the Eikendal winery, several hiking and jogging trails that wind through their vineyards, and a swimming pool. Guests are invited to visit the cheetah cubs once a week at the Haas Veterinary Clinic on Eikendal Lodge.

Attractions: The Anatolian Shepherd Guarding Dog Project and the Cheetah Outreach Program are a few minutes away.

Komati Gorge Lodge Fly-Fishing & Wildlife Reserve

Recognized by its majestic cliffs, winding river, thorn bushveld and Highveld grasslands, it is less than three hours from Johannesburg on the Drakensberg Escarpment. Here you can enjoy modern accommodations with breathtaking scenes of natural beauty and wildlife.

For the Full Exclusive Story, see the Winter 2014 Issue of FIDO Friendly.

Claudia Bensimoun, Pet Travel, Dog-Friendly Africa, Canine Wellness, Fido Friendly 2025, Dog-Friendly Hotels, Veterinary Travel Tips, Cheetah Encounters, Stellenbosch Pet Travel, Drakensberg Dog Adventures, Holistic Pet Care, Dog Agility Wellness.

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