Tomorrow marks South Africa’s highly-anticipated Heritage Day, where families from all walks of life celebrate our nation’s rich diversity. It’s a day that calls for getting together over a glass of wine and delightful conversation, while meat sizzles on a braai nearby. Hosting at home is an option, but if you’re in the mood to switch things up, why not meet at one of these public venues? There’s room for the whole gang!
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Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve in Kromdraai, Krugersdorp
This family-friendly venue offers visitors loads of shaded braai areas where kids can happily play about and explore the grounds. On public holidays, the reserve stays open till 04:45pm. Visit their website for more information.
Pearson Park Resort, Port Elizabeth
Near the Sunday River, this resort offers day visitors a beautiful grass site with quaint brick braais. It’s the ideal place to sit back, relax, and soak in the warm rays of the approaching summer sun. Visit their website for more information.
Miller’s Point, Simon’s Town
This coastal location will inject your Heritage Day party with exquisite marine scenery. Picture rippling waves rolling onto the shore, the smell of crisp sea salt in the air and, if you’re lucky, the sight of whales in the distance. Miller’s Point has two turn-offs, and the second is the one where you’ll find a host of braai areas near the tidal pool. Make your way here to salute this inspiring day in an equally inspiring setting.
Emmarentia Dam, Joburg
Bring your four-legged friend along to this dog-friendly spot where an expansive lawn and path along the dam give rise to a sense of tranquillity and peace. This is the perfect area for a languid afternoon with your closest friends and beloved pup at your side.
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Small Bay, Cape Town
This smaller, intimate beach spot looks directly onto Table Mountain, giving visitors the chance to glimpse this stately emblem of Cape Town in full view. Apart from dipping into the cool water of the ocean, kids may also enjoy time spent conquering the steps and slides of the jungle gym.
Jack’s Picnic Site, Addo
Jack’s picnic site is tucked away in the Addo Elephant National Park, making it a ‘hidden gem’ in the truest sense of the phrase. There are built-in braai stations complete with shaded picnic tables and grids that visitors are welcome to make use of. But since this site is a favourite among locals, make sure to head out early to ensure a place for you and your family. Visit their website for more information.
Animal Farmyard, Durban
Why not offer the kids a chance to make new friends with all the sweet creatures who reside at Durban’s Animal Farmyard? Here, you can enjoy a lovely picnic and braai while introducing the clan to a plethora of animals they may never have never encountered before. Be sure to let them take a ride on the tractor, too. An excursion here promises heaps of fun! Visit their website for more information.
Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve, near Stellenbosch
This nature reserve only allows 80 people into the picnic area per day in an effort to help preserve and sustain it’s beauty. It also boasts two hiking trails and a river that’ll come in handy if you’d like to cool off after. Alcohol isn’t allowed on the premises, and there is no reservation system in place so visitors are encouraged to come through early to avoid being turned away at the gate.
Wynberg Park, Cape Town
Nestled in Cape Town’s southern suburbs, you’ll find Wynberg Park. Showcasing some of the Western Cape’s most beautiful vegetation, this ultimate picnic and braai destination is a must-see for nature-lovers. Rope a few friends into joining you for a trip to Wynberg Park (and don’t forget to bring your utensils to get a fire going, too!).
Inanda Dam, Durban
Inanda Dam is a rare site where you could head our for a spot of fishing, and cook what you catch after! The sound of a scrumptious fish braai sounds too appetising for words! Remember to take a grid along if you’re eager to braai, and secure your braai spot at a secluded section in the picnic area.
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By Features Writer, Marike Watson
