Pet-friendly farm stay

Guest-farm owners and animal lovers Annatjie and Chris Geldenhuys treat pets as family, welcoming dogs of all shapes and sizes. They even roll out the welcome mat for cats and birds, writes Linda Piegl.

- Linda Piegl

A farm stay is one of my favourite getaways. From rustic, historic farmhouses with red stoeps, clawfoot bathtubs and coal stoves, to luxurious options featuring Jacuzzis and mountain vistas, these immersive country escapes provide the ideal antidote to city life. For those among us who are pet owners, this adventure, shared with our four-legged friends, is even better.

Set in a woodland valley at the foothills of the Magaliesberg mountains, Saamrus Guest Farm is the perfect pet-friendly setting. Spanning 500 pristine hectares, it’s a place where guests and their pooches can enjoy open spaces and bush walks, tackle an 8km hike, or discover Tswana kraals dating back to the 1800s.

There are various self-catering cottages at the foot and the top of the hill, and each has its own appeal. At ground level, Hoephoep Cottage, where we stayed, is surrounded by indigenous trees while a signature sunken tub by a large window takes forest bathing to a whole new level.