eaSummertime in Cape Town is an ideal time for a number of outdoor activities, one such activity is a favourite for a number of Capetonians hoping to enjoy the fine summer days and dusky evenings.
I know a number of you would be thinking going to the beach, spending time with the family at the movies or even hosting a family braai (barbecue), but it’s neither of these… it is however, a picnic.
A picnic in any of Cape Town’s scenic spots is a firm favourite for locals and tourists alike, fine weather and great views make for a fine outdoor activity.
The humble picnic allows you to fill your basket with food to suit any occasion; salads, cold cuts, yoghurt, fruit, crackers, pate’s, breads, jams, cheeses, fruit kebabs, chocolate, champagne and orange juice make for a perfect picnic meal.
Whether it’s a morning breakfast picnic at one of the many nature reserves that ring the Cape, an afternoon picnic at a local wine estate or an evening sunset picnic on the western side of Table Mountain, Cape Town has a picnic venue for e very occasion.
Top picnic spots in Cape Town include; Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Table Mountain, Lions Head, Tokai Forest, Silvermine Nature Reserve, Paarl Mountain, Zeekoevlei, Wynberg Park, Zandvlei, Signal Hill and Green Point Urban Park.
Beaches famous for sunset picnics include Oudekraal, Sea Point, Camps Bay, Clifton Beach and Blouberg beaches.
Many wine farms around the Cape like Groot Constantia and Buitenverwachting in Constantia, Boschendal Wine Estate between Franschoek and Stellenbosch, as well as Blaauwklippen and Spier in Stellenbosch offer great options for a picnic.
No matter what your picnic option, Cape Town has a venue for every picnic occasion so grab the picnic basket, fill it with tasty goodies and head for your picnic spot of choice.
Please note: – No alcoholic beverages are allowed on Cape Town’s beaches.
Top Tips to make your picnic hassle free:
- Pick your spot to ensure your picnic can be accessible and safe especially at night.
- Keep it simple.
- Pack only the food you will eat, ensure that allergies are noted.
- Pack the essentials.
- Make sure you’re fully equipped for your adventure.
- Here’s a list of essentials for your outdoor excursion:
- Picnic basket and/or cooler box
- Bottled water (freeze overnight and use as an ice pack)
- Outdoor dinnerware, plates, cups, cutlery
- Napkins
- Corkscrew and/or bottle opener
- Tablecloth and/or a picnic blanket
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- citronella candles or battery powered lamps
- Warm clothing should the weather take a turn for the worst
- Make sure someone knows where you are going
- Ensure that your mobile phone battery is fully charged and that there is mobile phone reception
- Avoid any risk of food poisoning
- Avoid ice cream as it will melt before you reach your picnic spot
- Avoid sticky puddings, and sweet cakes as they attract insects
- Trash bags.
Make sure you leave only your footprints at the picnic spot.
Cape Town in Colour 