5 picnic spots to try out in Cape Town

If lockdown taught us anything, it’s that time spent with loved ones or friends is not to be taken lightly.

Now that we can enjoy the freedom of being outdoors, a simple picnic with our crew suddenly sounds like an inspired idea. Taking in some fresh air, lazily lounging in a beautiful setting, and dropping cute bite-sized snacks into our bellies – well, why not?

Luckily, we in the fair Cape are not short of showstopping vistas, which make selfie-worthy settings for dining and reclining al fresco.

We suggest the following picnic spots for you to try out this summer.

1. Quoin Rock

Take in the splendour of Simonsberg Mountain as you picnic at the feet of the magnificent pinnacle. Summer days at the tranquil wine farm are golden and worth taking in every moment.

Gourmet picnics at Quoin Rock start at R400 per person and R180 per child from Wednesday to Sunday.

The picnic baskets are enjoyed at comfortable and modern gazebos.

Stay for the sunsets and star gazing if you are enjoying yourselves.

• Location: 7600 Knorhoek Road, Stellenbosch,
• Times: Sunday to Thursday 11 am to 4 pm | Friday and Saturday 11 am to 7 pm
• Bookings: Dineplan

2. Kirstenbosch

The Kirstenbosch Gardens offer endless possibilities for picnics. You can choose to bring your own snacks, look for a spot to park and set up your picnic blanket or chairs.

If you prefer a prepared picnic basket from the Tea Room, located right in the botanical gardens, you are welcome to preorder or pop in and buy from the main menu between 9 am and 4 pm.

The establishment is open every day of the year, churning out delicious picnic spreads.

Choose a meat or vegetarian option with hors d’oeuvres and pastries both sweet and savoury. These come with non-alcoholic refreshments.

• Location: Rhodes Drive, Newlands, Cape Town
• Times: Every day 9 am and 4 pm
• Bookings: fykos.co.za

3. The Werf Picnics 

Werf Farm picnics at Boschendal are very popular among picnickers, largely due to the incredible view of the Groot Drakenstein and Simonsberg mountains.

As if that is not enough, their picnic baskets are packed with ethically sourced ingredients, as well as locally made artisanal goods, pre-prepared and ready to share.

• Location: Helshoogte Road, Boschendal Franschhoek
• Times: Every day | Collect prebooked baskets from 12 pm to 2 pm
• Bookings: Werf Farm Picnics @ Boschendal

4. Hazendal Babushka Picnics

A farm picnic on the lawn, old-school style, sums up picnic experiences at Hazendal. Try the generous picnic baskets at R350 per person or R175 per child. Each spread is packed full of fresh goodies from just-out-the-oven bread to a selection of local cheeses, cold meats, in-season fruits and other delectable treats. Vegetarian picnic baskets are also on offer.

• Location: Bottelary Road New entrance from Ronelle Street via, Kruis Street
• Times: Sunday to Tuesday | Collect prebooked baskets at 10 am or 1 pm
• Bookings: Babushka

5. Spier

Picnic spots at Spier are plentiful, just choose an appropriate one depending on the season. In summer, the shaded treed areas offer a welcome respite from the heat.

Order a picnic basket with ingredients sourced directly from the farm – yes, farm-to-table, or, in this case, picnic basket, meaning your spread will be full of nutritious and delicious snacks.

Enjoy roasted meats and pickles, cheese with preserves and lavash, baguettes, garden salad and much more for R345 per person and R160 per child.

You have the option of picking a vegetarian, kids or summer picnic menu.

• Location: R310 Baden Powell Dr, Stellenbosch
• Times: Every day | Collect prebooked baskets from 12pm to 2pm
• Bookings: Dineplan

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ALSO READ: 7 great spots to picnic near Cape Town