Looking for a spot to kick your feet up and embrace the warm days in and around The Mother City? From beautiful hidden beaches to nature reserves and a lovely wine estate, these picnic spots near Cape Town will guarantee a beautiful day outdoors.
Here are 7 great spots to check out.
1. Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve, Franschhoek
View from Breakfast Rock with Theewaterskloof Dam in the distance. Picture: Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve
Early one morning we cruised through Franschhoek village, stopping briefly to buy fresh-out-the-oven baguettes and other treats at the Pick n Pay. The bread was still warm when we turned onto the gravel road to Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve at the top of the Franschhoek Pass. Greeted by well-informed, enthusiastic staff, we decided to walk the Breakfast Rock Trail – 30 minutes, moderately steep but very doable when carrying a picnic basket (there are 30 kilometres of well-maintained trails here). Bursting with fynbos, this reserve has spectacular 360-degree views and supplies drinking water from its springs to the whole of Franschhoek. The hut is open from 8 am to 5 pm.
Restaurant, Wine tastings, Picnics & Spa: +27 21 876 2770
E-mail: [email protected]
2. Sparks Bay Day Camp, Kogel Bay
Picture: Getaway gallery
The gravelly entrance to this spot off Clarence Drive, between Gordon’s Bay and Pringle Bay, shouldn’t put you off this picnic site – neither should the baboons or litter. The view across False Bay will have you spellbound: Sparks Bay is part of Kogel Bay Beach, in the Kogelberg Nature Reserve.
Beyond the parking area is a lawn bordered by shrubs and a colony of rocks that meet the incoming tide, where you can picnic at one of the tables or spread your blanket on the grass. (There’s no shade so you’ll need a hat and sunscreen.) It’s popular but weekdays are peaceful, and you can fish off the rocks and cool off in the tidal pool nearby. There’s an ablution block (BYI toilet roll). Southern right whales wallow here in August and September. The camp closes at 6 pm.
Contact: 0218569620
3. Oudekraal Beach, Atlantic Seaboard
Picture: Flickr Commons/Gilbert Sopakuwa
The water here is turquoise, the sand white and the large boulders create a safe area for swimming, picnicking or working on your tan. Bring your picnic basket and a large umbrella for shelter but leave the beers and wine at home – no liquor is allowed on the beach; neither are pets. Secure parking is a few metres away from the entrance. It’s part of Table Mountain National Park, situated between Bakoven and Llandudno on the ‘sunset coast’ – there’s no chance of a sundowner picnic, though, as the gates shut at 6 pm. Oudekraal is open from 8 am.
Price: Entrance is R30 for adults, and R15 for kids daily in summer and weekends only in winter.
4. Oak Valley Wine Estate, Elgin
Picture: Oak Valley Estate
This estate is well-known for its wine, mountain bike trails and restaurant, The Pool Room, but its picnics are pretty special too. While the restaurant’s tables are laid out next to the pool, picnickers can enjoy space and tranquillity on the lawn where the only sound you’ll hear is the wind in the trees that surround you like a tower of giraffes around a waterhole.
Even better, comfy loungers scattered under the shady trees offer a novel and very relaxing way to picnic (no sore knees or bums here). The picnic food is delicious – a selection of cured meats, cheeses, pâtés, preserves and bread, finished off with a brownie. Wine is not included but comes recommended, from R140 a bottle. Picnics are available daily from 12 pm from November to April but must be booked 24 hours before.
Contact: 0218594111
5. Miller Point Caravan Park, Simon’s Town
Picture: Cape Town Etc
If you prefer waters that don’t turn you into a White Walker, head out along the main road towards Cape Point. Over autumn – the best time for swimming and picnics, in my opinion – a quiet (and safe) beach is a find. What’s brilliant about Miller’s Point Caravan Park (or Miller’s Point Resort), which is run by the city, is that it’s far enough out to not get crowded (you need a car to get there), plus it’s regulated by a guard who will only let you in if the park is not fully booked, so phone ahead to check.
Park outside, then walk down the tarred road and take a left at the stairs leading down to the sea. There you’ll have three choices: to your left, a grassy bank with a tree here and there (best to bring your own shade); directly in front, the sweetest little beach (protected enough for children to swim safely); and to the right, that’s where the gem is, another little beach just before a wooden boardwalk, set a bit apart by rocks. Afterwards, go for a cocktail at the Black Marlin restaurant above. Open from 8 am to 6 pm.
Contact: 0217866012
6. Beta Beach, Bakoven
Picture: Flickr Commons/ Matt Kieffer
Beta Beach is a tiny, secluded strip of sand in Cape Town, tucked behind a couple of bungalows just beyond Camps Bay. This is by far my favourite beach because of its tranquillity. It has two access points, which can be easily missed if you are not familiar with the area – I always take the stairs that go down to the beach from Beta Road, off Victoria Road.
The other way is from Beta Close where you can park. It’s the perfect place for some quiet time, a swim in the rock pools and a picnic. There are more rocks than sand so take pillows. The boulders will shelter you if it’s a windy day. Dogs are welcome here and note that this hidden gem is also known for going topless. At sunset, it’s a front-row seat to the splendour.
7. Mont Rochelle Wine Estate, Franschhoek
Picture: Mont Rochelle Wine Estate
Mont Rochelle’s picnics are prepared by the on-site Country Kitchen, and you can expect to have a basket befitting a farm owned by Richard Branson. In the Miko Basket, flavours and portions were abundant – local cheeses, preserves, haddock fish cakes, charcuterie, harissa-spiced chicken, zucchini fritters, salads, and desserts.
The shaded lawns outside the Country Kitchen have a boules court, Jenga blocks and croquet, with views of sweeping fields and the enchanting Franschhoek valley to complete the relaxed atmosphere. Other picnic areas are at the dam and a glassed venue outside Miko Restaurant if it’s rainy.
E-mail: [email protected]
Contact: 0218762770
Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured.
TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
ALSO READ: 8 weekend breaks near Cape Town for under R600 per person
