Pet-Friendly KZN Midlands: The Ultimate Dog-Friendly Day Trip from The Old Mushroom Farm

A Dog’s Day Out in the KZN Midlands

Are you staying at The Old Mushroom Farm and looking for a day out that both you and your pooch can enjoy? Travelling with your dog can be so much fun, but some establishments in South Africa don't allow pets. We’ve curated a route via the best pet friendly venues that the KZN Midlands has to offer. Here's how to do the Midlands Meander with your dog.

Dogs are welcome

Spoiler alert, you don't need to leave The Old Mushroom Farm for pet friendly walks, restaurants, events, and accommodation. Yes, we’re biased, but it’s true! 

If you want to do some exploring, this pet friendly Meander route will take you from the Karkloof right through to Rosetta if you want to venture that far. Take a day trip with your dog, stopping off for a walk, treats at a cafe, a garden centre, sundowners at a restaurant, a live show, and BnB, starting your route from The Old Mushroom Farm, Howick.

Coffee first, always. (And stock up on doggy treats)

Home Slice Cafe, at The Old Mushroom Farm, 11 Karkloof Road, Howick 

Open 7:30am- 4pm Daily, Closed Tuesdays.

Is this coffee shop pet friendly? Ja!

Home Slice Cafe always has a water bowl out to welcome visiting dogs. Pick out a bag of pet biscuits, made in house, to treat your good dog on their grand day out.

Enjoy an award winning coffee with breakfast, while soaking up the view of the garden and wagging tails.

Walkies!

The Old Mushroom Farm Walking Trail, 11 Karkloof Road, Howick

Open Daily, Distance: +- 5km, free entrance & donations welcome for trail maintenance.

Dogs are allowed on the walking trail at The Old Mushroom Farm Howick

Are dogs allowed on the walking trail? Yebo.

A relaxed walk along a mown path loops around the perimeter of The Old Mushroom Farm, taking you past the little dam (where doggo can have a swim), through pastures (have a leash handy, the cows might be grazing), a small patch of indigenous forest rehabilitation, veld grass, and stunning views of the uMngeni valley and Albert Falls Dam. The walk is approximately 5km. Pop in to reception to let them know you’re heading out.

Go on! Be a tourist and check out Howick Falls viewpoint with your dog, it's worth it!

Turn left on the Karkloof Road as you leave The Old Mushroom Farm towards Howick.

Howick Falls, Falls Dr, Howick, 3290

Open 8am-4pm Daily

Keep puppy on a leash as there are lots of fun distractions, and the viewpoint overlooking the waterfall, while fenced, is a sheer drop. Passing the friendly vendors selling crafts and curios you’ll come to the viewpoint with a breathtaking scene of the second highest waterfall in South Africa. Maybe you’ll spot a fresh new collar for your pet with some proudly South African beadwork.

Next stop, the Garden Centre!

Peter's Gate Herbal Center, along the R103 Lidgetton, next to Granny Mouse

Open 9:30am - 4pm Daily

We’d recommend continuing up Howick Main Road towards Fairways shopping centre to link up to the R103. This way will take you past the Midmar Dam Wall which is quite a sight when the dam is overflowing.

Peter’s Gate is a garden centre and herb farm in Ligeton that welcomes dogs. A perfect place to stop to get some seedlings for your veggie garden and herbal self care products from the shop. They have a range of pet products too, including dog shampoo, balms and powders, so you can include your pooch in the pampering. Expect a friendly tail wag from the resident Labrador.

After a stroll past the fields of lavender, continue along the R103 for a late lunch and glass of wine at pet friendly Grindstone restaurant.

The Grindstone Rosetta, 3 Kamberg Road

Open Weekends Only, Friday 12 - 8:30pm, Saturday & Sunday 11am - 8:30pm

The Grindstone has a courtyard where you can dine alfresco on a balmy summer’s evening, or cozy up indoors in the charming rustic restaurant. Well behaved dogs on a lead are allowed. After all the activities of the day, your pup will likely just want to nap by your side, sniffing the yummy smells wafting from the pizza oven.

Heading back to your pet friendly accommodation at The Old Mushroom Farm, if you’re tired of the scenic route, you can jump onto the N2 highway via Nottingham Road and head straight home. Otherwise if you’re still soaking up the Midlands views, head back the way you came, meandering along the R103.

Catch an afternoon show!

There's often a theatre performance or live music on at The Old Mushroom Farm. TOMF’s two event venues are pet friendly. Take your dog for a walk through an art exhibition at & Kin event venue, or watch live music in the Playhouse 5 Tunnel with a happy tail wagging at your side. Keep an eye out for upcoming events via our website.

Ready for some rest?

Stay over with your dog at The Old Mushroom Farm Accommodation.

Save about 20% when you book directly via The Old Mushroom Farm website or by emailing accommodation@theoldmushroomfarm.co.za. Bring your pet’s travel bed, food bowl, and favourite ball for a great weekend away. 

That’s a great day out in the Midlands with your dog if you ask us! The Old Mushroom Farm is a great starting point when you’re exploring the KZN Midlands’ pet friendly destinations. No need to leave sad puppies at home, bring them along for a weekend away. Book your holiday accommodation now and lock in some quality time with your fur baby.