International Picnic Day is celebrated on 18 June in many countries worldwide. Although its natural origins are not known, the casual food fun can be traced back to the end of the French Revolution and the Victorian Era. It is a day for feasting, friends, family, and the great outdoors.
Cape Town is home to plenty of mountainside picnic spots that offer built-in braai facilities/fireplaces and partial shelter from the chill via the surrounding leafy forests and burly mountain peaks.
Top 10 Most Serenic Picnic Spots in Cape Town
We’ve rounded up a list of some of the most scenic picnic spots in Cape Town and their surroundings to enable you to have an enjoyable experience.
Try a Fairytale Escape in Newlands
This enchanting garden is in the heart of Newlands and has a river that runs through it, picnic tables and chairs made out of tree stumps, and trails to walk along, The Upper Liesbeek River Garden is a great natural paradise spot in the middle of the city for your next family outing, dog walk, or a serene escape from the city.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is well known for its diverse flora and its beautiful setting against the Eastern slopes of Table Mountain.
The gardens open between 9 am and 6 pm in both summer and winter, and it’s an enjoyable spot for picnics, right on the hectares of sprawling lawns (you can bring your basket or pre-order from Moyo restaurant – call +27 (0)21 762 9585).
Open-air concerts are enjoyable on Sunday evenings during summer, with a loaded picnic basket in tow. You must pay to enter the gardens; an adult ticket costs R60p/p and R25 per child (7-17 years old). Also, students and pensioners are eligible for discounts.
Blaauwklippen Wine Farm
This estate has a lot of beauty to offer. You can have an amazing picnic time with your family, have a romantic afternoon with your loved ones, getting enough relaxation and peace.
At Blaauwklippen Bistro, the chefs cater to delicious picnic dishes with a variety of amazing tastes that best complement your amazing time. The platters are paired perfectly with the very best Blaauwklippen wines.
The opening hours are:
The summer season is from 1 October to 30 April between 10 am to 6 pm and between 10 am to 5 pm on public holidays.
The winter season is from 1 May to 30 September between 10 am to 5 pm.
To have a pleasant experience, the costs are R220 per adult and R75 for children.
Note: Kindly book at least 24 hours in advance to avoid disappointments by calling +27 (0)21 880 8221 or mailing events@blaauwklippen.com
Table Mountain
Table Mountain was recently named one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature and is also recognized as falling within a World Heritage Site. Table Mountain supports over 1500 plant species.
Table Mountain boasts panoramic views of Cape Town and its surrounds, making it an idyllic picnic spot.
Aerial cableway tickets can be purchased at the office or online via Webtickets.co.za.
A one-way ticket costs R125p/p for adults and R60p/p for children under 18
A return ticket goes for R255p/p and R125p/p respectively (online tickets are slightly cheaper)
Kids under the age of four rides for free
Alternatively, you can hike up with your picnic gear through Skeleton Gorge, Platteklip Gorge, or Nursery Ravine.
Durbanville Hills Cellar
The picnic spot at Durbanville Hills Wines is the perfect location to place your bare feet on the lawn and re-energize after the long, cold winter. Relax those tired bones and unroll on the beautifully tailored blankets and comfy pillows while away the afternoon with a complimentary bottle of Durbanville Hills Merlot Rose.
The picnic spot promises hand-woven baskets filled with delicious artisanal foods. The picnics are available from October until the end of April and cost R310 for two people, including a bottle of Durbanville Hills Merlot Rose, and the kiddies’ picnic is charged at R75 each.
Note: Bookings are required at least 24 hours in advance during the week, and for weekend picnics orders, please book on Fridays by noon.
Buffels Bay and Bordjiesdrif at Cape Point
Cape Point, the most southwesterly tip of Africa, has some of the highest sea cliffs and freshest ocean air in the world, and it’s home to a variety of animals, including chacma baboons and Cape mountain zebra.
Beautiful beaches surround grassy picnic sites and a few safe tidal pools too. Throughout the year, the reserve is open between 9 am and 5:30 pm for the entire year. The entrance fee is:
R65p/p for adults
R35p/p for children aged between 2 and 12 years.
Eagle’s Nest
Eagle’s Nest is clasped in a secluded valley high up on the slopes of the historic Constantia mountain range, which forms part of the World Heritage Site, Table Mountain.
Eagle’s Nest is a beautiful farm and an ideal place for a family picnic. The picnics are self-service- you collect your picnic basket and enjoy your afternoon on the lawns.
This offering costs:
R395 a basket for two adults
R95 per kiddies baskets.
Picnics are served between 10 am and 4 pm, are available throughout the summer, and are weather dependent.
Note: every adult basket should be accompanied by a bottle purchased on the farm.
Silvermine Nature Reserve
The Silvermine Nature Reserve is part of the Table Mountain National Park, which claims a large reservoir and allows Capetonians to picnic along its pretty banks.
Other activities in the area include:
mountain biking
bird watching
rock climbing
hiking
Silvermine opens between:
7 am and 6 pm during the summer months
8 am and 5 pm during winter
The entrance paying fees are:
R45 for adults
R25 for children under the age of 12
Oudekraal Beach
Oudekraal Beach is situated between Camps Bay and Llandudno, set against the backdrop of the Twelve Apostles mountain range. Oudekraal Beach is a stunning, private boulder-enclosed beach and one of Cape Town’s best-kept secrets.
Many grassy picnic sites under milkwood trees are ideal for relaxing alfresco meals with family and friends.
The entrance into this private zone costs: R35p/p (R20p/kid). The beach opens:
Between 8 am and 6 pm every day
Between 1 June and 1 October, only on weekends.
Wynberg Park
The Wynberg Park is based at the start of the Krakeelwater river. It is a 22-hectare park that boasts:
an attractive conifer garden
a kids’ play area
a selection of lawns ideal for picnics with family and friends.
The garden is open:
During summer, between 8 am and 7 pm daily
During winter, between 8 am and 6 pm daily
