Text:  Chris Davies. Article from the December 2013 issue of Getaway Magazine.

If you’re in Cape Town this Braai Day (24 September, if you’ve had your head in a pile of charcoal these last eight years), and you still don’t know where to braai, I’ve put together a few options to help you make up your mind.

Those enjoying fairer weather across the rest of South Africa might find a more appropriate suggestion further down… just keep scrolling past the cape-centric spots until something catches your eye…

Personally, I reckon it’s going to be chaos out there wherever you are, and my braai is going to be big and bright and in my own back yard. But if braving the crowds is your thing, then get moving early (what a great excuse for a breakfast braai!) or chances are you’re not going to find a spot. Braai Day is going to be bigger than ever this year.

Buffels Bay, Cape Point

For the views alone, the braai spots at Buffels Bay and Bordjiesdrif, in the Cape Point section of Table Mountain National Park, are my favourite (well, after silvermine anyway). Sometimes the baboons can be a bit pesky, and you don’t want to be there in the teeth of the south-easter, but on a fine winter’s day the wind is usually light and the baboons are unlikely to be a nuisance with so many people about. The braai spots will be open from 7am to 5pm on Braai Day (it’s 6am to 6pm in the summer months), and you’ll need to bring your own grid and wood, etc. Park entry tickets are R90 for adults and R40 for kids between 2 and 11 years. The friendly ladies on the SANParks switchboard will give you more info on 021 780 9204 and other park activities can be found on the SANParks website.

Klippies Bay & Sparks Bay, Kogelberg

I admit I’ve only ever picnicked here and have, so far, never gotten a fire going. But there are braai sites, and great views, and the sound of the sea slapping over the stones just metres from the stands. If you’re coming along Clarence Drive from Gordon’s Bay towards Rooi Els, you can’t miss the main Kogel Bay beach and campsite about half way between the two. The Kogel Bay campsite is a beautiful braai spot in its own right, but you will have to pay camping fees to enter. A few hundred metres further towards Rooi Els, you’ll find the day camps and braai spots. Keep going past the tidal pool, which can get incredibly busy in summer, and the next right is Klippies Bay. I suggest you take the next right after that into the small car park at Sparks Bay. There’s a rough track that leads down to the braai sites and you can park right next to your stand. I often drive past this spot in winter and see just one or two cars and a single plume of braai smoke. It can get busy(ish) in good weather, but if you catch it at the right time this is one of most tranquil public braai spots in the Cape. At this time of year there’s a good chance you’ll see some whales too. (For the smaller ‘fish’ bring a rod – fishing from the shore is allowed and you might even get something for the braai…)

A few more options

Silvermine Reserve, Cape Town 

Entrance: R15 per adult, R10 per child, R15 per vehicle.

Times: 7am to 6pm.

Tel: 021 712 7471.

Wynberg park:

Entrance: Free.

Times: 8am to 6pm.

Tel: 021 097 4203

Maiden’s Cove:

Entrance: Free.

Location: Between Clifton and Glen Beach

…and now for my top six braai spots from last year, all across South Africa…

 1. Silvermine, Cape Town

This picnic site in Table Mountain National Park could be the most relaxing braai spot in South Africa. Although more than 40 sites lie scattered around the Silvermine reservoir, they are so well positioned, nestled in discreet rocky hollows and tucked behind thriving fynbos, you’ll feel as if you have the place all to yourself. Keep in mind that because of concerns over run-away veld fires this is a winter-only braai venue, though the site remains open for picnics year round.

Cost: R25 adults, R10 kids under 12 (Wild Card holders are free).

Gate times: 07h00 to 19h00.

Tel: 021-780-9002

Need to know: Swimming in the reservoir is allowed so bring your cozzie.

 2. Groenkloof Nature Reserve, Tshwane

With a selection of hiking and mountainbiking trails, a 4×4 route, guided horse trails and game drives, there’s no shortage of things to do. The reserve is home to kudu, sable, giraffe, to name a few, and is rich in birdlife. Get a braai going under one of the tall trees in the large picnic area. Be sure to bring wood or charcoal.

Cost: R25 adults, R18,50 ages seven to 17, R10 kids under seven.

Gate times: 05h30 to 19h00 (summer), 07h00 to 18h00 (winter).

Tel: 012-440-8316

Need to know: Consider hiring a lapa at R500 for larger groups of up to 15.

3. The Shark Tank, Durban

You don’t have to be a Sharks rugby supporter to appreciate the fantastic atmosphere that drifts on braai smoke around their famous home stadium. The braaiing starts hours before kickoff and continues late into the night, especially if the home team wins (players often join in).

Cost: You’ll need to buy a ticket for the game.

Gate times: Arrive early to secure a good spot.

Tel: 031-308-8400

Need to know: The outerfield parking/braai area is pre-sold and sells out quickly. You’ll have to carry braai stuff in or befriend a Sharks fan for the evening and join their fire.

4. Storms River Mouth, Garden Route National Park

On the green lawn that slopes down to the sea from the camp’s small shop and restaurant are ten fantastic braai spots with views across this wild stretch of ocean. Watch the waves pound the rocky shore as your chops sizzle and if you’re lucky you may see a school of dolphins or southern right whales just metres away.

Cost: R32 (South African residents), kids under two are free.

Gate times: 07h00 to 21h30.

Tel: 042-281-1607

Need to know: Grids are provided and you can buy meat and wood at the camp shop.

5. Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve, Krugersdorp

Northwest of Johannesburg is this privately owned game reserve. The 30 braai areas at the visitors camp are well kept, with grids provided and wood for sale. With abseiling, game drives, a pool, a kids’ play centre, horse trails, an underground cave, a pygmy hippo enclosure, snake shows and a petting crèche, there’ll be little time left for braaiing.

Cost: R100 adults, R70 kids from three to 12.

Gate times: 08h00 to 17h00.

Tel: 011-957-0109

Need to know: Lion, cheetah and tiger cubs can be petted at the crèche.

6. Oudekraal, Cape Town

On the Atlantic seaboard between Llandudno and Camp’s Bay, you’ll find small, protected coves and sandy beaches peaking out between massive boulders. The 40 or so braai sites don’t have grids and the nearest shop for wood and meat is in Camp’s Bay, so be sure to bring everything with you.

Cost: R20 adults, R10 kids under 12 (Wild Card holders are free).

Gate times: 08h00 to 18h00.

Tel: 021-438-9555

Need to know: Don’t forget a braai grid and keep in mind that it can get very busy on weekends and public holidays.