What could be more enticing during the summer than to set out from your affordable Cape Town holiday accommodation to enjoy an al fresco picnic amongst the beautiful scenery and lovely beaches? Whether you are planning a family picnic or a romantic picnic for 2, there are so many lovely spots from which to choose. A picnic can be enjoyed on any of the beaches of but for those who choose not to mix their food with sand; this article suggests choice spots that specifically cater to picnics.
Silvermine Nature Reserve: The Silvermine reserve is part of the Table Mountain National park, between the suburbs of Tokai and Noordhoek. At the top of the mountain, on the old wagon road to Simonstown is a National Parks sign marking the entrance to the Silvermine Reservoir. There is a nominal entrance fee charged, and toilet facilities are available at the parking. A pleasant and easy walk, suitable for family outings, leads along a trail that meanders alongside a bubbling stream through lovely indigenous flora, with a number of boardwalks to cross the stream, ending at the Silvermine reservoir. Along the walk one may enjoy spectacular panoramic views across False Bay. There are a number of quaint stone benches and tables situated in shady nooks, where one can picnic or make use of the barbeque hearths, and enjoy a peaceful sojourn with nature. During the warmer weather one will enjoy a swim in the cool, clean blue water of the dam
Chapman’s Peak Drive is surely one of South Africa’s most spectacular coastal scenic drives, easily accessible from our Noordhoek guest house. The drive skirts the mountainside high above the Atlantic Ocean; following the rocky coastline hundreds of metres below, and winds through 114 bends and curves. One can almost never tire of the magnificent views from the sandy white beaches. There are a number of designated picnic spots along the Drive; each offering spectacular view spots where one can pull off the road and enjoy a picnic in a lovely setting, and where concrete tables and benches are thought fully provided. If you plan your picnic for the afternoon you will be bound to experience the majesty of the colourful sunsets over Hout Bay.
Oudekraal may be the city’s best kept secret picnic and bathing spot. Oudekraal is located between Camps Bay and Llandudno on the way between Cape Town to Hout bay, and is set against the awesome backdrop of the peaks of the 12 Apostles. There are a number of sheltered coves and small sandy beaches situated between the massive granite boulders, offering safe swimming, with some having picnic and barbecue sites sheltered beneath indigenous Milkwood trees, whilst others have spectacular views of mountain and ocean, and you will probably see the resident seal colony.
Perdekloof Picnic Site is on the way from Noordhoek to the Cape of Good Hope, Perdekloof is an extensive family picnic spot thoughtfully furnished by the City of with concrete table and benches, affording good shade areas amongst the many pine trees. There are also ample barbeque facilities. This is a great spot to enjoy the feeling of being out in the country, and far from the bustle of the city. From here you could continue to southwards, or drive over the mountain opposite the picnic spot via Red Hill Road to marvel at the truly awesome views from the top of the mountain across Simonstown and False Bay before descending to Simonstown.
Cape Point Nature reserve: The picnic spots at Buffels Bay and Bordjiesdrif lie within the National reserve and provide a lovely location with plenty of sun and sea. The unmatched beauty of this reserve will reward the distance that has to be travelled to get here. There are clean white sand beaches and tidal pools, as well as grassed picnic spots for the family to enjoy a day out. Here are some of the highest sea cliffs and freshest sea air in the world and is home to a variety of animals including baboons, Mountain Zebra and other plains game. It is open between 06:00 and 18:00 from October to March and between 07:00 and 17:00 from April to September.
Simonstown: Seaforth beach is a lovely venue for a family picnic, with sloping green lawns that overlook the sheltered bathing beach, so parents can keep an eye on the little ones at play. Boulders Beach, a little further on, will keep the little ones busy playing in the small sheltered bay. After enjoying a picnic that you have brought along, one can walk along the pathways past the penguin colony where cute black and white birds frolic in the waves. Boulders beach was recently voted the best family beach in the world by a leading UK journal. Further on southwards is a lovely small beach at Froggy Pond; situated right next to the road, where green lawns invite one to unpack a picnic and spend a few relaxing hours.
Wynberg Park: With over 22 hectares of ground, is a popular spot with a number of barbeque and picnic spots; a tree-shaded duck pond and fully-equipped kids play area. This popular family spot offers kids plenty of room to play and work up an appetite. Entrance to the park is free, and located on the corner of Klaasens and Trovato Link Roads, Wynberg
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens is renowned for its diverse floral kingdom and its magnificent setting against the Eastern slopes of Table Mountain. The Gardens are an ideal family picnic venue. In summer there are open-air concerts on Sunday evenings, so bring along a blanket, a picnic basket and some local wine to enjoy the gardens or the concerts. The Silvertree Deli and Restaurant has a selection of picnic baskets on offer. An entrance fee is payable to the Gardens.
Tokai Forest: The Constantia valley offers breathtaking vineyard and forests vistas. Situated on the edge of the Tokai forest is a centrally located, spacious picnic site shaded by pine trees. There is ample space for large families and is convenient to many enjoyable trails through the plantation. Tokai forest is carpeted in lush pine trees, eucalyptus trees, indigenous forest and wild flora, making it great for weekend family picnics. There is a nominal entrance fee.
Groot Constantia:More exclusive picnics can be enjoyed at Groot Constantia; the original wine farm of the Cape which is worth a visit whether you intend to enjoy a picnic or not. There are beautiful views from the grounds towards Muizenberg beach and the back of Table Mountain. Groot Constantia has some beautiful Dutch style buildings and the Manor house is open to the public as a museum. One can enjoy scenic walks through the peaceful gardens. There are 2 choices of picnic fare on offer”: Simon’s Terrace picnic offers a relaxed, tranquil experience on the rolling green lawns. Picnic baskets with delicious country fare can be pre-ordered and collected from the picnic kiosk, but they try to provide for impromptu orders. For your comfort, it is advised to bring your own chairs and blankets.The Jonkershuis restaurant is best known for our local Malay cuisine and is surrounded by ancient oak trees and the legendary Groot Constantia Vineyards, but also offers their Vineyard Picnic with a selection of local & imported delicacies and a Kiddies Picnic box. All Jonkershuis picnics come complete with utensils and picnic blankets are provided against a refundable deposit. There is a wide selection of wines on sale from the Estate in a delightful shop.
You will find a wide choice of restaurants, catering to all tastes and budgets, but a feast selected and prepared by yourself in the beautiful outdoors is bound to be a highlight of your affordable Cape Town holiday
