Discover 8 of South Africa's Best Picnic Spots - Remember Repellent

1. Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve, Franschhoek (Near Cape Town)

A little gravel road outside Franschhoek will take you to the Franschhoek Pass. Take a 30-minute walk along the Breakfast Rock Tail.

• The trail is moderately steep but quite easy when carrying your picnic. The trail is bursting with fynbos and all things natural.
• Walking the trail is worth your while and not too strenuous. It offers panoramic views of Franschhoek.
• Drinking water from the freshwater springs is an absolute delight!
• Visit the hut from 8am to 5pm. There is an entrance fee of R50 per person.
• Take along plenty of water and sunblock.
• Pack your mozzie repellent. Mozzie bites are no fun when you are enjoying the outdoors.

2. Klein River Cheese, Stanford (Close to Cape Town)

Standford is a typically quaint South African settlement. You can find this little riverside spot in the Overberg district, Western Cape. Stanford is a few kms east of Hermanus. And close to Gansbaai.

• A visit and picnic to the Klein River Cheese farmstead on the outskirts of Stanford is a must!
• Buy a picnic basket overflowing with fresh, delicious produce.
• A selection of 6 handmade cheeses produced on the farm washed down with wine and beer is a must-try.
• Buy a picnic basket brimming with goodies. Or create your very own from the Picnic Shed.
• Order your basket 24-hours before the big outdoor event.
• The kids will love petting and feeding the farm animals.
• There is a little something for everyone at Klein River Cheese.

What Are the Best Picnic Spots in Gauteng?

3. Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden (on the outskirts of Johannesburg)

Spotting the black eagles is a must at least once in your lifetime. This is especially thrilling for bird enthusiasts.

• Escape from the city and enjoy the green spaces at Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden.
• Bring your picnic and enjoy the waterfall's beauty. This is nature at its finest.
• They don't allow any braaiing in the park.
• Entrance is R27 for pensioners and school kids. Children under 6 go for free.
• Adults pay R40. It's worth every penny spent.

4. Emmarentia Dam, Johannesburg, South Africa

This ideal spot is perfect for families, dogs, kids, and walkers. There is plenty of space to enjoy a day out at this perfect picnic spot.

• Take your dog, bike, and kids for a day outdoors.
• Entrance is free for everyone.
• Enjoy water sports such as sailing and canoeing in the north-east section of the gardens.
• Bird lovers can feed the ducks and geese and other waterfowl.
• Pack your picnic, bring along a chair and blanket, or buy a pizza from the little coffee shop.

5. Walkhaven, Muldersdrift (one of Jozi's best kept little secrets)

Walkhaven is a dog's paradise. This park boasts 22 hectares of lush grassland. You will find the park next to the Cradle of Humankind.

• There are two large dams surrounded by wetlands. This is home to a myriad of bird life.
• Picnic or braai to your heart's content throughout the park. Or sit under indigenous trees in the tea garden and enjoy a pizza.
• Entrance is R35 for adults and R20 for kids and pensioners.
• The best part of all is that you can bring your dogs. The perfect family outing for everyone.

What Are the Best Places to Picnic in Kwa-Zulu Natal?

6. Paradise Valley Nature Reserve, Pinetown, South Africa

The exquisite waterfall and wooden bridges make this picnic venue so special.

• Give the kids a history lesson. They erected the Umbilo Waterworks national monument in 1887!
• Take a walk on the wild side. The four trails lead through a beautiful garden picnic area.
• We call the 4 trails Gentle Walk, Mild Walk, Mild-Steep Walk, and Steep Walk. Decide which one's your favourite.
• Pack a picnic or have a braai.
• Pay just R13 for adults, and R10 for kids under

7. Krantzkloof Nature Reserve (Between Pinetown and Hillcrest)

The Krantzkloof Nature Reserve is the perfect place to have a picnic. You will find the reserve between 2 river gorges. There is an overabundance of wildlife.

• The reserve is home to zebra, duiker, monkeys, bushbuck, and spectacular bird life.
• There are over 200 bird species.
• Both picnic areas charge gate fees.
• Take the family for a memorable picnic experience. Do this on the banks of the Molweni River.
• Choose from the many picnic options available.
• Adults pay R25, and kids under 12 R15.

8. Shongweni Dam, Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal

Discover Shongweni Dam Reserve. You will find it in the valley of the uMlazi, uGede, and Sterkspruit Rivers. Enjoy adventure sports at its best.

• Hire a canoe or fish to your heart's content.
• There's a little something for everyone. Jungle gyms for the kids, braai areas.
• You will pay R40 for adults and R30 for kids and pensioners.