Our favourite picnic spots in SA

If you’re penny pinching for the holidays but are in desperate need for some fun, adventure and relaxation then maybe it’s time to host a picnic. It’s a great way to unwind, reconnect with friends and family and enjoy the great outdoors. Best of all, picnics don’t cost much, space is unlimited, cleaning up is quick and decorating is easy because nature does it all for you. So if you’re convinced that it’s time to pack your basket and gather your friends, then read our list of some picnic spots in South Africa that are renowned for their natural beauty and the opportunity they provide for peaceful escapes.

Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden

Founded in 1982, the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden is one of eight in South Africa. It’s a popular outdoor spot because its people manicured lawns are set amidst a nature reserve. Visitors can go bird watching, spot small mammals like antelopes, stake a stroll through their water-wise garden or buy plants at their indigenous nursery and gift shop.

Malcolm Road, Poortview, Roodeport, Johannesburg, Gauteng Tel: +27 (0)11 958 1750

Union Buildings Gardens

With lush gardens surrounding Herbet Baker buildings, beautiful indigenous flowers and trees and nooks that lovers can pucker into, the Union Buildings gardens are the perfect backdrop for a romantic picnic.

Government Avenue, Pretoria, Gauteng

Happy Valley

Port Elizabeth’s parks and nature reserves are amongst the best in the country. One of our favourites is Happy Valley. Adjacent to Humewood Beach, one of South Africa’s oldest blue flag beaches, it offers stunning views of the beachfront. With beautiful grassy areas it’s a great place to picnic, sun bath or unwind after a day of swimming, snorkeling or fishing in Humewood.

Across the road from Humewood Beach, Beach Road, Port Elizabeth.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens

With indigenous flora and beautifully manicured rolling lawns, Kirstenbosch is listed as one of the great botanical gardens of the world. The Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden also hosts music concerts and other events throughout the year, where people can picnic while being entertained.

Rhodes Drive, Newlands, Cape Town. Tel: +27 (0)21 799 8783

Vredefort Dome

In 2005 Unesco declared the Veredefort Dome a World Heritage Site because of geological history. Billions of years ago an asteroid hit the Vredefort and it’s reportedly one of the largest to ever strike Earth. Visitors to the Vredefort Dome can find a spot to braai or picnic after viewing some of the Iron Age archeological remains in the area.