Nothing says easy-going summer vibes like the sound of sizzle and the waft of smoke. Fire up the barbie!
Whether you call it tshisa-nyama, a barbecue or a good ol’ braai, cooking meat over the coals with friends is the quintessential South African feast, come rain or shine (but preferably shine). So, in the spirit of Heritage Day, we’ve rounded up the best braai spots in and around Cape Town.
SILVERMINE NATURE RESERVE
Located in Table Mountain National Park, this peaceful site is arguably one of the most beautiful in the Western Cape, and is open for picnics all year round. But because it’s a high-risk fire zone, braaiing is only permitted from June until end-September.
We love that there are over 40 sites scattered around the reservoir – nestled in discreet rocky hollows and tucked behind bushes of fynbos – so you might never encounter another braaier.
Need to know Swimming in the reservoir is permitted, so bring your togs.
Contact 021 780 9002, tablemountain@sanparks.org
Cost TMNP conservation fee
R50 (adults)
R25 (children under 12)
Location Silvermine, Ou Kaapse Weg, Westlake, Cape Town
MILLER’S POINT
On the southern side of the False Bay Coast, behind a serene tidal pool, is a patch of lawn that screams: braaivleis! Just make sure you lock your cars, as the local baboons are chaners of note.
We love that there are two small beaches, a tidal pool perfect for children, as well as some sheltered coves for snorkelling between the kelp beds.
Contact 021 786 1142
Cost Free
Location Miller’s Point, M4, Simon’s Town, Cape Town
NEWLANDS FOREST
Surrounded by lush woodland and with several magical hiking trails to explore, Newlands Forest is a relaxing and wonderfully scenic place to fire up the coals. You can bring your own portable braai stand or use one of the built-in pits.
We love The many secluded braai spots, which offer privacy from other groups of braaiers.
Good to know Newlands Forest picnic site is closed from the 1 June – 30 September 2017.
Contact 021 712 747, tablemountain@sanparks.org
Cost TMNP conservation fee
R25 (adults)
R15 (children under 12)
Additional R25 fee per vehicle
Location M3, Newlands Forest, Newlands, Cape Town
PERDEKLOOF PICNIC AREA
A little way before Scarborough, before you reach the Cape of Good Hope, this shaded and secluded braai spot awaits. With large concrete tables and lots of space to braai and lounge, all you need to bring is wood, a grid, food and drinks!
We love the sense of seclusion and tranquility.
Please note The picnic site is closed from 1 May until 31 October 2017.
Contact 021 780 9100, tablemountain@sanparks.org
Cost R15 (adults)
R7 (children)
Location Perdekloof, Cape Peninsula, Cape Town
HELDERBERG FARM
Nestled on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain, this rustic farm has public braai areas with small benches, as well as private braai sections in Granny’s Forest, which can host up to 200 people. Braaing aside, there are a number of fun activities to help you work up an appetite, including paintballing, trail running, laser-shooting, strawberry-picking and hiking.
We love the farm’s traditional South African vibe and friendly atmosphere.
Contact 021 855 4308, helderbergplaas@mweb.co.za
Cost R50 (adults)
R25 (children 5 – 18 years)
Braai drum R50 (bring your own wood and grid; charcoal available)
Booking is essential
Location Helderberg Farm, Klein Helderberg Road, Somerset West
TOKAI FOREST
Neil Bradfield
This serene woodland is perfect for long, languid braais with family and friends. It’s a great place to unwind and there’s ample space for the kids to run about and play.
We love The vast wide-open spaces and towering pines, which lend an enchanted-forest feel.
Good to know Occasionally the wonderful wafting smell of delicious food attracts baboons, who then enter the picnic site hoping to get lucky. SanParks warns to avoid contact and not to feed these monkeys, and they should go on their merry way.
Contact 021 712 7471, tablemountain@sanparks.org
Cost TMNP conservation fee
R25 (adults – 12 years and older)
R15 (children)
Additional R25 fee per vehicle
Location Tokai Forest, Tokai Road, Tokai, Cape Town
OUDEKRAAL
This sheltered cove between Camp’s Bay and Llandudno is beach-braai heaven. The secluded barbeque areas have seating with great views of the ocean.
We love With sandy beaches, clear waters for snorkelling on calm days, and huge boulders just a few meters away, it’s a deliriously relaxing spot for a family day out.
Good to know It is closed during the week from 1 June to 30 September, but is open every weekend and on public holidays irrespective of the season.
Contact 021 712 7471, tablemountain@sanparks.org
Cost TMNP conservation fee
R40 (adults)
R25 (children under 12)
Location Oudekraal, Victoria Road, between Llandudno and Camps Bay
WYNBERG PARK
Jens on Flickr
With luscious green lawns, a duck pond and ample space to sit around the braai area, this park is an old favourite among Capetonians.
We love the fully equipped kids’ play area, which means they can run wild while you relax.
Good to know The braai area is open from 8am until 6pm daily.
Contact 021 710 9403
Cost Free
Location Wynberg Park, Corner of Klaasens and Trovato Link Roads, Wynberg, Cape Town
THE BACKYARD GRILL LOUNGE
nycshooter
With rustic picnic tables, an enclosed bar, and a backyard to lounge around in, this Sea Point restaurant might just be the ideal way to braai – you get to relax while somebody else does the schlep work!
We love that you can sit back and wait for your meal to be delivered to your table, hot off the coals. All you need to do is select your meat (or seafood) and side dishes such as mealies, veggie kebabs and salads. The best part? You get to enjoy the braai without smelling like you’ve been to one!
Contact 021 433 1296, daniel@thebackyardgrill.co.za
Cost R150 – R300 (main meals)
R180 (per person for group braai platter)
Location Backyard Grill Lounge, 72 Regent Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
MAIDEN’S COVE
Moises De Gouveia
Located between Glen Beach and Clifton Fourth, this beautifully scenic area – and prime sunset spot – offers designated public braai and picnic spots with magnificent views of the Atlantic, 12 Apostles and Table Mountain, making it the place for a hot summer’s day braai.
We love The tidal pool, perfect for a dip between sunbathing on the big boulders. It’s also a great place to indulge in some diving and dolphin- and whale-spotting (between June and December).
Contact 021 438 8212
Cost Free
Location Maiden’s Cove, Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town
BUFFELS BAY AND BORDJIESDRIF
Credit: Outdoor Photo
Worth visiting for the views alone, Buffels Bay and Bordjiesdrif in the Cape Point Nature Reserve are famous for their amazing braai and picnic spots, complete with a safe tidal pool for the kids. Bring your own grid and wood, and don’t feed the baboons!
We love the unparallelled views of endless ocean, rugged rocks and dizzying cliffs, not to mention the rich flora and fauna (buck, Cape mountain zebra and over 250 bird species).
Contact 021 780 9204, info@capepoint.co.za
Cost Standard Cape Point entry fee
R135 (adults)
R70 (children)
Location Cape Point Nature Reserve, Cape Point Road, Cape Town
TSAARSBANK
Located in the West Coast National Park, Tsaarsbank has braai facilities with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
We love During whale season (August to October), you can spot the majestic creatures while enjoying your braai. Other activities, such as hiking, biking and bird-watching can keep you busy for hours, so you can make a day of it.
Contact 022 772 2144, reservations@sanparks.org
Cost (Outside Flower Season)
R50 (adults)
R25 (children)
R70 (adults, during flower season)
R35 (children, during flower season)
Location West Coast National Park, R27, West Coast
ASSEGAAIBOSCH NATURE RESERVE
Andre Visser
Just outside Stellenbosch in the Jonkershoek Valley is where you will find this leafy nature reserve. Formerly a cultivated flower garden, the reserve has various hiking trails that are open to the public.
We love that they only allow 60 people into the reserve per day to help with conservation efforts. You can also enjoy swimming in the Eerste River.
Contact 021 483 0190, bookings@capenature.co.za
Cost Conservation fee R40 (adults)
R20 (children)
Location Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve, Jonkershoek Road, Jonkershoek Valley, Stellenbosch
KOGEL BAY RESORT
Werner_P_Klein
You’ll find this postcard-perfect spot along Clarence Drive, a 20-kilometre scenic route between Gordon’s Bay and Rooi Els famous for whale-spotting.
We love The high mountains, surrounding the resort, shelter the beach and protect it from the strong summer southeaster, making it an ideal braai spot.
Contact 021 856 9622
Cost Camping fees (R132 – R202)
Location Kogel Bay Resort, R44, Helderberg Rural, Cape Town
PREEKSTOEL
Explorers Garden Route
This secret sliver of beach near Kraalbaai in the West Coast National Park offers seclusion, shelter and breathtaking views of the lagoon. Preekstoel – which means preacher’s pulpit – is the perfect day trip for a relaxing family braai. Better still, rent a houseboat or hire a house, and make a weekend of it. There are wonderful hikes, fabulous bird-watching, and the best swimming ever.
We love watching the houseboats bobbing around in the shallows, and dreaming we were on one…
Contact 022 772 2144, reservations@sanparks.org
Cost (Outside Flower Season)
R50 (adults)
R25 (children)
R70 (adults, flower season)
R35 (children, flower season)
Location West Coast National Park, R27, West Coast
LITTLE BAY
ZambeziShark
Offering one of our favourite views of Table Mountain, a grassy braai area, soft beach sand for the children to run around on, and even a jungle gym with a slide, this braai spot has: “family day out” written all over it.
We love the postcard-perfect view of Table Mountain…
Contact 021 550 1204
Cost Free
Location 7 Popham Road, Bloubergstrand, Cape Town
BERG RIVER RESORT
This riverside braai spot – somewhere between Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch – is wonderful for a superbly relaxing day in the country. The rambling lawns invite endless games of catch and volleyball for the children, while the parents busy themselves with the business of braaiing close by.
We love the serenity…
Contact 021 007 1852
Cost R60 per person (May – September 2017)
R80 per person and per vehicle (October 2017 – December 2017; January 2018 – March 2018)
R100 per person and per vehicle (16 December 2017 – 8 January 2018)
Location R45 Franschhoek Road, Paarl South, Cape Town
Source: The Best Braai Spots in Cape Town first appeared on insideguide.co.za