OCTOBER 29, 2013
South African’s love to be outdoors, and even more so when it involves good food and wine.
Picnics are the perfect summer pastime, so take advantage. Our list of South Africa’s best picnic spots includes spots where you can bring your own as well as places offering mouth-watering picnics for purchase. All are guaranteed to offer a tranquil spot for you to chill out and soak up summer.
Gauteng
Bring your own:
1. Sandton Field & Study Centre, Tel (011) 783 7407
2. Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Tel 012 358 1812
3. Fountains Valley Nature Reserve, Tel 012 358 1718
4. Walter Sisulu (Witwatersrand) National Botanical Garden, Tel 011 958-1750
5. Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, Tel 011 712 6600 (City Parks switchboard)
6. Emmarentia Dam, Tel 083 446 7282
7. Delta Park and Environmental centre, Tel 011 888 4831
Picnic spots with ready-made baskets:
8. Lethabo Estate
Situated in Muldersdrift, Lethabo Estate (meaning Joy) offers a ‘romantic picnic’ beneath umbrellas on the banks of the Crocodile River, a ‘luxury picnic’ in an enclosed thatch gazebo with a double-bed flop spot, and a ‘boudoir picnic’ in a private lovers’ retreat tucked into the river bank, where a petal strewn carpet leads to a bed and a table set with crystal, antique silver and Spode. Contact: Tel 082 654 1690.
9. Tres Jolie
A country-style restaurant in the Ruimsig area, not more than a 30 minute drive from most major Gauteng destinations, Tres Jolie caters for all occasions. The picnics are set out with a blanket, table and umbrella in the gardens with shaded avenues of trees and a jungle gym play area for the kids. The Country picnic baskets are packed with meatball and rosa tomato skewers, chicken drumsticks, green salad, cold meats, biltong, chicken liver pâté, hummus, cheese and biscuits, mini french loaf, fruit kebabs and mini cakes. A vegetarian option and a kiddies basket of chicken kebab nuggets, vienna, fruit kebabs with chocolate sauce, cheese, crisps, sweeties and a cupcake are available. Contact: Tel 011 794 2473.
10. Toadbury Hall
Situated just 20 minutes from Fourways in Gauteng on the banks of the Crocodile River (crocodiles excluded), Toadbury Hall offers al fresco picnics on the riverbank under lush extensive indigenous trees. Take a walk through the rose and lavender gardens or simply enjoy the cooling atmosphere. Picnic blankets, cushions and tables can be set up and baskets include a selection of cold meats, cheeses, chicken liver pâté with Melba toast and fig compote, fusilli pasta salad, honey and sesame chicken drumsticks, sausage rolls, lamb cofta with tzatziki, gorgonzola and leek quiche, lemon shortbread, chocolate brownies and fruit kebabs. A children’s menu and a vegetarian option are also available. Contact: Tel 010 593 7523
11. Walkhaven
Take your pets for a drive to one of the most pet friendly picnic sites in Gauteng. Accommodating large functions or small parties, there are onsite kennels for your pets and a huge expanse of land for them to play. Picnic baskets are made to order to the customer’s specifications, so just give them a call. You’re also welcome to bring your own. Contact: Tel 071 212 9955
12. Spiced Coffee Restaurant at Ludwig’s Roses
On Ludwig’s Roses farm there are a variety of activities to will away a summer’s day. Take a walk down to the butterfly garden or get involved with the tractor rides around the farm (booking essential). The Spiced Coffee Restaurant makes up picnics and will even set it up for you to enjoy amongst the roses. Order from one of these three options: 1. Asparagus, ham & bacon quiche, chicken mayonnaise roll, a cucumber, cheese, basil and pepper skewer, a chocolate brownie, rose fudge and rose Turkish Delight, seasonal fruit and a bottle of mineral water; 2. Farm baked bread, camembert, cherry tomatoes, rocket, cream cheese, German salami, thyme quiche, chocolate brownie, a rose scone, rose fudge, rose Turkish Delight, seasonal fruit and a bottle of mineral water or 3. Thyme & Again quiche with sundried tomatoes & feta, freshly baked bread sandwich with lettuce, cheddar & tomato or egg mayonnaise, a cucumber, cheese, basil & pepper skewer, chocolate brownie, rose fudge & rose Turkish Delight, seasonal fruit and a bottle of mineral water. you can also order a special kiddies picnic. Contact: Tel 012 544-0144 or visit www.ludwigsroses.co.za
13. Van Gaalen Kaasmakerij
On the banks of the Skeerspoort River, at the foot of the Magaliesberg Mountains, lies the more-than-two-decade-old cheese farm, Van Gaalen Kaasmakerij. Guided tours of the cheese making process can be had every Wednesday and Saturday morning and includes a cheese tasting, coffee and a slice of Dutch Apple cake. Mature and semi-mature cheeses are available. Picnic hampers are packed for up to two persons and contain cheeses, cold meats, green salad, pickles and olives, bread, biscuits and fruit, and you get to keep the basket. Kiddies knapsacks are also available. Contact: Tel 083 226 7834
KwaZulu-Natal
Bring your own:
14. Dial-a-picnic
Dial-a-Picnic has hit South Africa by storm, and we can understand why! You can now have a range of delicious picnic baskets delivered to your door or picnic spot of choice, at an affordable price. Yes, it’s been done before, but these guys run a tight ship and just get it right. Along with their extensive menu you can also order all the lazy picnic gear you need from blankets to pillows to cheese boards and wine bottle holders. A lead time of at least 10 days is recommended. There are also branches in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Contact: Tel 079 099 9115 or visit www.dialapicnic.co.za
15. Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve, Yellowwood Park. Tel: 060 355 7088
16. Paradise Valley Nature Reserve, Pinetown. Tel: 031 322 2849
17. New Germany Nature Reserve. Tel: 031 322 4194
18. Krantzkloof Nature Reserve, Kloof Gorge. Tel: 031 764 3515
19. Nkutu Nature Reserve, Valley Drive, Kloof Gorge. Tel: 031 764 3515
20. Shongweni Nature Reserve, Shongweni. Tel: 031 769 1283
21. Tala Game Reserve, Eston. Tel: 031 781 1045
22. Pietermaritzburg Botanical Garden. Tel: 033 344 3585
23. Music Revival Concerts in gardens, Pietermaritzburg. Tel: 033 342 3051
24. Midmar Dam, near Howick. Tel: 033 330 2067
25. Queen Elizabeth National Park, Pietermaritzburg. Tel: 033 845 1999
26. Karkloof Falls Nature Reserve, just beyond Howick. Tel: 033 330 2752
27. Albert Falls Dam Reserve, Umgeni Valley. Tel: 033 569 1202
Picnic spots with ready-made baskets:
Western Cape
Picnic spots with ready-made baskets:
Constantia:
28. Buitenverwachting
Some picnic spots have been going strong for several years – in Constantia, Buitenverwachting was among the first to take picnicking to a new level of sophistication at tables beneath oak trees around the beautiful gardens. Guests can look forward to vegetarian quiche; grilled boerewors; bobotie bites; chicken roll; beetroot, feta and greenbean salad; potato salad; cheddar; ricotta rolled in pecan nuts; brie; creamed cheese with sweet chilli sauce; Peppadew dip; breads & biscuits; fresh fruit kebabs; koeksister & chocolate brandy truffles; and of course, coffee & tea. Hampers for kids under 10 are available. Contact: Tel 021 794 1012 or visit www.buitenverwachting.com
29. Eagles Nest
After a fire destroyed everything on this farm in 2000, vineyards were planted to rectify the soil: and they’ve never looked back. Sitting on the top of the Constantia Wine Route, they have an ideal location with a river running through and huge shade trees to compliment. Bring your picnic blanket along and collect your picnic basket on arrival. Their picnic includes a meat selection (vegetarian option available on request), selection of deli cuts with German mustard; whole camembert with fig preserves; potato crisps, basil; tomato, mozzarella & olive salad; sliced biltong; chicken liver spread with cranberry jelly; bread selection; macaroons; grapes and your choice of a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc or Little Eagle Rosé or Little Eagle Red. Kids picnic includes chicken schnitzel strips and tomato sauce, chop chop salad, bread roll, packet of crisps, sweet pastry, seasonal fruit, Haribo jellies, fruit Juice. Contact: Tel 021 794 4095 or visit www.eaglesnestwines.com
Somerset West:
30. Vergelegen
Escape the heat of summer in the exquisite camphor forest and extensive gardens at Vergelegen. The founder of Vergelegen, Willem Adriaan van der Stel, was a botanist, forester and horticulturist and therefore the reason it’s home to the oldest oak tree in South Africa, amongst other things. The picnics, created by Camphors at Vergelegen, include the following: breads & pâtés; mushroom & biltong pâté; hummus; pastry & salad; courgette & parmesan tart; potato & lentil salad with a light French dressing, herbs & red onion; charcuterie; parma style ham; peppered roast beef with pickles; pork pie with Cape country mustard; cold poached salmon with lemon mayonnaise; cheese platter; potted mixed berry cheese cake; and to finish off, filter coffee. Vegetarian and kiddies option available. Contact: Tel 021 847 1346 or visit www.vergelegen.co.za
Franschhoek:
31. Allée Bleue
If you love the dramatic Simonsberg setting but want to try something new, Allée Bleue also offers an elegant take on country picnics, from the starched white linen to the ice bucket cradling a bottle of wine or two. All picnics include a baguette and a bottle of Allee Bleue Starlette Blanc. Picnic includes basil pesto encrusted rare roast beef salad, smoked chicken salad & Allee Bleue herb remoulde, French-style dill potato salad, a selection of pâtés and cheeses, Allee Bleue olives with feta and rosemary, Allee Bleue basil pesto, Chocolate cherry boudin and slices of rolled chocolate and cherries served with a sprig of mint. There is a vegetarian option available at the same price. Children can play safely, confined by a Cape Dutch garden wall, pausing to snack on finger sandwiches, sausage rolls, mini meatballs, yoghurt, sweets and fruit juice. Contact: Tel 021 874 1021 or visit www.alleebleue.com
32. Solms Delta
Fyndraai Restaurant in Franschhoek is famous for their offerings of local cuisine, and the 2 delicious picnic basket options are no different: 1. Local cheese selection with traditional blatjang, jams and crackers; tasty koolslaai with wortels, pan-fried chorizo, sultanas and soet mielies; aartappel slaai, topped with crispy streaky bacon, rocket and spekboom; wilde kruie marinated summer vegetables served with basil humus and freshly baked bak brood with bokmelk herb butter. 2. Option 2 includes Malay-style grilled chicken portions with tomato, sesame seed and cucumber salad; mild spiced beef tikka meatballs with roti and coriander yoghurt; smoked snoek, shrimp and Franschhoek salmon pâté with capers and fresh lemon; homemade biltong and droëwors and spicy toasted nuts; grilled and basted smoked vark sout ribbetjies served with caramelised onion and wilde knoffel puff sticks; and lastly, freshly baked pynappel tert, served with summer vrugteslaai and vanilla cream. A personal guide will carry your basket and blanket and assist in selecting a quiet spot on the forested banks of the Dwars River or overlooking the private Solms lake. Contact: Tel 021 874 3937 (ext 115) or visit www.solms-delta.co.za
33. Holden Manz Wine Estate
Holden Manz is a picturesque estate is the Franschhoek Valley. Meander through the vineyards to the Franschhoek river and decide on an idyllic spot under ancient oaks to relax and enjoy the slow flow of the day. Picnics include a selection of local cheeses, beef or chicken skewers, quiche of the day, salmon smoked pâté, olive tapenade, jams, garden salad, homemade bread and something sweet (special of the day). Kiddies can enjoy a hotdog, yoghurt, doughnut and juice. Contact: 021 876 2738 or visit www.holdenmanz.com
Stellenbosch:
34. Eight-to-Go at Spier
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to picnicking at Spier. You can sit around the lake or meander down the banks of the Eerste River, or simply sprawl out on the ample lawns. Choose your picnic box online or visit the takeaway picnic deli Eight to Go. Online you have the following choices: gourmet picnic, relaxed picnic, vegetarian picnic, and a kids picnic. They are packed with a selection of farmhouse cheeses, pasture-reared cold cuts, homemade pâtés and chutneys, breads, fresh salads and delicious home-baked treats. Picnic bookings must be made two days in advance. At Eight to Go, situated close to the tasting room, you can fill your basket with fresh breads and sandwiches, roast chicken and much more as you make your way through the deli. Contact: Tel 021 809 1153 or visit www.spier.co.za
35. Blaauwklippen
For Cape specialties with a German touch, try the ‘picnic barrel platters’ at Blaauwklippen, one of the oldest wine estates in the Cape. The standard option includes a bagels, pâtés, cheeses, a selection of cold meats, Weinwurst, oriental spring rolls, chicken samoosa and berry cheesecakes and strawberries dipped in chocolate. The exclusive option builds on the standard option by adding 8 more delicacies like homemade melba toast, fried haloumi, pastrami and chocolate brownies. Kids under 12 can enjoy toffee apples, fruit skewers, yoghurt, chocolate chip muffins and juice. Contact: Tel 021 880 0133 or visit www.blaauwklippen.com
36. Hartenberg
Long known for its unpretentious hospitality, Hartenberg offers a country picnic hamper packed to the brim with treats such as Eleanor’s snoek pâté, beetroot and cumin pâté, homemade lamb and pork terrine, tomato and basil salad, potato salad, chicken and thyme tart, farm bread, rosemary focaccia, cheeses, fruits and a chocolate brownie. Focusing on sustainability, the ingredients are sourced locally and the picnic containers are made of biodegradable materials. Enjoy it on the lawns, or take it with you along the estate’s popular wetland walk. Contact: Tel 021 865 2541 or visit www.hartenbergestate.com
37. Hazendal
Sit on the rolling lawns in front of the historic Cape Dutch Manor House while the kids can play in the playground, while you enjoy some of Hazendal’s wines. Picnics are prepared by Hermitage restaurant, and include chicken liver pâté, spinach and feta quiche, Greek salad, fresh rolls, crispy chicken pieces, sliced ham, cheese selection with biscuits, chocolate brownies and fresh fruit salad. For something different, stop in at the Marvol Museum on the farm to view a wide collection of Russian art. Contact: (021) 903-5035 or visit www.hazendal.co.za
38. Warwick
Warwick was the first estate in Stellenbosch to open 365 days of the year, where you can picnic and go on a ‘Big 5 Wine Safari’ (a guided 4×4 tour where the Big 5 are compared to wine varieties. You can sit on the lawns spilling out onto the dam, where you can relax under umbrellas on blankets with scatter cushions next to a jungle gym while being served by your own picnic butler; in ‘The Forest Courtyard’ a gravelled area with tables and chairs adjacent to the water feature and a jungle gym; or in ‘The Pods’, designer-rustic bamboo shelters flanking the dam that seat up to 12. Served in zero-carbon-footprint packaging, the Gourmet Picnic includes ciabatta’s; pickled beetroot, pecan nut, goat’s cheese; Quinoa & wild rocket salad; gazpacho salad with a chilli & garlic dressing; grilled beef tagliata with aioli & truffle oil; Mediteranean pesto; prosciutto, melon, bocconcini & basil skewer; Richard Bosman’s coppa; Forest Hill Baby Grand Brie; Healey’s Mature Cheddar; loved ponies; fruit marmalade; and to finish off this mounthful, vanilla cheesecake with mixed berry compote. Contact: Tel 021 884 4410 or visit www.warwickwine.com
39. Vredenheim
The tagline “Wildlife and Winery” gives you an idea of what you can expect at Vredenheim. Their Big Cats Park offers a unique experience not to be found anywhere else along the Stellenbosch Route, where one can both view and learn more about these majestic creatures during a tour. This estate has huge gardens dotted with gazebos and benches and there are many shady spots for spreading your own picnic blanket. Hudson’s restaurant offers deluxe picnic baskets containing a selection of cold meats and salads, fresh bread, a platter of cheeses, biscuits and preserves, fresh fruit and homemade muffins. Bunny buckets for small children include a hot dog, cheese, crisps, juice, sweets and an activity pack with crayons. Vegetarian options also available. Contact: Tel 021 881 3590 or visit www.visithudsons.co.za
40. Zevenwacht
Zevenwacht’s delicious range of picnic baskets are served in a paradisiacal setting on tree-shaded lawns sloping down to the lake. Enjoy a tasteful selection of bread and biscuits, cold meats, cheeses, and salads or pre-book a braai basket and cook your own meal over vine wood fires. A fun-filled play park provides recreation for children and keeps them happily and safely entertained. Order a Farmhouse basket, a Vegetarian basket, Halaal basket, Braai baskets at or a Kiddies basket. Don’t forget to stop in at Puglia Cheese for the freshest, most authentic mozzarella in South Africa as well as some other Italian cheeses. Contact: 021 900 5800 or visit www.zevenwacht.co.za
41. Zorgvliet
The Zorgvliet picnic area and Woodoven restaurant is a green piece of heaven where you can inhale the fresh air of the Banghoek Valley and bask in the warm sunshine. Just bring a blanket and pick your spot under the shade of the Oak trees. There’s also ample space for your kids to run around and play games as well as a jungle gym. You can either make up your own basket by paying per item or choose from one of their pre-prepared options. The Picnic for Two includes a filled baguette with your choice of either cheddar, tomato and basil pesto; cream cheese, guacamole and rocket; quiche of the day; sweet & savoury preserve; trio of gourmet cheese and crackers; charcuterie selection; traditional Greek salad; salad of the day; something sweet and a bottle of wine of your choice. Kiddies Basket are available and include chicken nuggets/beef burger, crisps, toy, drink of choice and sweetie packets. Contact: Tel 083 600 0274 or visit www.zorgvlietwines.com
Paarl
42. Rhebokskloof Wine Estate
Breath-taking views and rolling manicured gardens make this a popular picnic spot, with baskets (R370 for two people) including fresh sour dough baguette with butter, salami, bierschinken, gypsey ham, snoek and cream cheese pâté with Melba toast, crispy vegetable spring rolls and lamb samosas with sweet chilli sauce, fresh garden salad, mini cheese platter with biscuits, chicken skewers with a thai peanut sauce, mini mixed nut tarts and homemade chocolate brownies. Contact: Tel 021 869 8386 or visit www.rhebokskloof.co.za.
Breedekloof
43. Badsberg
breedekloof-badsbergPre-order a picnic from Jason’s Hill restaurant, where you can then make your way to Badsberg to enjoy the views of the surrounding Badsberg Mountains and soak up the relaxed atmosphere. The picnics include a selection of fresh breads and croissants, cheeses, preserves, cold meats, biltong, olives and Lindt chocolate. Kids can snack on a ham and cheese sandwich or croissant, a yoghurt and a toffee apple. Blanket and glasses provided. Bring your own picnic basket if you prefer and stop in at the tasting room to top up on some wine. Contact: Tel 023 344 3021 or visit www.badsberg.co.za.
44. Du Toitskloof Winery
Most well-known for their offering of best-value wines, Du Toitskloof now offers picnics on Saturdays too. Situated 90km from Cape Town at the entrance of the Du Toitskloof pass, Du Toitskloof offers a majestic setting amongst the mountains. Choose your own delicious treats for your picnic from a list of cured meats, fresh artisanal breads, pâtés, salads, cheeses, sweet treats and snacks such as biltong and cheese straws. Find a spot on the lush lawns, under one of the umbrellas and spread out on the blankets provided. The free-form jungle gym will keep the kids entertained and there’s plenty for them to choose from the picnic menu. Contact: Tel 023 349 1601 or visit www.dutoitskloof.co.za
Stanford
45. Klein River Cheese
Enjoy delicious picnic lunches on the banks of the tranquil Klein River, under the trees on the extensive lawns or on the veranda of the beautifully renovated Picnic Shed. Visitors can purchase a delicious gourmet picnic or create their own picnic from the new Picnic Deli. The Picnic Basket contains warm bread, mini quiches, seasonal salads, fruit or preserves, a Klein River cheese platter and cold meats. Kiddies mini picnics are also available. Not to mention the cheeses that await. Contact: Tel 028 341 0693 or visit www.kleinrivercheese.co.za
Robertson
46. Viljoensdrift
At Viljoensdrift, you can take a boat ride on the Breede River, lay your blanket on its banks or simply sit on the deck. The Deli has an extensive selection of produce to choose from to create your picnic. Partner freshly-baked ciabatta with pâté, cheese or any other perfect partner such as olives with a hint of garlic, bay and oregano, Shiraz conserve, basil pesto or smoked olive tapenade. Add ostrich carpaccio, apple wood smoked chicken or smoked salmon trout and a bottle (or two) of Viljoensdrift’s wines. Complete the taste experience with chocolate salami, homemade nougat or traditional koeksisters. Baskets are packed for two or three people, each with fully biodegradable and compostable utensils. Contact: Tel 023 615 6017 or visit www.viljoensdrift.co.za
Cape Town
47. Cape Point Vineyards, Noordhoek
Less than an hour’s drive from Cape Point, lies Cape Point Vineyards. Settle into the backdrop of the Noordhoek amphitheatre which overlooks Noordhoek beach, wild fynbos and manicured vineyards. Choose to either sit on the ample lawns (bring your own blanket) or one of the many tables on their wooden deck. This year they have changed things up with their picnic offering, returning to a deli-style option of picnicking where visitors can choose exactly what they would like to add to their picnic baskets. Contact: Tel 021 789 0900 or visit www.noordhoekvineyards.co.za
48. Moyo @ Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Set in one of the most diverse botanical gardens (over 7000 indigenous plant species) in the world, Moyo at Kirstenbosch is the ideal 1st stop to fuel you for your experience in these magnificent gardens. Order either a picnic for 1, or for 2. The larger option includes organic nuts or dried fruit; 2 seasonal organic fruits; North African mezze salad; roasted beetroot salad; Tabouleh salad; spicy Moroccan carrot salad; coconut and onion bread; Richard Bosman’s cured meat pack; a selection of breasola, coppa and salami cured meats; snoek pate; atlantic smoked snoek, cream cheese and moyo mayo, dusted with fresh herbs; cheese board (mature cheddar, karoo blue and ash camembert) served with melba toast and organic tierhoek preserve and chocolate brownies. Contact: 021 762 9585 or visit www.moyo.co.za
Content originally posted on blog.getaway.co.za
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