Let us set the scene. So you’re lucky enough to find yourself in magnificent Cape Town, and all you can think of is sea, and sand, and mountain, and greenery, right?
You want to experience the beauty of the city in a relaxed fashion, and you want to do it with a picnic or a braai. Sounds great does it not? Oh it is, but - as a real estate tycoon would say - it’s all about location location location!
Well luckily for you, we happen to know the very best locations for picnics and braais in Cape Town. With this guide, finding a picturesque spot will be a literal walk in the park.
The figures mentioned in this article are as of 28th April 2017
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Locations for both Braais and Picnics
Some of the places we’ve selected are both braai and picnic friendly, while others do not permit the latter. Below, find the locations where you can can either take along a picnic, or grill anything from a succulent steak to a delicious vegan substitute on the braai.
Zonnekus Holiday Resort
For those who love the outdoor life, Zonnekus Holiday resort is the ideal place for an outing with family and friends!
Relax and enjoy a fun-filled day of braaiing or picnicking or simply take a plunge to cool off from the summer heat! Children will love our play parks, trampolines and swimming pools.
With ample grassed areas and shaded outside tables this is the ideal setting for good conversation, fun and laughter. For your convenience, Zonnekus have a well-equipped and well-stocked on-site cafe that supplies anything from bubblegum to braai grids!
Entrance Fees Day Visit:
- Adults: R80
- Children u 3years: FREE
- Vehicles: R20
Open Hours:
- 8:00 - 18:00
Location:
- Morningstar ,900m from the N7 Cape Town
- Google Maps pin here
Contact:
- +27 (0)21 972 1833
- Website
Newlands Forest
As part of the Table Mountain National Park, Newlands Forest is a beautiful escape from the city surrounds.
You have the option of exploring the varied, and sometimes secluded, pathways to find your own spot, or you can cook up a storm at the designated braai area.
Also great for a hike, Newlands Forest is a gem of a braai spot. There are braai facilities at the venue, but you are also welcome to bring your own.
Entrance Fees:
- Adults: R25
- Children: R15
- Vehicles: R25
- Parking spot in the separate braai area:
- R10
Open Hours:
- October - April:
- 08:00 - 18:00
- Winter:
- Closed
Location:
- On the M3 expressway near UCT; Table Mountain National Park, Table Mountain (Nature Reserve), Cape Town
- Google Maps pin here
Contact:
- +27 (0)21 712 0527
- +27 (0)21 422 1601/2
Maiden’s Cove Braai Area
Nestled between Glen Beach and Clifton Beach, Maiden’s Cove is a hidden gem that is a braai master’s, as well as a photographer’s, paradise.
With vistas of Table Mountain, Camps Bay, and the exquisite Atlantic Ocean, Maiden’s Cove allows you to braai with a view.
During spring, pods of whales and dolphins can also be spotted from this scenic location. So splash around in a tidal pool, tan while the meat is cooking, or catch up with your loved ones.
Braai facilities are available.
Entrance Fees:
- Free
Open Hours:
- 24 hours
Location:
- 44 Victoria Rd, Signal Hill, Cape Town, 8001
- Google Maps pin here
Contact:
- +21 (0)21 438 8212
Mzoli’s Place
For a unique braai experience with a fantastic vibe, head out to Mzoli’s in Gugulethu.
A relaxed venue that’s always full of people, Mzoli’s allows you to enjoy a great braai without having to do any of the work yourself.
Simply select and purchase your meat, and then chill, dance, or socialise until it’s ready. All you need to take with you are your own eating utensils.
A mere twenty minutes from the city centre, neither locals nor tourists should pass up this novel braai experience.
Entrance Fees:
- Entrance: R20 on Sat, Sun and Public Holidays.
- Around R50 p/kg of meat, depending on meat type
Open Hours:
- 09:00 - 18:00
Location:
- Ny 115, Guguletu, Cape Town, 7751
- Google Maps pin here
Contact:
- +27 (0)21 638 1355
Little Bay
If you’d like a day out, but don’t want to travel too far, head to Little Bay in Blouberg.
Located right on the beach, you can enjoy either the sandy experience of the beach below, or more of a park vibe on the grassy area above.
Less than a thirty minutes drive from Cape Town’s city centre, Little Bay is great for a family day, as well as a vantage point for sights such as Table Mountain.
Since Blouberg can get windy, take advantage of the elements, and try out some kite flying or windsurfing.
Entrance Fees:
- Free
Open Hours:
- 24 hours
Location:
- Along Blouberg Beach
- Google Maps pin here
Helderberg Farm
For a wonderful braai day out that offers a host of activities to enjoy, drive out to Helderberg Farm near Somerset West.
There’s tons to keep you busy, while the braai is getting started. Take a hike with the family, try your hand at strawberry picking, or battle it out on the laser-tag field.
Excellent braai facilities are available. Just bring your own wood/charcoal and braai grid, and you’re ready to go!
Make sure to book your braai in advance - Helderberg is very popular.
This beautiful and lush setting is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious braai with loved ones.
Entrance Fees:
- Adults: R50
- Children: R25
- Braai drum: R50
Open Hours:
- Daily: 08:00 - 18:00
Location:
- Klein Helderbergpad Rd, Raithby, 7129, South Africa
- Google Maps pin here
Contact:
- +27 (0)21 855 4308
- [email protected]
Tokai Forest Braai and Picnic Area
Another braai spot that falls within Table Mountain National Park, Tokai Forest is one of the best braai areas the Cape has to offer.
Comprising of both wooded areas as well as lush, green spaces, Tokai Forest gives you the best of both worlds.
Either bring your favourite meat to grill up on the braai, or pack a picnic blanket and find your ideal spot.
Park access is available from the Constantia area.
Entrance Fees:
- Adults: R20
- Children: R10
- Vehicles: R15
Open Hours:
- April - September:
- 08:00 - 17:00
- October - March:
- 07:00 - 18:00
Location:
- Table Mountain National Park, Tokai Rd, Porter Reform Estate, Cape Town
- Google Maps pin here
Contact:
- +27 (0)21 712 0527
Wynberg Park
Equipped with braai facilities and a substantial playground for the little ones, Wynberg Park makes for a lovely braai and picnic area.
The parks spans twenty-two hectares and is dotted with a variety of trees, that provide both shade and greenery.
A large duck pond adds to the picturesque environment, and one can enjoy watching the birds waddle around the park.
An ideal spot to enjoy a braai with the family, Wynberg Park is a must.
Entrance Fees:
- Free
Open Hours:
- Summer:
- 08:00 - 19:00
- Winter:
- 08:00 - 18:00
Location:
- Wynberg, Cape Town, 7824
- Google Maps pin here
Contact:
- +27 (0)21 762-9180
Buffels Bay and Bordjiesdrif at Cape Point
Within the majestic Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, near Cape Point, lie two spectacular braai areas.
Let the children explore the tidal pool, while you cook up a storm, and enjoy the flora and fauna around you.
At Buffels Bay you’ll find individual braai spots, which you can use while taking in the pearly white beach around you.
If you visit Bordjiesdrif, you’ll have access to circular braai facilities, which are for larger groups. Here, you’ll experience grassier areas as opposed to Buffels Bay's sandy atmosphere.
Be sure to bring your own braai grids and wood. Also, for both your and their safety, don’t approach or feed the baboons.
Entrance Fees:
- Cape of Good Hope
- Adults: R135
- Kids: R70
- My Green Card allows the owner free entry into the TMNP 12 times
Open Hours:
- Cape of Good Hope Park
- October - March:
- 06:00 - 18:00
- April - September:
- 07:00 - 17:00
Location:
- October - March:
- Buffels Bay:
- Google Maps pin here
- Bordjiesdrif:
- Google Maps pin here
Contact:
- +27 (0)21 780 9010/11
- [email protected]
Silvermine Reserve
Another perfect braai area that is part of the Table Mountain National Park, Silvermine is ideal for those who want a slightly quieter or secluded experience.
Over forty braai spots dot the Silvermine Reservoir, but they are cleverly positioned, so that you have more privacy to enjoy the surrounds.
So enjoy the thriving fynbos, take in the views, and fire up the braai!
Note that the reserve is open all year for picnics, but braais are permitted only in winter.
Entrance Fees:
- Adults: R45
- Children: R25
Open Hours:
- October - April:
- 07:00 - 18:00
- May - September:
- 08:00 - 17:00
Location:
- Table Mountain National Park, Tokai, Cape Town
- Google Maps pin here
Contact:
- +27 (0)21 789 2457
- [email protected]
Oudekraal Beach
For an awesome beach braai, head over to Oudekraal Beach.
Located between Llandudno and Camps Bay, Oudekraal contains at least 40 braai spots to use.
The beach comprises of huge boulders, pockets of soft sand, and hidden coves nestled in between the rocks. Sometimes grids and wood are available, but rather take your own to be safe.
Explore this beautiful braai venue and take in the views, while indulging in a delicious braai!
Entrance Fees:
- Adults: R35
- Children: R15
Open Hours:
- Weekends and public holidays: 08:00 - 18:00
Location:
- Lies between Camps Bay and Llandudno
- Google Maps pin here
Contact:
- +27 (0)21 438 9555
- [email protected]
Locations for Picnics only
Pack a blanket and your favourite snacks and head to these scenic picnic spots for a lovely day out.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Ever wanted to emulate Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music, and run down a lush hill while skirting your work duties and operatically declaring your love for nature? We have just the place.
As one of the (if not the) most revered picnic spots in Cape Town, Kirstenbosch, is nothing short of spectacular.
Find a spot on the expansive, rolling lawns, gaze at the magnificent views of Table Mountain, take in the varied fynbos and plant species, go bird watching or cool down in the refreshing streams.
The list of potential activities is inexhaustible, as is the splendour of the park.
Entrance Fees:
- Adults: R60
- SA Students: R30
- Student card required
- Children: R15
- Ages 6 - 17
- Children: Free
- Until age 6
- BOTSOC members: Free
- SA Senior Citizens:
- Free on Tuesdays, except on public holidays
- ID required
Opening Hours:
- September - March:
- 08:00 - 19:00
- April - August:
- 08:00 - 18:00
Location:
- Table Mountain National Park, Rhodes Dr, Newlands, Cape Town, 7735
- Google Maps pin here
Contact:
- [email protected]
- Enquiries: +27(0)21 799 8783
- Ticket Office: +27(0)21 799 8782
Table Mountain via the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
As the crown jewel of the Table Mountain National Park, Table Mountain is a wonderful picnic spot to enjoy.
Either hike up (Take a look at our Hiking Trails Guide), or use the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, which will have you at the top in literally five minutes.
Once there, treat Table Mountain as your table, and indulge in a picnic with a breathtaking view.
Entrance Fees:
- Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
- Adults:
- Return: R255
- One-way: R135
- Kids:
- Return: R125
- One-way: R65
- SA senior citizens:
- Return: R100
- One-way: R53
- Students:
- Return: R130
- One-way: R70
- Adults:
- Tickets can be bought online here, where you may also check if the cable-car will be running, as it operates subject to the weather.
Open Hours:
- Cable-car hours change regularly. Check the times here.
- The cableway closes for about ten days annually, for maintenance. Check this year’s dates on the Table Mountain website.
Location:
- Table Mountain National Park, Tafelberg Rd, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001
- Google Maps pin here.
Contact:
- +27 (0)21 424 0015
- [email protected]
Green Point Urban Park
Want to feel like you’re in the heart of Mother Nature’s creations, but don’t have the time for a long drive?
The aptly named Green Point Urban Park is centrally positioned, but once inside the quiet haven, you feel far away from the stresses of the city.
With magnificent mountain views, diverse flora and birdlife, lots of room on the lawn for picnics, and a mere street separating you from the ocean, the Urban Park is the ideal place to relax with a delicious picnic.
Entrance Fees:
- Free
Opening Hours:
- 07:00 - 19:00
Location:
- 1 Fritz Sonnenberg Rd, Green Point, Cape Town, 8051
Contact:
- +27 (0)21 417 0120
- [email protected]
Company’s Garden
Located bang in the middle of the city, and boasting gorgeous mountain vistas, Company’s Garden was established in the 1650s by some of the earliest settlers at the Cape.
While appreciating the beauty of the garden, it is important to understand and acknowledge the colonial heritage of the area.
This is made possible by the presence of copious historic buildings nearby, including the Slave Lodge, the Iziko South African Museum, the Houses of Parliament and many more.
Entrance Fees:
- Free
Opening Hours:
- 07:00 - 19:00
Location:
- 19 Queen Victoria St, CBD, Cape Town, 8000
- Google Maps pin here
Contact:
- +27 (0)21 426 1357
- +27 (0)21 400 2521
De Waal Park
Another gem of a picnic spot located in the city centre is De Waal Park.
Perfect for family picnics, and complete with a children’s playground, De Waal is also home to a variety of free music concerts in the summer months.
De Waal is also a lovely place to bring the dogs for a walk, since the park is fenced off from the busy surrounding streets.
Enjoy some tranquility at this sweet spot that’s a stone-throw away from the city.
Entrance Fees:
- Free
Opening Hours:
- 07:00 - 19:00
Location:
- Molteno Rd, CBD, Cape Town, 8000
- Google Maps pin here
Contact:
- 084 8888 033
- [email protected]
Sea Point Promenade
Bordering the swirling waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the Sea Point Promenade promises breathtaking views of the horizon.
The walkway starts in Mouille Point near the V&A Waterfront, and extends right to the end of Sea Point, near the President Hotel.
With loads of places to recline on the lawn with a book and some mouthwatering snacks, you’ll be able to take in the fresh sea air, while listening to the crashing waves.
Entrance Fees:
- Free
Opening Hours:
- 24 hours
Location:
- Beach Road, Sea Point
- Google Maps pin here
Clifton Beach
Celebrated as one of the most beautiful places in the region, Clifton is divided into four different beaches (First, Second, Third and Fourth).
Each has its own charm, but Fourth Beach is the most popular, perhaps because it is the largest.
With the tropical-esque ocean in front of you, and a view of the mountain behind you, it doesn’t get better.
So, stretch out on the Blue Flag certified sand with a scrumptious sandwich, and bask in the paradisiac surroundings around you.
Location:
- 22 Victoria Road, Clifton
- Google Maps pin here
Contact:
- +27 (0)21 439 4332
Lion’s Head
If you’re the type who likes to work up an appetite, then we have the perfect picnic activity for you.
Why not pack a meal, hike up the picturesque Lion’s Head, and enjoy your grub at the top? The one-of-a-kind views are sure to make the food taste that much better.
Come prepared though! The hike will take around three hours, so don’t forget to pack water and ample sunscreen.
See our Cape Town Hiking Trails Article for more information.
Location:
- Signal Hill Road, Cape Town Central 8001, South Africa.
- Google Maps pin here
Contact:
- +27 (021) 712 0527
Signal Hill
Found near Lion’s Head, Signal Hill provides yet another opportunity to enjoy some tasty treats, while enjoying the spectacular sights of the Cape.
Drive to the highest point, and choose a spot to set up your picnic while gazing out at the Atlantic Seaboard and Robben Island.
If you’d like to take the romantic route, embark in the afternoon and watch the sunset from a truly dazzling location.
Location:
- Signal Hill Rd, Signal Hill, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
- Google Maps pin here
Contact:
- +27 (0)21 487 6800
Arderne Gardens
Spanning five hectares and boasting four hundred trees, the Arderne Gardens were started in 1845 by Ralph Henry Arderne.
Today, visitors frequent the walkways, watch the ducks (please do not feed them!), and spend time exploring the glorious green scenery of the gardens.
A visit to the lush Arderne gardens guarantees a tranquil experience, in which you can munch your lunch while traversing the park.
Entrance Fees:
- Free
- Donation box at the gate
Opening Hours:
- 08:00 - 18:00
Location:
- 222 Main Rd, Claremont, 7708
- Google Maps pin here
Contact:
- [email protected]
- +27 (0)21 444 1692
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