6 SWEET PICNIC HOTSPOTS

Kids, grown-ups, teddy bears… everyone loves a good picnic. Snacking on simple comfort food while enjoying the summer breeze and taking in marvellous scenery is an idyllic experience, particularly when you’re in a place as beautiful as the Western Cape.

Whether you’re looking for a place to chill with the kids or want to treat your beau to a romantic lunch,  here are six tourist hotspots in and around the Mother City to lay down your checked blanket.

1. Kirstenbosch Gardens

Thanks to its diverse and multicoloured flora, the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens offers ample picnic-ready spots. In summer, there’s also weekly entertainment in the form of sunset concerts and film screenings.

OF NOTE
When Daily 8 am – 7 pm
Where Rhodes Drive, Newlands
Cost R15 to R60 via Webtickets
Contact +27 21 799 8783/+27 21 799 8899, [email protected], sanbi.org

2. Company’s Garden

Along with a restaurant owned by Madame Zingara, Company’s Garden is a great place to settle down with a packed lunch. Admire the aviary with its myriad birds or get your zen in order at the Japanese garden.

OF NOTE
When Daily 07:30 am – 8:30 pm
Where 19 Queen Victoria Street, CBD
Cost Free
Contact +27 21 487 6800 (Cape Town Tourism)

3. Silvermine Nature Reserve

Based in the Table Mountain National Park, Silvermine Nature Reserve offers a bevy of activities, including mountain biking and rock climbing. If you’re not up for  physical exertion, you can always picnic along the banks of the area’s expansive and eye-catching reservoir.

OF NOTE
When Daily 7 am – 7 pm
Where Off Ou Kaapse Weg, between Fish Hoek and the Southern Suburbs
Cost R25 to R45
Contact +27 21 780 9002/+27 21 712 7471, sanparks.org

4. Signal Hill

Whether you want a romantic evening admiring the sunset or an afternoon of tapas with your mates, Signal Hill has you covered. Drive up with your picnic gear or take the Sunset Bus Tour, and enjoy a relaxing few hours with family and friends.

OF NOTE
When Daily
Where Top of Signal Hill Road, starting in CBD
Cost Free
Contact +27 21 487 6800 (Cape Town Tourism)

5. Cape Point

Cape Point makes for a great retreat away from the CBD. It’s two most popular areas for picnics and braais are Buffels Bay and Bordjiesdrif, overlooking the False Bay area. Complete with grassy spots, braai areas and safe tidal pools, the reserve is perfect for a family outing.

OF NOTE
When Daily 6 am – 6 pm 
Where Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point Road, Cape Town
Cost R135 (12 years and older), R70 (2-11 years old)
Contact +27 21 780 9010, [email protected], capepoint.co.za

6. Bontebok National Park

With the Breede River running through it, Swellendam’s Bontebok National Park is a glorious setting for a picnic. The banks of the river offer plenty of space for a friendly gathering, and there are numerous braai spots dotted around the park.

OF NOTE
When Daily 7 am – 7 pm 
Where Bontebok National Park, 6 km from Swellendam
Cost R18-R100
Contact +27 28 514 2735, [email protected], sanparks.org

Photography Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Gareth van Nelson/HSMimages.com, Silvermine Nature Reserve, Joshua Craig White, Cape Point, Bontebok National Park – SANParks