SA braai spots
2012-09-21 07:50
If you’ve been wondering where to smoke it up on National Braai Day, better known as Heritage Day, why not check out one of the following spots.
Cape Town braai spots:
Tokai Forest
The Tokai Plantation is a delightful place to take the family for an afternoon braai. Exploring the forest is also fun via the many trails available. Lazing the day away comes naturally beneath the shady trees, just what you need after a hearty meal.
Cost: R10 per adult, R10 per car and R5 per child (Wild Card holders are free).
Times: 8am to 5pm
Tel: 021 712 7471
Buffels Bay and Bordjiesdrif
Situated right on the beach in the Cape of Good Hope picnic or braai areas don't come pretttier than this. With safe bathing for kids in the tidal pool it's a great family outdoor spot. It is important to be aware that Chacma Baboons regularly visit the area though – feeding these animals is not advised.
Cost: R85 per adult, R30 per child (Wild Card holders are free).
Times: 7pm to 5pm
Tel: 021 780 9204
Winelands braai spot
Helderberg Farm, Somerset West
Whether you’re planning on celebrating braai day with kiddies-riddled family or energetic friends, Helderberg farm, located on the R44 between Somerset West and Stellenbosch, has exactly what you’re after. They offer a wide array of activities, including laser quest, paintball, 4x4 trails and gravel carts. Visit their website for more details on each. The braai area is located in a charming forest-setting and offers tables, chairs and a gazebo. Booking is essential for groups
Cost: R35 for a braai plus R25 for adults, R16 for school kids and students, R10 for pensioners and pre-school kids get in free.
Times: 8:00 am – 18:00 pm
Contact: 021 855 4308
Johannesburg Braai Spots
Gilooly’s Farm
Head east of Johannesburg to Bedfordview, where you will find 44 ha of walking trails, abundant birdlife, recreational areas and restaurants. The farm also boasts a large man-made lake, which is home to a number of fish species. Families can also enjoy a braai at the farm, which can be arranged by the staff.
Cost: Free
Times: Everyday except Sundays
Contact: www.gauteng.net
Zoo Lake
Located off Jan Smuts Avenue, near the Johannesburg Zoo, Zoo Lake park is a daytime picnic spot as well as a popular concert venue. There are activities for every age as you relax outdoors with the option of either braaing or having a picnic. If you're in the mood you can even paddle across the man-made lake.
Cost: Free
Times: daily
Contact: www.gauteng.net
Durban braai spots
Paradise Valley Nature Reserve
The Paradise Valley waterfall is said to be one of the most beautiful spots in the Durban area. There are several good walks, one of which runs alongside the Umbilo river. Leisure activities include braai and picnic sites, public toilets, braai, car park, visitors centre.
Cost: R11 per adult, R7 per child and R5 per pensioner – entry fee includes map to the reserve.
Times: 7am to 5pm
Tel: 031 702 3443
Laguna Beach
Situated between Sun Coast Casino and Blue Lagoon, this is a popular spot for sports enthusiasts. Activities include Jetskiing, jogging, walking, kite-flying and fishing with swimming only allowed during the December holidays.
Cost: Free
Times: 7am to 5pm
Tel: 031 322 4350 / 031 322 4364
Eastern Cape Braai spot
Island Nature Reserve, Port Elizabeth
Located approximately 25km from Port Elizabeth and accessed via the Seaview Road, Island Nature Reserve is the perfect spot for a chilled out day outing. Take on the 16km Bushbuck Trail to work up a proper appetite, then head to the braai-friendly picnic area for a heritage day feast.
Cost: R10 for adults
Times: 8am – 4pm on weekends and public holidays, 08:00 am – 16:30 on weekdays
Contact: 041 378 1634
Pretoria braai spots:
Groenkloof Nature Reserve, Pretoria
This reserve is home to kudu, sable, giraffe and is also rich in birdlife. It also offers a selection of hiking and mountain biking trails, a 4×4 route, guided horse trails and game drives. Get together with friends as you enjoy a leisurely braai under the tall trees.
Times: 7am to 5pm
Tel: 031 702 3443
Garden Route Braai Spot
Storms River Mouth, Garden Route National Park
On the green lawn that slopes down to the sea from the camp’s small shop and restaurant are ten fantastic braai spots with views across this wild stretch of ocean. Watch the waves pound the rocky shore as your chops sizzle and if you’re lucky you may see a school of dolphins or southern right whales just metres away.
Cost: R32 (South African residents), kids under two are free.
Times: 07pm to 9.30pm.
Tel: 042 281 1607
Kruger National Park Braai Spot
Afsaal picnic spot
Where better to celebrate our national heritage than in the country’s oldest national park? Park off at Afsaal picnic spot, located on H3 between Skukuza and Malelane, for a braai off amid acacias, hornbills, ground squirrels and naughty Vervet monkeys.
Cost: If you’re a day visitor without a Wild Card, expect to pay R48 per adult and R24 per child at whichever of the park gates you enter. If you’re taking a different spin on Braai day and renting a ‘skottel,’ expect to pay about R20.
Times: Check out the SANPark website for all gate details
Contact: Skukuza rest camp for details on 013 735 4265/4383/4288
It's important to use extreme caution when braaing out in the open. Respect our environment. Always bring your own firewood and charcoal. Be especially mindful when children are around the fire area. If you have a favourite outdoor braai spot we didn't mention, why not post a comment below?
