It’s been a long year for everyone and we’re just as happy as you that summer is here. Summer is a great time to sit back, relax and enjoy nature, whether with the kids, a partner, or just by yourself to escape the bustle of the the city.
Pack the picnic basket, roll up the blanket, get the family in the car and get to one of these great destinations for a picnic or braai.
With a wide variety of venues to choose from, you can decide what you’re looking for; from row boats and soccer to gourmet baskets and leisurely hikes.
Don’t miss out this summer, enjoy Johannesburg and the beautiful parks and gardens in it.
Don't forget to check out what's happening in Joburg Today and This Weekend
Locations for Both Braais and Picnics
Many parks in and around Johannesburg encourage visitors to bring out the weber and light the braai. What can we say, South Africans just know how to have a good time! Bellow is a list of the venues that welcome braai-ing on their premises. Some may have braaing facilities available and others, will ask you to provide your own.
Thokoza Park
This historical park is large and often hosts events like art exhibitions and jazz concerts for visitors. This beautiful park is also home to paved walkways and many pleasant picnic spots under shady tree or in the warm sun. Braai spots are in plenty.
Children often enjoy this venue as it allows them the opportunity to feed ducks, play on the jungle gym, and make use of the netball courts in the park.
The combination of the waterways and scenic views make this a popular spot for wedding photography.
Thokoza park has historical significance as well.
In addition to the Nelson Mandela Memorial, the park is also very near to the Regina Mundi Church, which played a significant role during the struggle against Apartheid, and the 1976 Soweto Uprising.
Tips: The park can become busy on a Saturday afternoon, so morning visits are better.
Entrance Fees:
- Free entrance
Open Hours:
- 10 am - late
Location:
- At the corner of Chris Hani Road and Ntuli Street in Moroka, Soweto
- Google Maps pin here
Contact:
- 011 938 1820
Kloofendal Nature Reserve
Kloofendal Nature Reserve is Johannesburg's first nature reserve, built on one of South Africa’s oldest mines. The gorgeous walking trails often have guided hikes organised by ‘Friends of Kloofendal’, which are both educational and scenic.
View nature in all its beautiful glory when you visit Kloofendal.
Visitors often see small mammals like hedgehogs, dassies and mongooses on walks. Birdlife also flourishes at the park and creates a pleasant experience in nature.
Pack a picnic basket and enjoy a tranquil day out with the family or your partner. For a more historical outing, organise a tour of the old mine in the park.
Noted for its clean, well-marked and safe trails, the park also has its amphitheatre that comes alive during small events hosted in the park.
Tip: The park is very busy on weekends, so try out an after-work walk if you’re visiting for the first time.
Entrance Fees:
- Free entrance
Open Hours:
- 6 am - 6 pm
Location:
- Galena Avenue, Roodepoort
- Google Maps pin here
Contact:
- 011 760 9143
Gillooly's farm
The main feature of Gillooly’s farm is the large human-made dam that expands over the majority of the park. A small stream runs through the remainder of the park. Because of these fantastic water features, luscious green grass, lovely tall trees and an array of bird life all occupy the park, it’s the perfect picnic spot.
Braai-ing is also allowed, but you’ll need to make prior arrangements with the staff to organise it.
The park is named after its original owner, James Gillooly, who sold the farm to the city when it was later converted into a park.
Gillooly Farm also has a restaurant on the waterfront, Mrs Sippi Blues, with a breakfast and pub-style menu.
Tip: The park hosts a Parkrun every Saturday from 8am, so try to pop over after 10am to avoid the rush.
You can join the event by registering here.
Relax on the grass away from the bustle of the city at this charming park.
Entrance Fees:
- Free entrance
Open Hours:
- 7 am - 7 pm
Location:
- 47 Boeing W Rd, Bedfordview,
- Google Maps pin here
Contact:
- 0860 543 000
Zoo Lake
If you’re looking for a full-day experience, then Zoo Lake is perfect for you. Donated to the city in the early 1900’s, the park area, as well as the Zoo (for which it is named), was given strict specifications that it be kept a zoological park.
The man-made lake is just one of the beautiful attractions at this park. Visitors are encouraged to walk their dogs around the lake (a walk which takes about two hours) or even hire out small boats to row across the lake.
The park provides large areas of lawn for picnicking and braai-ing. Zoo Lake also has many events open to the public like jazz concerts and open-air art exhibitions.
If you forget your picnic basket, head over to Moyo’s for some authentic African dishes, with a local flair.
Other attractions include the Zoo Lake swimming pool and a large soccer playing field.
Entrance Fees:
- Free entrance, but prices vary depending on activity
Open Hours:
- Boat Club Hire: 9.30 am to 5.45 pm
- Swimming Pool: 10 am to 5.45 pm
Location:
- Corner of Jan Smuts Avenue and West World Street, Parkview,
- Google Maps pin here
Contact:
- 011 483-1017
Rietvlei Lifestyle Centre
For a kid-friendly day out, get down to Rietvlei. They have plenty of activities to keep your children busy while you enjoy a picnic under the trees.
Children can enjoy a jungle gym, pet and feed farm animals, discover birds in the aviary, or even enjoy pony and tractor rides.
There’s also a mini-zipline for the more adventurous children. Visitors are welcome to make use of wooden benches in the braai and picnic area but are also encouraged to bring any other gazebos, chairs, braais or tables that they think is necessary.
There are, however, drum braais for hire for R50.
Entrance Fees:
- R30 per Person
- Free parking, but additional R50 fee to park inside the picnic area.
Open Hours:
- Summer Visiting Hours:
- Monday to Thursday - 9 am–5 pm
- Friday to Sunday - 09h00–18h00
- Winter Visiting Hours:
- Monday to Sunday - 9am - 5 pm
Location:
- 101 Swartkoppies Rd
- Google Maps pin here
Contact:
- 011 024 1512/4
Dorothy Nyembe Park
For a venue with braai facilities supplied, check out this park and educational centre. The Dorothy Nyembe Park is filled with beautiful sculptures and is continuously being updated, and up-kept, its most recent upgrade includes a driving range, making it only the second venue in Soweto to have one.
The park, besides having beautiful lawns for picnicking, also has a giant chess board and other sports facilities like a soccer field and netball court. For more cultural events, the park has an amphitheatre, and unique sculptural pieces scattered across the lawn.
The park has a significant educational role too. The series of small lakes are overlooked by a bird watching hut.
The park, in 2010, won a United Nations Livable Communities Award in the naturally built project category.
Entrance Fees:
- Free entrance
Open Hours:
- Open daily
Location:
- Off Roodeport Road, Main Road, Soweto,
- Google Maps pin here
Contact:
- 011 938 7600
Pioneer Park (Wemmerpan)
Pioneer Park is engulfed mainly by Wemmerpan, a large body of water that hosts a variety of entertainment from musical fountains and rowing competitions. While picnics and braai-ing are allowed, you will need to bring your braai-stand.
The park also has a kiosk and restaurant, if you’re missing and snacks, or just want to skip packing a basket.
Guests are encouraged to visit the Transport Museum, near the park for a look at the vintage car collection.
Reviews on this venue are mixed, so check out some recent Google reviews for more information.
Entrance Fees:
- Free entrance
Open Hours:
- 8 am - 4.30 pm
Location:
- Rosettenville Road & 11th Street,
- Google Maps pin here
Contact:
- 011 435-0425
Innesfree Park
This park is on the larger size of the scale, so there’s plenty of space to picnic, braai and for the kids to run around. Enjoy the wide open spaces and fresh air.
Be sure to bring some fun activities if you bring children along on your picnic so that they can make use of the area.
Because of its size, Innesfree park often hosts large events like concerts and car shows.
Tip: Make sure to check if there are any events on in the park before you plan your picnic.
Innesfree is also particularly busy during the week, so try to skip the after-work run and make it a Saturday afternoon picnic instead.
Entrance Fees:
- Free entrance
Open Hours:
- 8.30 am - 5.30 pm
Location:
- Katherine St & Grayston dr, Sandton,
- Google Maps pin here
Contact:
- 082 904 3850
Emmarentia Dam
Emmarentia Dam is a series of dams that make up part of the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens and surrounding parks.
The dam itself has become a home for watersports like canoeing and rowing, while the vast area of lawn is welcoming for those wanting to picnic or braai.
Many species of waterfowl live in the reeds around the dams, and park benches are scattered around the lawn for a patient observation experience.
The lawn areas also host Summer Sunset concerts, with local and international artists, (similar to that of Kirstenbosch in Cape Town).
Entrance Fees:
- Free entrance to park,
- Enquire about entrance fees for Botanical Gardens
Open Hours:
- Sunrise to Sunset
Location:
- Olifants Road, Emmarentia
- Google Maps pin here
Contact:
- 011 712-6600
Brookwood estate
The Brookwood Trout Farm hosts a well-kept picnic area that makes for fantastic summer picnic spot. The picnic area is alongside the Blaaubank Spruit river, which is an excellent place for children to swim in the summer.
The site has braai and picnic facilities ready and available for the whole family. Enjoy this quiet shady picnic venue this season with the family.
Tip: This venue also makes for a great fishing spot while you picnic.
Unfortunately, this site has a strict ‘no pets’ rule, but the tidiness of the park makes up for it.
Entrance Fees:
- Entrance per adult R70
- Children under 12 are R50
- Rod hire R40
- Trout per kg R110
Open Hours:
- Enquire for Operating times and bookings: [email protected]
Location:
- R374, Kromdraai, Krugersdorp
- Google Maps pin here
Contact:
- 072 256 7561
- 082 856 2448
Locations for Picnics only
Parks and gardens that also double as vineyards, farms or are areas of nature conservation, will not allow braaing, but will encourage you to enjoy a picnic and observe the environment around you. Bellow is a list of picnic spots that do not permit braai, but still encourage you to bring in or buy other yummy snacks.
Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens
This natural beauty is an excellent place for family picnics and walks through the gardens. Although the park does not allow bat and ball games, (because of the conservation happening in the area), there is plenty to do, from admiring the variety of plant life and looking for the small mammals and reptiles that call this place home, to a full outdoor gym.
The Gardens have beautiful running streams and a waterfall; the Gardens even hosts a breeding pair of Verreaux's Eagles.
The open lawns make perfect picnic spots for the family after a long day of hiking, walking and observing nature.
Tips: Saturdays and Sundays are the busiest days, and the Gardens are open later than most parks, so try to visit in the afternoon for a quieter experience.
Also check out when concerts are on at the venue, to avoid a disturbed picnic.
Entrance Fees:
- Adults: R45
- Pensioners: R30, free entrance on Tuesday
- Students with valid student cards: R30
- Scholars: R15
- Children under 6 yrs: Free
- BOTSOC members: Free
Open Hours:
- 8 am - 6 pm
Location:
- Malcolm Rd, Poortview, Roodepoort,
- Google Maps pin here
Contact:
- 086 100 1278
Delta Park
Delta has a lot of open space and grassy lawns which are great for picnics.
The park also has three small dams that encourage flourishing plant life near them, as well as a bird sanctuary where you can observe a variety of species of birds. Check out some of the viewing huts scattered around the sanctuary.
The parks border on Delta Park school, and also hosts an environmental centre with courses for children and adults to enjoy.
This park, like many, is popular with dog walkers, so make sure you’re alright with the occasional furry friend coming to say hello during your lunch.
Delta also hosts a Park Run every Saturday morning, so avoid visiting during this period to miss the hustle and bustle, or join the fun by registering here to take part.
Entrance Fees:
- Free entrance
Open Hours:
- 4 am - 10 pm
Location:
- 77 Craighall Rd, Victory Park, Randburg,
- Google Maps pin here
Contact:
- 011 888 4831
Mushroom Farm Park / Hyundai Sky Park
This park is a great getaway for families with kids who want some entertainment over weekends or in the holidays.
The park has many sources of entertainment like an interactive children's play area, outdoor gym and duck pond.
The giant Hyundai balloon, for which the park was renamed, allows you to take balloon rides around the park and provides endless fascination and wonder for children.
Dogs need be on leashes but are still welcome in the park. Tables, chairs, and benches are also available on the site.
Avoid the park on Sunday afternoons to dodge the crowds
Entrance Fees:
- Adults R95
- Kids under 10 pay R65
Open Hours:
- 6 am - 6 pm
Location:
- Sandown, Sandton, Johannesburg,
- Google Maps pin here
Contact:
- 011 784 6881
James and Ethel Gray Park
The James and Ethel Gray Park is named after the historian and former mayor of Johannesburg, James Gray and his wife, Ethel.
The park was initially a bird sanctuary, which is how the area around the park got its name (Birdhaven).
Residents of Birdhaven say that the park has the best views of the sun-rise in the morning, so try to grab a picnic basket and plant your blanket on one of the embankments with a picture of the Johannesburg skyline.
The park has a great mix of lawns and indigenous vegetation.
There are also fantastic walkways and benches for a beautiful walk after your picnic.
Take a look at the Katyn Forest Memorial while you’re there.
Open Hours:
- 6 am - 6 pm
Location:
- Edgewood Avenue & Melrose St, Melrose
- Google Maps pin here
Contact:
- 011 435 4727
The Wilds
This nature reserve offers a picturesque break from the city, filled with great walking paths and colourful benches, and great for a post-picnic hike. The terrain is quite steep, but not too tiresome and gives you fantastic views of the city.
The indigenous vegetation is shown off by the hiking trails and walkways around the park, and charming metal sculptures of native animals willing pop on your walks.
Tip: Many varieties of birds live in the park, so stopping for a bird watching break could be a good idea.
Weekdays are surprisingly busy for the Wilds, but the vegetation can be thick at times, so it’s always safer to walk in groups or visit when the park is busy.
Open Hours:
- 8 am - 6 pm
Location:
- Houghton Estate,
- Google Maps pin here
Contact:
- 011 643 2313
Thanba Eco Hotel
For a more executive picnic outside of the city, try Thanba Hotel’s picnics and drives.
If you’re willing to spend some money, they’re well worth the trip. Organize adults and kids picnic baskets filled with delicious treats for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. A breakfast basket for two, for example, includes:
- Fruit Juice, Coffee or Tea served in a flask with freshly baked rusks
- 750ml Bottle of Still/Sparkling Water
- Muesli, berry compote, nuts and plain yoghurt Jars
- Fresh Seasonal Fruit Skewers
- Pita filled with scrambled egg and bacon
- Haddock and chive Quiche
- Marmite and cheddar cheese scones
- Crunchies/Banana and Blueberry Muffins
The picnics promise secret spots, great views and great picnic spot.
Price:
- R380 for a picnic basket for 2
- R1200 per couple for an executive drive
Open Hours:
- Check availability and book here
Location:
- Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, Impala Rd, Kibler Park,
- Google Maps pin here
Contact:
- 011 959 0777
- 011 784 6881
Toadbury Hall Country Hotel
This venue is excellent for more personal and romantic picnics. You can choose between two spots near the hotel.
One is the beautiful rose and lavender garden, shaded by indigenous trees, and the other is the Otter Trail, on the banks of the river.
Toadbury will set up table, chairs, blanket and cushions for you.
Both venues have the option to order a delicious picnic basket that comes in standard, vegetarian and children’s packages.
An example of their winter picnic menu includes:
- Soup of the day,
- Farm bread,
- Fish cakes,
- Classic Reuben sandwich,
- Vetkoek and mince,
- Grilled beef burrito,
- Marinated vegetable kebabs,
- Cheese straws,
- Dark chocolate mousse with almond praline,
- Glazed fruit tartlets,
- Millionaire’s shortbread and a selection of farm cheeses, savoury biscuits and preserves
Price:
- Enquire about prices here
Location:
- Beyers Naude Drive Ext. Elandsdrift,
- Google Maps pin here
Contact:
- 010 593 7523
Budmarsh Country Lodge
Enjoy a day of tranquility at Budmarsh Lodge. Set up a picnic blanket under the trees with a picnic basket filled by the executive chef with tasty goodies.
The lodge has a ‘no music playing devices’ rule, but this just allows you to appreciate the variety of bird species more, which include Kingfishers.
The Lodge also provides blankets and pillows for our comfort.
Children over the age of 12 are welcome, but there’s a limit of 4 per picnic spot, and the experience is more suited towards couples.
Some of the yummy snacks going into your picnic basket may be:
- Homemade Breads
- Homemade Quiche/Tartlets
- Selection of Cold Meats and asparagus
- Selection of Sandwiches/Wraps
- Selection of Salads
- Scones served with Cream and Jam
- Peppermint / Chocolate Tart
- Assorted Cheeses and Biscuits with
- Homemade chutney
Price:
- R550 per picnic basket for two
Open Hours:
- Picnics are available from 11.30am
Location:
- R96, Magaliesburg
- Google Maps pin here
Contact:
- 011 728 1800
- To book click here
With a whole list of exciting new places to picnic, there’s no excuse not to pay a visit to a new park or botanical garden in your area. Make the most out of these long summer days, try new activities and take a hike, you won’t regret it.
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