Top Cape Town picnic spots
When Cape Town’s weather is showing off, it’s a must to head outside. Good thing there’s so much to do in this part of the world! You could go cycling, hiking or swimming. If you prefer lazier pastimes, a picnic might just be the way to spend some time in the sun.
Here are some of the most popular picnic spots in and around Cape Town:
De Waal Park
You’ll find De Waal Park in the heart of the Mother City, flanked by Upper Orange and Camp Street. There are more than enough space to spread your blanket, with huge trees offering ample shade on a particularly hot today. Dogs can run around freely and take a dip in the fountain in the centre of the park. Go on Sundays for their free summer concert series.
Entrance: Free
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Kirstenbosch is known the world over for its multitude of fauna and flora species. Nestled against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, the views – in all directions – are spectacular. There is hectare upon hectare of sprawling lawn, just waiting to welcome you and your picnic basket.
Take a stroll afterwards to work off some of that cheese and crackers, and to enjoy everything the garden has to offer.
Entrance: R50 for adults; R25 for students; R10 for children between the ages of 6 – 17; Free for children under the age of 6 and BOTSOC members
Silvermine Nature Reserve
The beautiful surroundings of Silvermine, located in the Table Mountain National Park, makes for a spectacular day out. When you get out of your car, head to the large reservoir. It’s only a short walk away, with plenty of grass banks, benches and tables for picnics. When the sun gets too hot, jump in the reservoir to cool down.
Entrance: R40 for adults; R20 for children.
West Coast National Park
Travel roughly 100km along the R27 from Cape Town and you’ll find the West Coast National Park to your left. This is where you want to be if you need to get out of the city. The landscape is picturesque, the water blue and the beaches pristine. Kraalbaai specifically is a great spot for a picnic on the beach. You can easily extend your visit to the West Coast by booking a spot in a B&B in Langebaan, one of the more popular towns along this coast and one that’s only a stone’s throw away.
Entrance: R42 for adults; R21 for children.
Need some inspiration for your picnic basket? Then look at these delicious ideas from Woman’s Day. Buy wine online to pair it with or simply pack your favourite juice. Light wines work best for summer, so pick a sauvignon blanc, like the ones from Constantia Glen or Buitenverwachting, or a rosé. Diemersdal and Mulderbosch both have lovely rosé’s for under R100.
If you do choose wine, remember to check whether you’re preferred picnic spot allows alcohol on the premises.
All that’s left to do, is picking your favourite spot from the list and packing your picnic basket. Then go and enjoy the pleasures of a warm Cape Town summer afternoon.