The weather in South Africa is warming up, making it ideal to venture out for a summer picnic in Cape Town. There are so many breathtaking landscapes all around the region ranging from beaches to mountains that it’s difficult to choose the right spot. Furthermore, you need to either make or buy some delicious foods! We’ve compiled the perfect “ingredients” to make your summer picnic experience special.
Location, Location, Location
Beaches
St James
St. James is a town nearby Muizenberg that is so small, you almost miss it driving through. You’ll notice a bridge going underneath the railway which leads to the pools in St James. A wonderful beach awaits with colourful sheds and plenty of swimming opportunities for children.
Where: Muizenberg
Entry: Free
Oude Kraal Beach
This is a somewhat hidden gem with lots of nooks to hide from the wind and set up a spectacular family picnic. Swimming is allowed along with outdoor cooking, so feel free! We recommend opting for a sunrise or sunset picnic when you can secure a secluded stretch of sand.
Where: Atlantic Seaboard
Entry: R30 Adults
Maiden’s Cove
A more romantic option, this tiny beach is recommended for a less crowded experience. The only obstacle you’ll have is the tide which leaves little room when it’s high but otherwise you’re sheltered and surrounded by birdlife nesting on the cliffside.
Where: Atlantic Seaboard
Entry: Free
Mountains and Cliffs
Newlands Forest
For this small entry fee there are outdoor cooking facilities and picnic tables available! You can also meander through the forest on very easy walking trails with some more strenuous paths leading further into the mountains all the way to places like Devil’s Peak.
Entry: R25 Adults; R15 Children
Table Mountain
Of course Table Mountain is a must on any trip to Cape Town but there is so much to explore once up there. Several hiking trails lead from the top through to other reserves and picnics can be had among the fynbos, being careful to leave the vegetation pristine.
Entry: Morning: R330 Adults and R165 Children; Afternoon: R290 Adults and R145 Children. These rates significantly drop depending on whether you’re hiking up or down instead of using the cable car.
Botanical Gardens and Nature Reserves
Photo Credit: Rhino Africa
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
This is a favourite of ours because of its abundance of wildlife, hiking trails and fynbos. You can choose to sit anywhere in the gardens and with the use of a map from the entrance, you can locate flora you’d like to see or even try to find the elusive baby owls during season.
Entry: R70 Adults; R20 Under 18yrs; Free Children Under 6yrs
Silvermine Nature Reserve
A superb place for a summer picnic in the Cape where you can park yourself next to the dam at allocated spots. Hiking is also encouraged here as the entire reserve is open to you, offering several trails that are clearly marked. To find the entrance of each, obtain a map from the entrance.
Entry: R122 Adults; R61 Children
Pre-packed Wine Farm Picnics
Delheim
Picnics are hosted here from the 3rd of September to the 30th of April before the South African autumn sets in. Pick up your pre-ordered authentic basket from the restaurant. The price for each basket/box is below but the individual menus can be found on the website of each estate.
Where: Stellenbosch, along the banks of the Klip River where birdlife serenades you.
Picnic Cost: Meaty Basket: R 290; Easy Basket: R250; Vegetarian Basket: R250; Kids Basket: R80. Each basket serves two people.
Warwick
This lush estate offers sophisticated lunches as well as “Big 5” experiences – except that the five in question here are their grape varieties. Hop on a safari vehicle and get a vineyard tour like no other!
Where: Stellenbosch, in a picnic “pod”, under the trees, on the deck or on the forest courtyard of the restaurant. You can also book the “penthouse” which is a full-service venue and provides 360-degree views.
Picnic Cost: Gourmet Picnic: R550 (2pax)/R300 (1pax); Vegan or Vegetarian: R550 (2pax)/R300 (1pax); Kid’s Picnic: R125 per child.
Photo Credit: Rhino Africa
Boschendal
This organic farm-to-table estate offers two kinds of picnics, one in the Rhone Rose Garden, which is more upscale and intimate, and the other on the Werf farm lawns which caters more to families with children.
Where: Franschhoek, either in the Rhone Garden under the shade of ancient oak trees or the Werf farm lawn with bean bags and hammocks.
Picnic Cost: Rhone Rose Garden: R520 Adults and R105 Children; Werf Farm: R460, R270 Vegetarian (1pax) and R105 Children
Cape Point Vineyards
This gem on the peninsula provides insights into the region’s heritage and has a winery that prepares a delicious summer picnic to be enjoyed on the lawns. Book easily online and absorb ocean, mountain and dam views all in one place.
Where: Cape Point, on the lawns of the winery overlooking the dam.
Picnic Cost: R400 per basket (2pax). Special arrangements can be made if 20 baskets or more are needed.
Pack Your Own
If you’re really into making your own we say, do it right! You can do this buy purchasing fresh produce and treats at markets like the Oranjezicht City Farm Market at the V&A Waterfront or any of the other Cape Town food markets. Your support makes a difference to these communities and sustainable sourcing impacts the wildlife positively.
Make your way to Cape Town now for an unforgettable wildlife experience while enjoying a summer picnic on the coast, on the mountains or in the winelands.