When cabinet announced that intra-provincial leisure travel was back on, this travel happy family jumped at the opportunity. We however have a fur baby to consider, so off we went on a pet friendly getaway to Pretoria.

Level 3 eases in leisure travel restrictions

Cabinet has eased restrictions around leisure travel, paving the way for citizens to travel within their provinces of residence. Accommodation establishments are now permitted to operate for leisure travel intra-provincially.

Here’s why you should be travelling

With Covid-19 numbers spiking the way they are, travel lovers are wondering if we should travel or not. Here’s why I think this is the best time to travel:-

• First and foremost, it’s a great way to support the travel industry.
• Establishments aren’t overcrowded as not many people are travelling.
• You’ll have access to their facilities without having to stress over bumping into too many people.
• Many accommodation establishments have special rates running at the moment. You may find a gem at the fraction of the cost.
• Family get to reconnect in a new environment.
• It’s a great opportunity to discover the hidden treasures within your province.

137 Murray Street Guest House

Taking all of the above into account we opted for a getaway to Brooklyn, in Pretoria. Brooklyn is a well established suburb with incredibly beautiful surroundings. A 30 minute drive meant we didn’t have to worry about an excessive fuel bill or toll fees. As a “nuclear family“, we also opted for a family room at a pet friendly guesthouse.

After a quick drive, we arrived safely at 137 Murray Street Guest House. Donning our face masks we had to sanitize our hands and have our temperature taken. We also had to complete Covid-19 paperwork. Check-in was both friendly and speedily. We were shown to our room where everyone, including Nugget settled in quickly.

Murray Street 137 comprises of four charming houses with a total of 31 stylish rooms. two tranquil private gardens and two swimming pools. The place is massive and has an abundance of space. Aside from the staff, we didn’t come in contact with any other patrons at the guesthouse.

Due to Covid-19 protocols, we were served breakfast in our room instead of at the breakfast buffet in the dining room. Food was amazing and in abundance. While our rooms were serviced on a daily basis we enjoyed the beautiful gardens. There are numerous seating areas at the guesthouse and Nugget absolutely loved all the space.

The staff were fantastic and even started our braai and bonfire for us in the afternoon. It was amazing to get our braai on while sitting around the fire.

Portugalo Restaurant

We headed to Tasha’s at Brooklyn Square for lunch on Saturday but decided on Portugalo Restaurant. Both restaurants are pet friendly giving patrons options which is awesome. Delectable authentic portuguese food served in their exquisitely decorated restaurant was a treat. Their prawn and chicken curry is a must try.

We opted to sit outside as Nugget was with us. The friendly staff brought him some water to drink and were really attentive to his needs. Nugget absolutely loved all the attention and their comfy seating arrangements.

Sunday Funday at Afro boer

“The feel of my café is very uniquely non-traditional. But, could very well include a bit of zulu on my stoep and boerekos in my kitchen”.

Perfect Pretoria weather saw us head out to Afro-Boer for a picnic in the winter sun. Another awesome pet friendly place for our cutie pie. Your fur babies are allowed on condition they remain on their leash. Amazing social distancing protocols are followed. Even the seating areas are sanitized before you are seated. We indulged in carrot cake and non-alcoholic bubbly in the beautifully manicured gardens. I just have to say that Afro-Boer’s carrot cake is to die for. It was a fantastically fabulous way to spend Women’s Day with my family.

Goddess Cafe

After a relaxing long weekend in Pretoria, we had one more stop before heading home. We couldn’t leave without visiting Goddess Cafe. The pet friendly establishment has a reputation for amazingly beautiful and delicious food. I’ve seen photos constantly on Instagram over the past few months and had to go check it out for myself.

We decided to try their Road House where you dine in your vehicle. Pretty cool concept that appealed to my guys, as the very feminine and gorgeous interior isn’t their vibe. Goddess still delivers on the beauty factor at the Road House. They have a Pooch Menu which meant that Nugget got to live his best life. Our waitress brought him a massive bowl of water and we ordered a meal for him. This boy ate every morsel and lapped up the star treatment. The attention to detail when it come to the presentation of their food and drinks is commendable. All I am going to say is that you have to try their granadilla condensed milk cake. No words can truly describe the awesomeness.

The weekend exceeded our expectations and we’re pleasantly surprised by the number of pet friendly establishments in the area. Our pet friendly getaway to Pretoria was indeed one for the books.

Make sure to check out our other travel shenanigans if you are looking for some family #travelspo.

Disclaimer : This getaway is not sponsored by any of the establishments mentioned in this post.