The most sought-after table reservation is outdoors and often doesn’t even involve a table cause here are picnic ideas to inspire you. Yes, picnics are no longer about squashed sandwiches where the tomato has made the bread all soggy.
From Safari operators offering food-based experiences out in the bush to farms opening up their lawns, the lure of the outdoors has never seemed so enticing; to our taste buds that is.
If you caught up with how to plan your next meal out, here are some picnic ideas to inspire you.
Picnic Safari
Did you know that Kruger National Park has 12 picnic spots? here are five of the best to get you familiar. If you prefer something a bit more exclusive and don’t feel like packing your own picnic bag, there are lodges that will do this for you such as Samara Karoo Reserve.
Nkuhlu Picnic Site
Pitstop Picnic
There’s so much to see in South Africa, and getting there often involves a lengthy drive. So how about stopping at those picnic spots on the side of the road, and enjoying the view?
On the way there, stop at a few padstals to fill your picnic pantry. Some homemade jam, freshly baked farm bread fresh cheese to bring it all together. Sit under a lone pepper tree and fuel your body. It’s not about the destination but the journey, right?
Picnic on a wine farm
You can order pre-packed picnics, or pick out your own favourite snacks and drinks from Spier’s Farm Cafe
Many of the Cape’s wine farms will let you throw a blanket on their lawn and lounge about for the day. At Spier in Stellenbosch, a deli stocked with locally produced treats has all the treats you need for an incredible picnic.
You can pre-order picnics and collect them at the Picnickery or build your own at the Farm Cafe that has all the treats you need for an incredible picnic.
Blauwklippen has a market on the weekends with a wide range of vendors where you are bound to find something for everyone, as well as plenty of open grass, to have a siesta after getting your fill of food and wine.
Hike for a picnic
Don’t fret if you live somewhere without mountains, not all picnic options are the reserve of those who live in the Cape. In fact, be sure to check out how you can hike and picnic around Joburg. While you are at it, also have a peek at our hiking trails close to Pretoria.
Read: 5 Amazing picnic places around Pretoria
Visit a Botanical Garden
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
From Kirstenbosch in Cape Town to Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden in Johannesburg, try exploring the 10 Botanical National Gardens in South Africa.
Picnic on a boat
Head to the waters where you can toast a glass, indulge in gourmet sandwiches and take in the birdlife all at once. Options like the Lady Stanford in the quaint Overberg town of Stanford, or in Robertson, you can relax while floating along the Breede River at Viljoensdrift wine farm. Their deli also sells plenty of options to make the most out of an afternoon.
Head to the beach
Robberg Nature Reserve, which is part of the Plett Hope Spot, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to explore and picnic. Photo by Teagan Cunniffe.
Sometimes the sea can be too rough, the waters a bit cold or we are just not in the mood to take a dip, but it doesn’t mean we should stray clear of the beach. If you are unsure to go, then check our list of 6 picturesque beaches in South Africa for a picnic.
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