Picnic enthusiasts will find Cape Town‘s landscapes, world-class vineyards, and vibrant culinary scene a paradise. There’s nothing quite like spreading out a blanket, uncorking a bottle of wine, and indulging in a gourmet feast while admiring the city’s natural beauty. Here are the 15 best picnic spots in Cape Town, complete with reviews, prices, and everything you need to plan the perfect outdoor dinner.
Why Cape Town is a Picnic Paradise
It has been my experience that Cape Town is a city that cries out to be explored outdoors, a statement I made once in my travel journal. “From the rolling vineyards of Stellenbosch to the dramatic cliffs of Cape Point, every corner of this city offers a new backdrop for a memorable picnic, whether you are planning to visit during the day or at night.”
The combination of stunning scenery, exceptional food, and world-renowned wines makes Cape Town a top destination for outdoor dining. Whether you’re looking for a romantic escape, a family-friendly outing, or a solo retreat, there’s a picnic spot here for you.
Listed below are 15 of the best picnic spots around Cape Town for a picnic
1. Cape Point Vineyards
Location: Cape Point Vineyards, Silvermine Road, Noordhoek
Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Monday – Sunday)
Price: R350 per person (includes a gourmet picnic basket)
Contact 027 789 0900, [email protected]
Highlights:
- Panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Noordhoek Beach.
- A curated picnic basket featuring local cheeses, charcuterie, and freshly baked bread.
- Family-friendly with plenty of space for kids to play.
Personal Insight:
“The first time I visited Cape Point Vineyards, I was struck by the sheer beauty of the setting. The ocean breeze, the sound of waves crashing, and the taste of their Sauvignon Blanc made it an unforgettable experience.”
Pros:
- Stunning views.
- Excellent wine pairings.
- Dog-friendly.
Cons:
- Can get windy, so bring a jacket.
2. Buitenverwachting
Location: Buitenverwachting, Klein Constantia Rd, Constantia, Cape Town, 7806, South Africa
Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Monday – Sunday)
Price: R300 per person
Contact 021 794 5190, [email protected]
Highlights:
- A historic wine farm with lush gardens.
- Picnic baskets filled with artisanal treats like smoked salmon and quiche.
- Perfect for a romantic outing.
Personal Insight:
“Buitenverwachting feels like stepping into a fairytale. The gardens are so serene, and the food is always fresh and delicious.”
Pros:
- Romantic ambiance.
- High-quality food.
- Close to the city center.
Cons:
- Limited seating, so book in advance.
3. Quoin Rock
Location: 7600 Knorhoek Rd, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Wednesday – Sunday)
Price: R400 per person
Contact 021 888 4740, [email protected]
Highlights:
- A luxury picnic experience with a view of the Stellenbosch mountains.
- Gourmet picnic baskets featuring local produce.
- Wine tastings available.
Personal Insight:
“Quoin Rock is the epitome of luxury. The attention to detail in their picnic baskets is unmatched, and the setting is pure bliss.”
Pros:
- Luxurious experience.
- Excellent wine selection.
- Peaceful and private.
Cons:
- Higher price point.
4. Rhebokskloof
Location: Noord Agter – Paarl Rd, Windmeul, 7623, South Africa
Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Monday – Sunday)
Price: R250 per person
Contact 021 869 8386, [email protected]
Highlights:
- A family-friendly vineyard with a playground for kids.
- Picnic baskets filled with hearty, farm-style food.
- Stunning views of the Paarl Valley.
Personal Insight:
“Rhebokskloof is perfect for families. The kids can play while the adults relax with a glass of wine.”
Pros:
- Family-friendly.
- Affordable.
- Beautiful scenery.
Cons:
- Can get crowded on weekends.
5. Grub & Vine Norval
Location: The Norval Foundation, 4 Steenberg Rd, Tokai, Cape Town, 7945, South Africa
Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Tuesday – Sunday)
Price: R280 per person
Contact 021 216 0021, [email protected]
Highlights:
- A unique picnic experience at an art gallery.
- Gourmet picnic baskets with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients.
- Perfect for art lovers.
Personal Insight:
“Combining art and food is a genius idea. The Norval Foundation is a hidden gem, and the picnic experience here is one of a kind.”
Pros:
- Unique setting.
- High-quality food.
- Cultural experience.
Cons:
- Limited availability, so book early.
6. Spier
Location: R310, Stellenbosch
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Monday – Sunday)
Price: R300 per person
Contact 021 809 1159, [email protected]
Highlights:
- One of the oldest wine farms in South Africa.
- Picnic baskets featuring organic, farm-to-table ingredients.
- Family-friendly with a playground and eagle encounters.
Personal Insight:
“Spier is a classic. The history, the wine, and the food all come together to create a truly special experience.”
Pros:
- Family-friendly.
- Sustainable practices.
- Beautiful grounds.
Cons:
- Can feel touristy.
7. Klein Joostenberg
Location: Klein Joostenberg, R304 Muldersvlei, Stellenbosch
Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Monday – Sunday)
Price: R250 per person
Contact 021 884 4014, [email protected]
Highlights:
- A boutique wine farm with a focus on organic farming.
- Picnic baskets filled with fresh, organic produce.
- Peaceful and intimate setting.
Personal Insight:
“Klein Joostenberg is a hidden gem. The organic focus makes the food taste even better, and the setting is so tranquil.”
Pros:
- Organic and sustainable.
- Intimate and peaceful.
- Affordable.
Cons:
- Limited seating.
8. Jordan Wine Estate
Location: Stellenbosch Kloof Road, Vlottenberg, Stellenbosch
Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Monday – Sunday)
Price: R350 per person
Contact 021 881 3441, [email protected]
Highlights:
- Stunning views of the Stellenbosch Valley.
- Gourmet picnic baskets with a focus on local flavors.
- Wine tastings and cellar tours available.
Personal Insight:
“Jordan Wine Estate is one of my favorite spots in Stellenbosch. The views are breathtaking, and the food is always top-notch.”
Pros:
- Stunning views.
- Excellent wine.
- Romantic setting.
Cons:
- Higher price point.
9. Boschendal
Location: Boschendal Estate, Pniel Road, Groot, Franschhoek, 7690, South Africa
Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Monday – Sunday)
Price: R300 per person
Contact 021 870 4273, [email protected]
Highlights:
- A historic wine farm with beautiful gardens.
- Picnic baskets featuring farm-fresh ingredients.
- Family-friendly with plenty of activities for kids.
Personal Insight:
“Boschendal is a must-visit. The gardens are so beautiful, and the food is always fresh and delicious.”
Pros:
- Family-friendly.
- Beautiful setting.
- High-quality food.
Cons:
- Can get crowded.
10. Vergelegen
Location: Lourensford Rd, Somerset West, Cape Town, 7130, South Africa
Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Monday – Sunday)
Price: R350 per person
Contact 021 847 2111, [email protected]
Highlights:
- A historic estate with stunning gardens.
- Gourmet picnic baskets with a focus on local flavors.
- Perfect for a romantic outing.
Personal Insight:
“Vergelegen is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited. The gardens are so peaceful, and the food is always exceptional.”
Pros:
- Romantic setting.
- High-quality food.
- Beautiful gardens.
Cons:
- Higher price point.
11. Mont Rochelle
Location: Mont Rochelle, Dassenberg Road, Franschhoek
Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Monday – Sunday)
Price: R400 per person
Contact 021 876 2770, [email protected]
Highlights:
- A luxury wine farm with stunning views of the Franschhoek Valley.
- Gourmet picnic baskets featuring local, seasonal ingredients.
- Perfect for a romantic escape.
Personal Insight:
“Mont Rochelle is pure luxury. The views are incredible, and the food is always top-notch.”
Pros:
- Luxurious experience.
- Stunning views.
- Excellent wine.
Cons:
- Higher price point.
12. Laborie
Location: aillefer Street, Laborie Wine Estate, Paarl, 7646, South Africa
Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Monday – Sunday)
Price: R250 per person
Contact 021 807 3095, [email protected]
Highlights:
- A family-friendly wine farm with a playground for kids.
- Picnic baskets filled with hearty, farm-style food.
- Stunning views of the Paarl Valley.
Personal Insight:
“Laborie is a great spot for families. The kids can play while the adults relax with a glass of wine.”
Pros:
- Family-friendly.
- Affordable.
- Beautiful scenery.
Cons:
- Can get crowded on weekends.
13. The Manor at Nederburg
Location: Sonstraal Road, Paarl
Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Monday – Sunday)
Price: R300 per person
Contact 021 807 3095, [email protected]
Highlights:
- A historic wine farm with beautiful gardens.
- Gourmet picnic baskets featuring local flavors.
- Perfect for a romantic outing.
Personal Insight:
“The Manor at Nederburg is a hidden gem. The gardens are so peaceful, and the food is always exceptional.”
Pros:
- Romantic setting.
- High-quality food.
- Beautiful gardens.
Cons:
- Higher price point.
14. Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa
Location: Victoria Rd, Camps Bay, Cape Town, 8005, South Africa
Hours: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Monday – Sunday)
Price: R450 per person
Contact 021 437 9029, [email protected]
Highlights:
- A luxury picnic experience with views of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Gourmet picnic baskets featuring local, seasonal ingredients.
- Perfect for a romantic escape.
Personal Insight:
“The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa is the ultimate luxury picnic experience. The views are incredible, and the food is always top-notch.”
Pros:
- Luxurious experience.
- Stunning views.
- Excellent food.
Cons:
- Higher price point.
15. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Location: Rhodes Drive, Newlands
Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Monday – Sunday)
Price: R100 entry fee (bring your own picnic)
Phone: +27 21 799 8783
Highlights:
- A world-renowned botanical garden with stunning views of Table Mountain.
- Perfect for a DIY picnic.
- Family-friendly with plenty of space for kids to play.
Personal Insight:
“Kirstenbosch is a Cape Town classic. The gardens are so beautiful, and it’s the perfect spot for a DIY picnic.”
Pros:
- Affordable.
- Family-friendly.
- Beautiful setting.
Cons:
- No pre-packed picnic baskets available.
FAQs
Q: What should I bring to a picnic in Cape Town?
A: Sunscreen, a hat, a blanket, and a jacket (it can get windy).
Q: Are these picnic spots child-friendly?
A: Yes, most of them are. Spier, Rhebokskloof, and Laborie are particularly great for families.
Q: Do I need to book in advance?
A: Yes, especially for popular spots like Buitenverwachting and Quoin Rock.
Final Thoughts
Cape Town’s picnic spots offer something for everyone, from luxury experiences to family-friendly outings. Whether you’re sipping wine at Cape Point Vineyards or enjoying a DIY picnic at Kirstenbosch, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience.
Disclaimer:
WakaAbuja has made every effort to ensure that the information in this post was correct at the time of publication. However, we do not assume any liability caused by errors, such as price, cost, time, and location.
For more information on Cape Town’s best breakfast spots, check out this link.
This guide is designed to be your go-to resource for planning the perfect picnic in Cape Town. Happy picnicking!
