With the winter chill gone and spring already sprung, it’s time to embrace the summer sun and explore the nature around you.

Get to know some of the fantastic picnic spots in your area, from the most popular ones like the National Botanical Gardens to the lesser known historical hot-spots, like Rooihuiskraal Historical Terrain or the nature lover's paradise, Groenkloof Nature Reserve.

Make sure that you experience the warm weather to its fullest, and get the braais warmed up and the picnic baskets fully stocked.

Don't forget to check what's happening in Pretoria today and this weekend

Many places in Pretoria encourage you to make use of their braai facilities, or welcome you to bring your own. These are the best braai and picnic spots in Pretoria.

The Bronkhorstspruit Dam Nature Reserve

For those visiting ‘Bronkies’ (the nickname of the resort given to it by its frequent visitors), there are three avenues of entertainment.

Fishing enthusiasts are welcome to fish the large population of Bass in the dam or challenge themselves with the carp and yellowfish that use this site as a mating ground.

Visitors who enjoy water sports also use the dam for jet-skiing, boating or wakeboarding in the summer season. Windboarders can also be occasionally spotted surfing the dam when the weather's hot and the wind is strong.

Birders can look out for the more than 20 species of birds and water-fowls near the dam. Seasonal migrations and changes can mean that different species will be present and different times of the year. The dam is surrounded on most sides by green lawn, perfect for picnics and braais.

Tip: remember to wear plenty of sunscreen or bring an umbrella or gazebo with as shade around the dam is scarce.

Plenty of accommodation options are available near the dam if you want to extend your trip, from camping sites to chalets.

Entrance Fees:

• Adult: R 22.00
• Child: R 11.00
• Pensioner: R 11.00

Open Hours:

• Summer ( September - April): 7 am - 6 pm
• Winter ( May - August): 7 am - 5 pm

Location:

• Off the R42, Unnamed road, Bronkhorstspruit
• Google Maps pin here

Contact:

• 071 671 8605

Fountains Valley

This historical site hosts the beautiful “The Long March to Freedom” sculpture garden featuring life-sized sculptures of South African leaders that are often photographed and admired.

The picnic facilities include braai-facilities with grids, as well as a swimming pool for guests to enjoy. Guests can also picnic under the shade of large witstinkhout trees or near the river and children can enjoy the play-park nearby.

This resort is also a caravan park, so be wary of coming to visit on holidays, as it might be a little crowded.

Entrance Fees:

• 0 to 6 years (pre-school ) : R12,00
• 7 to 12 years (per child) : R20,00
• 13 years and older : R32,00
• 60 years and older : R20,00

Open Hours:

• 8 am - 7 pm

Location:

• Fountains Rd, Groenkloof 358-Jr,
• Google Maps pin here

Contact:

• 012 440 2121

Groenkloof Nature Reserve

Just next to Fountains Valley is a fantastic outdoor experience that's perfect for hikers, cyclists and families just looking for a day out.

Groenkloof is the oldest nature reserve in the country after President Kruger proclaimed it a nature reserve in 1895 to protect the local grazers from hunting.

Now it is home to all types of fauna like zebra, jackal, duiker, kudu, impala, blue wildebeest, blesbuck, red hartebeest, ostrich, giraffe and sable.

The reserve hosts three hiking trails, 4,5 km, 3,5km and 10,5 km in length, catering for various fitness levels. There are also cycling routes, horse riding routes and day and night 4 x 4 routes throughout the reserve.

The reserve encourages visitors to use the picnic site only after going through one of their hiking trails.

They also remind you to bring your braai wood if you want to use the braai facilities.

There is also accommodation for overnight experiences.

Entrance Fees:

• Adults (18 years or older): R 38,00
• Pensioners and disabled persons (60 years or older) : R 22,00
• School children (7 - 17 years old) : R 22,00
• Preschool children (0 - 6 years) : R 11,00

Open Hours:

• 5.30 am - 7 pm

Location:

• 335/M7 Eeufees Rd
• Google Maps pin here

Contact:

• 012 440 8316

Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve

You’ll never run out of things to do at the Rhino and lion park in Krugersdorp.

The park, which is halfway between Johannesburg and Pretoria, is home to many species of big cat and rhino as well as many rare species of birds like the Cape Vulture.

Weekends are a great time to visit with public feeding times for lions and cheetah, so a game drive is sure to get great views of the big cats. A live snake display, by a snake training professional , happens most days of the week with insight into the behaviour and nature of the reptiles.

Join a cheetah talk soon after, with a live demonstration of cheetahs speed and agility.

The Rhino and Lion Park is also home to the animal creche, where young orphaned or abandoned animals are raised.

For an additional fee, you can pet or be photographed with the animals.

Guests can also see Hippos from the walkways above the Hippo pools. Other great activities at the park include;

• Waterfowl park
• Reptile park
• 4x4 route
• Predator camp
• African garden
• Self-guided game drives are available, or you can be taken by an insightful game ranger.

The vulture restaurant is a unique experience to see. Local farmers donate carcases which are laid out for the vultures to feed. It's a very unusual sight to see more than thirty vultures feeding on animal carcasses all in one place with your own eyes.

The excellent braai facilities are safe and fenced off from the rest of the reserve, and a grid can be rented from the kiosk, while wood and snacks can also be bought there.

Enjoy cooling off in the pool area, while the kids can play on the jungle gym.

We highly suggest making use of overnight accommodation at this park to experience all the activities available fully.

Entrance Fees:

• Adults: R160
• Pensioners: R130
• Children: R120.

Open Hours:

• 8 am - 4 pm

Location:

• 20 Kromdraai Road, Kromdraai, Krugersdorp,
• Google Maps pin here

Contact:

• 011 957 0349

Nkwe Pleasure Resort

Nkwe Caravan Park & Picnic Spot is a great place for a day-long picnic adventure.

The park has got everything you need for those hot summer days with a waterfall and rock pools to cool off, nine lapas to braai under and great lawns for your picnics.

The kiosk at the resort sells wood, charcoal, sweets and ice cream for your enjoyment. Relax on your picnic blanket next to the river while the kids play at the jungle gym and run around on the lawn.

Enjoy a day of family and relaxation at this spectacular picnic spot and avoid the heat this summer.

Entrance Fees:

• R60 (Day visit)
• Kids under 10: R20

Open Hours:

• 8 am - 5 pm

Location:

• Nkwe Rd, Tierpoort
• Google Maps pin here

Contact:

• 012 811 5231

Rooihuiskraal Historical Terrain

Rooihuiskraal is an excellent spot for a traditional afternoon picnic. The farm has historical significance because of its use during the first Anglo-Boer war, but today it houses a handful of farm animals that guests can pet or feed.

Enjoy the wide open spaces with a picnic on the lawn. The farm offers braai facilities, benches and tables for picnics and is an excellent location for family gatherings and braais.

Relax and let the kids enjoy the play-park while you lie down in the shade of the trees.

Try to visit in the afternoon, when the temperature is colder. While there is shade,it can be challenging to find a shady spot to set up your picnic on a busy day. Sundays are quieter than Saturdays.

Entrance Fees:

• 0 to 6 years : R11.00
• 7 to 12 years : R18.00
• 13 years and older : R30.00
• 60 years and older : R19.00

Open Hours:

• 8 am - 7 pm

Location:

• Rooihuiskraal North, Centurion
• Google Maps pin here

Contact:

• 076 519 4717

Wonderboom Nature Reserve

Wonderboom gets its unique name from the ancient fig tree that grows on the nature reserve. This thousand-year-old fig tree has grown to an enormous size, and its branches have sunk into the ground and produced sister trees.

This magnificent tree has a unique story behind it. It is believed to be the burial place of a great local chief, whose spirit allows the tree to grow so large.

Because of this, the local people think the tree is sacred. After a great fire in 1870, it was severely damaged and lost most of its size, but today it still has a sizeable 5.5m diameter trunk, with seven daughter trees sprouting from its branches.

This fascinating tree is surrounded by gorgeous foliage that has been worked into hiking trails for visitors, which lead past the ruins of the Wonderboom Fort and fantastic views of Pretoria.

Enjoy a peaceful walk through the forest ending in a picnic near their braai facilities.

Entrance Fees:

• Adults : R31.00
• School children: R18,00
• Pre-school children : R30,00
• Pensioners : R19,00

Open Hours:

• 7 am - 7 pm

Location:

• Wonderboom, Pretoria
• Google Maps pin here

Contact:

• 012 543 0918

Hennops Pride Resort

This resort is a fantastic picnic spot for families trying to get away from the city. The facilities are very child-friendly and provide fun entertainment while you braai and picnic.

The resort has 9 pools, chalets, a camping site, trampolines, putt putt courses and a jungle gym.

Adults can also enjoy fishing, hiking through their trails, experiencing their 4x4 routes, shady picnic areas with lovely green lawns and well-kept braai areas.

Remember to bring your own grid and wood if you want to make use of the braai area.

Avid birders can also enjoy the wide variety of bird life in the area, but the resort is mostly just a tranquil place to relax and enjoy family.

While you might not enjoy as much fauna and flora as that of a nature reserve, you can definitely relax and let your hair down at Derdepoort.

Entrance Fees:

• Adults : R100.00
• School children: R30.00
• Pensioners : R70.00

Open Hours:

• 7 am - 5 pm

Location:

• Pretoria Rural, Centurion
• Google Maps pin here

Contact:

• 083 288 9915

Whether you're enjoying a romantic picnic, want to relax in the shade, or simply want to embrace the nature around you, check out this list of ‘picnic only’ areas around Pretoria.

Ga Rouge

If you’re keen to have your picnic basket packed for you with yummy and delicious treats, Ga rouge is the place for you. They offer unique picnic menus for families or couples.

Their beautiful lawns provide a great picnic set up with shady trees and a peaceful atmosphere.

Like the menu suggests, this site is suited for families looking for a quiet day out or couples looking for an out of the ordinary romantic date.

Flowers and a special pre-setup can be arranged beforehand for an extra romantic flair.

Enjoy a glass of wine while you listen to the sounds of singing birds the kids playing on the jungle gym in the distance. Their menu for couples includes;

• A choice between Local Brut, White, Red Or Rose wine from the house selection Available to you. Non-alcoholic options also available on request
• Blanket per basket included for your use.
• Meatballs on a stick, chicken kebabs cheese & chilli bites
• Indian flavoured samosas
• Chicken pastry pies, sausage rolls & sips
• Variety of savoury quiche slices
• Seasonal fruit kebabs
• Canapes with a variety of toppings (3x2) cold meat plate
• Local selected cheeses, pate & biscuits
• Milk tartlets, chocolate brownies peppermint crisp caramel tartlets

Fees:

• R550 for couples picnic basket
• R650 for family picnic basket ( for two adults and two kids)

Open Hours:

• 10 am - 10 pm (Tuesday to Friday)
• 9 am -10pm (Saturdays)
• 9 am - 4 pm (Sundays)

Location:

• 1795 Stone Hedge Road, Brakfontein
• Google Maps pin here

Contact:

• 079 432 5795

Pretoria National Botanical Garden

As host to the South African National Biodiversity Institute, the Pretoria botanical gardens are a treasure trove of biodiversity, conservation and variety. Explore the year-round variety of flowers from marked walkways and paths.

The gardens are a home for peace and tranquility and also have areas of lawn that are perfect for picnics. A small waterfall makes a great backdrop for romantic picnics or family days out.

The gardens are also home to a tea house, great for packing the picnic basket.

Parkruns also happen every saturday morning, so if you’re looking to avoid the rush, visit a little later in the day or join in the run by registering here.

Sundays are fairly quiet, so it’s a great day to experience the park without too many people around.

Entrance Fees:

• Adults: R33
• Students: R20
• Children: R15
• Under 6 years: Free
• SA Senior Citizens (with ID): Free Tues

Open Hours:

• 8 am - 6 pm

Location:

• 2 Cussonia Ave, Brummeria
• Google Maps pin here

Contact:

• 012 843 5071

Burgers Park

Burgers Park is the oldest park in Pretoria, build in 1892 by a botanist and the owner of the Melrose House Museum, it was once a camping site for the Voortrekkers before the establishment of Pretoria.

The park is now renowned for its neat lawns, well kept gardens and peacefulness.

The park is close to the National Museum of Natural History as well as the World War One museum, so visit the park could become a day-long historical outing for the whole family.

A great break from the city and a trip back in time for anyone who visits it, this park is a fit place for a traditional old-school picnic.

Entrance Fees:

• Free

Open Hours:

• 7 am - 7.30 pm

Location:

• Thabo Sehume St & Jacob Maré Streets
• Google Maps pin here

Contact:

• 012 358 0524

Springbok Park

The springbok park a time-old tradition with some new additions. The springbok park is a mostly-indigenous park with winding paths and brightly coloured flowers and cycads spotting the path.

The park has the iconic three springboks leaping over the entrance.

If you visit the park at the right time of year, you might be lucky enough to catch a sea of orange blossoms blooming over the hills, with the likeness to Cape Town’s Namaqualand.

In recent years, a popular Dros restaurant has opened near the park, which makes fantastic post-picnic milkshakes on hot days.

While the park is open 24/7, it's not recommended that you visit the park after dark.

Entrance Fees:

• Free

Open Hours:

• Open 24 hours

Location:

• Grosvenor St, Hatfield
• Google Maps pin here

Contact:

• 012 358 0495

Venning Park

Named after John Harold Venning, a former municipal parks director, Venning Park was formerly called Eastwood Square and is an excellent break from the hassle of the city.

Venning park, much like some of the botanical gardens around Gauteng, has a fabulous selection of flora.

Their speciality is roses, with over 30 species and over 3000 roses around the park.

This gorgeous array of colour and blossoms offers a magical backdrop for a picnic. Lay out your picnic on green lawns surrounded by fountains and water features, and take in the gentle beauty of the rose garden.

The park is within walking distance from a Woolworths Foodmarket and Harrie's Pancakes, which are both notoriously good at providing picnic snacks to top up your basket.

The park can get busy on Saturdays, but if you get there at lunchtime, you can slip in before the afternoon rush.

Entrance Fees:

• Free

Location:

• Eastwood St, Arcadia,
• Google Maps pin here

Contact:

• 012 344 3840

Magnolia dell park

This park is the Cinderella of Pretoria picnic gardens. Once a soil dumping site for roadworks for the municipality, the park is now a sweeping landscape of magnolia trees, lush lawns and all accompanied by a small running stream the stretches across the park.

With tall shady trees, large areas of rolling lawn and a jungle gym for the kids, this park is the perfect for picnics.

Enjoy a casual walk along the Walkerspruit river, followed by a picnic on the lawn and perhaps a visit to Huckleberry’s restaurant for their legendary coffee.

This park also has a popular Arts and Crafts market on the lawn.

Entrance Fees:

• Free

Open Hours:

• Open 24 hours

Location:

• Queen Wilhelmina Drive & University Rd, Bailey's Muckleneuk,
• Google Maps pin here

Contact:

• 012 358 0495

Jan Cilliers park

Jan Cilliers park is as poetic as the man it was named after. This garden is one of the most loved parks in Pretoria and is often praised for its beauty, variety and cleanliness.

It mainly consists of indigenous plants and trees that slope into small ponds and rivers around the park. Because of the sloping nature of the landscape, visitors get a wide variety of views, from flat lawns to shady tree areas to swampy reeds on the edge of pools.

The park is well maintained and guests enjoy hosting events like birthday parties and wedding photography sessions here.

Jan Cilliers is also a dog-friendly park, but it won’t be much of a challenge for larger or more energetic canines.

Enjoy a summer picnic in the shade of a large tree and invite the family to join you for a day out in nature.

The park has public toilets that are well kept.

Entrance Fees:

• Free

Open Hours:

• Open 24 hours

Location:

• Corner and, Wenning St & Broderick St,
• Google Maps pin here

Contact:

• 012 358 0495

Now that the season is here, it’s time to get out there and explore your area. Find new places to take the family for their next outing, or scout your next romantic date spot but don’t forget the picnic blanket and the sunblock.

Our vision at Vibescout is to provide the most relevant, current and comprehensive information.

If you feel we've missed something amazing or have any suggestions regarding our system, we would love to hear from you! Contact: info (at) vibescout.com