Best Braai Spots in Cape Town & Surrounds
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IT’S BRAAI TIME!
Nothing says easy-going summer vibes like the sound of sizzle & the waft of smoke coming from your braai!
While Capetonians are undeniably multi-talented with a vast set of diverse interests, passions & skills (Yes! We’re well aware that we may be a tad biased here – or extremely biased for that matter – but hey, we have to take credit where credit is due!), when it comes to braaiing – we’re at the top of our game!
Whether it’s meat or fish, you can be sure that on a spectacular summer’s day in Cape Town you will undoubtedly find endless groups of friends & family gathered around a fire, enjoying each other’s company, the tantalising aroma of meat on the grill, all while being surrounded by breathtaking backdrops & sweep-you-off-your-feet views. The Mother City is known for her magnificent landscapes after all – and what better way to take in the endless beauty of this stunning & vibrant city than by enjoying a braai at some of its most picturesque locations?
From pristine beaches to serene nature reserves, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best braai spots in Cape Town for you to enjoy! What are you waiting for? Grab your tongs, round-up your friends & family & get ready to fire up the grill at these amazing locations.
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Happy Braaiing Cape Town!
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#Maiden’s Cove | Camps Bay
CALLING ALL BEACH LOVERS! THIS ONE IS FOR YOU! A list of the best braai spots in Cape Town definitely wouldn’t be complete without the breathtaking beach gem that is Maiden’s Cove! Nestled between Glen Beach & Clifton Fourth, Maiden’s Cove is by far one of the Mother City’s most beautiful beachy braai spots.
Besides it’s blissful beach location, stunning scenic surroundings & magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean, Lion’s Head, Twelve Apostles Mountain Range & the renowned Table Mountain, Maiden’s Cove is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular & highly sought-after braai spots in all of Cape Town. This beautifully scenic area offers plenty of designated public braai facilities & picnic spots – perfect for those looking to enjoy a great beachfront braai with family & friends on a glorious Summer’s day.
Maiden’s Cove is also a great snorkelling spot as well as boasts a refreshing tidal pool, perfect for a cooling dip between sunbathing on the big boulders around the cove whilst the kids splash around in the shallows. If you’re lucky, you may even be able to spot dolphins, Cape Fur Seals & whales from the shoreline. That’s not all! Maiden’s Cove is also regarded as one of the Mother City’s most magnificent sunset spots. Known for its stunning sherbet coloured sunsets that set the sky alight in a beautiful celebration of colours – Maiden’s Cove is pure beach sunset bliss!
- Location: Maiden’s Cove, Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town
- Entry fee: Free!
- **Visitors can bring their own food & braai equipment or rent them on-site at Maiden’s Cove.
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#De Waal Park
Nestled in the leafy suburb of Gardens, beneath Table Mountain, De Waal Park is a beautiful oasis away from the hustle & bustle of city life. This picturesque park is known for its beautiful gardens, towering trees & large open spaces – providing the perfect tranquil setting for spending real quality time with friends & family while enjoying a lovely & laid back braai or picnic.
You can either opt to set up your own portable braai in one of the designated braai areas or make use of the fixed braai facilities available to you. Spend your day relaxing on the lush lawns, enjoying a fabulous picnic spread & playing games with your loved ones. The park often hosts LIVE music events, providing entertainment while you feast on your braai.
De Waal Park is cherished as a serene meeting place for a diverse community of Capetonians, including slack-rope walkers, picnickers, tree & bird enthusiasts, runners, families & dog owners. Dogs delight in the pond around the Victorian fountain – a cool retreat in summer – while children play on swings & roundabouts. There are also several play areas to keep the kiddos entertained as well as an array of beautiful footpaths & trails for you to explore.
- Location: De Waal Park, Upper Orange Road, Gardens, Cape Town
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#Oudekraal Beach
Tucked away in a sheltered cove between Camps Bay & Llandudno, Oudekraal is not only one of the best braai spots in Cape Town, but one of the most beautiful too! Oudekraal has about 40 private braai spots scattered along the lawns above the sheltered cove & sandy beach below. Besides being one of the top braai spots in Cape Town, Oudekraal is perfect for enjoying a fun-filled family beach day. The beach is surrounded by large granite boulders that keep big waves at bay, making it an ideal spot to swim. The water is also calm enough for snorkelling near the shore.
**Tip: Because of its sought-after status & stunning beach location, the braai spots at Oudekraal can get snatched up pretty quickly. It is important to arrive early to secure a top spot.
- Location: Oudekraal, Victoria Road, between Llandudno and Camps Bay
- Entry Fee / Conservation Fee: Click HERE to find out more about Table Mountain National Park & Oudekraal Beach’s Daily Conservation Fee
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#Silvermine Nature Reserve
Located within the Table Mountain National Park, the Silvermine Nature Reserve is arguably one of the most beautiful locations in Cape Town for enjoying a braai or picnic! Silvermine’s relatively secluded braai areas are scattered around a natural reservoir, with many of them nestled in discreet rocky hollows & tucked behind bushes of fynbos.
Besides enjoying a traditional braai at one of the many braai spots, you are free to take a dip in the refreshing waters of the reservoir. The Silvermine Nature Reserve also boasts a variety of exciting hiking trails & incredible walking routes as well as tons of hidden gems, waterfalls & natural wonders to discover. Not to mention the beautiful mountain views you’ll get to admire! Silvermine Nature Reserve definitely has it ALL!
This stunning natural gem is open for picnics right throughout the year, however, because the Silvermine Nature Reserve is considered a high risk area for wildfires, braaing is only permitted here during winter (typically from June until the end of September).
- Location: Silvermine, Ou Kaapse Weg, Westlake, Cape Town
- Entry Fee / Conservation Fee: Click HERE to find out more about Table Mountain National Park & Silvermine Nature Reserve’s Daily Conservation Fee
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#Newlands Forest
Situated on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Newlands Forest is a wonderfully relaxing & scenic place for enjoying a braai in Cape Town. Surrounded by lush woodlands, there are several designated braai & picnic areas with built-in fire pits located throughout. You can also opt to bring your own portable braai stand if you choose. Surrounded by high pine trees, there is ample shade to lay down your picnic blanket, sit back, relax & enjoy a stunning day out in the beautiful Cape Town outdoors.
If you’re looking to pair your braai with something a little more adventurous, Newlands Forest boasts a variety of thrilling hiking trails to explore, ranging from beginner to more advanced. This certainly makes Newlands forest the ideal destination & Cape Town braai spot for hikers, nature lovers & adventurers!
**Important note: The picnic site at Newlands Forest is closed from June 1st until the 30th of September every year. It opens again on October 1st but works on a first come, first serve basis. However, when the area is closed off, the area can be booked for private functions & photo shoots. For more info on how you can reserve this place for events, contact the Filming and Events office on 021 712 0527.
- Location: M3, Newlands Forest, Newlands, Cape Town
- Entry Fee / Conservation Fee: Click HERE to find out more about Table Mountain National Park & Newland Forest’s Daily Conservation Fee
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#Tokai Forest Picnic & Braai Area
Situated within the Table Mountain National Park, the serene woodlands of Tokai Forest is perfect for enjoying a braai with family & friends. The Tokai Forest braai area is located on the edge of the Tokai Plantation & offers visitors plenty of braai spots to choose from. For those looking to add a bit more adventure to their day, Tokai Forest boasts tons of thrilling trails & walks for nature lovers to enjoy. The wide-open spaces also makes it perfect for families looking to enjoy a fun day out during a hot summer’s day in Cape Town!
**Important note: Occasionally, the delicious smell of food attracts baboons to the picnic area hoping to get lucky. SANParks warns visitors to avoid contact & NOT to feed the baboons.
- Location: Tokai Forest, Tokai Road, Tokai, Cape Town
- Entry Fee / Conservation Fee: Click HERE to find out more about Table Mountain National Park & Newland Forest’s Daily Conservation Fee
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#Buffels Bay & Bordjiesdrif
Revel in the wilderness at Buffels Bay & Bordjiesdrif!
Looking for some picturesque, untouched landscapes? Why not relish in the unapologetic natural beauty – with stunning views of soaring cliffs & crystal coastlines – & remote tranquillity of Buffels Bay and Bordjiesdrif in the Cape Point Nature Reserve? While this Western Cape natural gem is 1000% worth visiting for its spectacular views, stunning beaches, scenic surroundings & incredible hidden gems alone, Buffels Bay & Bordjiesdrif is most famous for their many fantastic braai & picnic spots located right on the beach! DOES IT GET ANY BETTER THAN THAT?
That’s definitely not all! Oh no! There are also amazing tidal pools located at both sites – which are safe for EVERYONE – from the young to the young at heart – to swim in or take a cool & refreshing dip on a hot summer’s day – & beautiful grassy picnic areas boasting unrivalled views of the mountains & ocean.
**IMPORTANT NOTE: As the nearest shop is extremely far from your braai location – It is important that you remember to bring your own braai grid, wood & coals along with your braai meat & food. **You will have to pay the standard Cape Point entrance fees / Daily Conservation Fee to enter – Click HERE to find out more!
**EXTRA NOTE: The reserve baboons like to make an appearance when they smell food, but whatever you do – DO NOT FEED THEM! Cape Point can also get pretty windy, so be sure to check the weather before you go – Its ALWAYS better to be prepared!
- Location: Cape Point Nature Reserve, Cape Point Road, Cape Town
- Entry Fee / Conservation Fee: Click HERE to find out more about Table Mountain National Park & Cape Point’s Daily Conservation Fee
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#Wynberg Park
Known for its lush greenery, colourful hydrangeas & ample awesome braai facilities to flex & showcase your stellar braaiing skills – its no surprise that Wynberg Park is not only one of the most popular braai spots in Cape Town, but a real fan-favourite among the locals too – especially during the vibrant summer season! Boasting over 22 hectares of beautiful gardens, its spacious lawns are the perfect place for family & friends to get together & enjoy fabulous picnics & braais on a sunny fun-filled day out in Cape Town.
In addition to its expansive luscious lawns – which have become somewhat of a Wynberg Park trademark – ideal for lounging, lazy strolls & tons of running around (for the little ones of course – however you are more than welcome to join in on the fun), the park also has a wonderful playground & fully equipped play area for the kids. So, while the kiddos are entertaining themselves you can set up camp, sit back, relax, snack & tend to the meat.
**If you live in the Southern Suburbs & you’re looking for a scenic spot to hang out with family & friends, Wynberg Park is the ideal place!**
- Location: Wynberg Park, Corner of Klaasens and Trovato Link Roads, Wynberg, Cape Town
- Entry fee: Free!
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#Eerste Steen Resort In Blaauwberg | Blaauwberg Nature Reserve
Situated only 30 minutes from Cape Town’s city centre in the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve, Eerste Steen offers the perfect nature lover’s escape without really leaving the city at all. Besides its tranquil and scenic setting, Eerste Steen boasts plenty of picnic and braai spots, a play park for the kids, as well as amazing opportunities for fun and exciting watersports. Plus, there’s nothing quite as rewarding as a refreshing dip in the ocean on a hot summer’s day.
This stunning Cape Town braai spot and resort also showcases one of the most beautiful ocean and Table Mountain views and is surrounded by indigenous fynbos – making it a real treat for any nature lover to visit.
- Location: Blaauwberg Conservation Area, Cape Town | Eerste Steen Resort, Otto du Plessis Dr, Bloubergstrand, Cape Town
- Entry fee: Conservation fee: Vehicles: R24 | Adults (18 and over): R18 | Children (3 to 17), students and senior citizens (proof required): R9 | Children under 3: Free | Learner/student groups (pre-booked, discounts may apply): R9 | ‘Friend’ of this reserve (membership proof required): Free
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#Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve
Located just outside Stellenbosch in the Jonkershoek Valley, the Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve is definitely one of the best braai spots in Cape Town. Boasting two thrilling hiking trails that are open to the public as well as tons of natural gems, and scenic surroundings to explore, the Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve is the ideal destination for nature lovers, hikers, and avid adventurers! The reserve only allows a maximum of 80 people into the reserve picnic area per day to help with conservation efforts.
Besides enjoying an incredible braai with friends and family as well as some adventure-filled hiking and exploring, you can opt to enjoy a refreshing swim in the Eerste River (if the water level allows it).
**Important note: You cannot book a picnic spot – it is on a first-come first-serve basis. No alcohol is allowed on the premise. Payment is made at the gate.
- Location: Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve, Jonkershoek Road, Jonkershoek Valley, Stellenbosch
- Website: Click here to find out more!
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#Perdekloof & Wildschutsbrand Picnic Sites
Located just 45km outside of Cape Point, the Perdekloof and Wildschutsbrand Picnic Sites are two of Cape Town’s must-visit hidden gems. These two amazing picnic sites are situated in a serene wooded area just past the beach village of Scarborough along the Cape Peninsula. Boasting spectacular views and stunning tranquil surroundings, it offers visitors a picturesque escape from the hustle and hype of the city.
Wildschutsbrand is the larger of the two and is open all year round, while Perdekloof is closed during the winter months. Both of these incredible Cape Town picnic and braai spots offers visitors ample braai facilities with plenty of tables and seating. Visitors must however bring their own braai grids, wood, and fire-starters.
**Important note: These picnic areas do not allow portable braais, and it is not pet friendly.
- Location: Cape Peninsula, near Scarborough
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#Berg River Resort
This stunning riverside braai spot is located somewhere between Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch – Making for a wonderful winelands escape and beautiful day out in the Western Cape. A visit to the Berg River Resort is also a great idea for an exciting family daytrip. The fact that you have access to swimming pools, trampolines, jungle gyms, and an animal farmyard, just adds extra fun and adventure to your family braai day in Cape Town. The rambling lawns also offers ample space for enjoying games of catch and volleyball for the children, while the parents sit back, relax, and have a grand ol’ time!
- Location: R45 Franschhoek Road, Paarl South, Cape Town
- DAY VISITOR RATES: Day visitor rates for the whole year are R150 p/p | Day visitor Vehicles are charged R150 per vehicle ONLY during December school holidays, March school holidays, Public holidays & Easter | **HOLIDAYS / WEEKENDS: Day visitors to resort guests pay the same day visitor rate | Children 3 years & above pay full price | Day visitors to resort guests pay the same day visitor rate | Children 3 years & above pay full price
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