Celebrate Heritage Day at these braai-friendly spots in SA
It’s no secret that South Africans love to braai. With Heritage Day celebrations on the radar, it's the perfect excuse to bring out the braai stand out.
The mid-week holiday doesn’t require you to do too much. Just embark on a laid-back day at a picnic or braai-friendly spot in and around the city.
Mzansi has plenty of recreational spaces including parks and beaches where you can test out your braai-master skills. Invite some friends, make it a bring and share or gather your family and you have yourself the perfect day out.
It’s also spring so there is no reason to stay cooped up indoors. If this sounds like a plan, here are some braai-friendly spots to enjoy on Heritage Day.
Sandton Field and Study Park
While Sandton doesn't have a lot of public parks, Sandton Field and Study Park is a green space perfect for a day out.
The park has a kids' playground with jungle gyms, space to ride a bike and even an equestrian centre. Running through the middle of the park is the serene Braamfontein Spruit and, at the entrance, you'll find the kid-friendly River Café.
There are about a dozen dedicated brick braai stands a short walk from the car park and most are located under trees so you can catch some shade.
The stands are not compacted so you will have space between other visitors so you're not constantly engulfed in the smoke of nearby braais.
Entrance is free. Parking is R10 per vehicle.
Silvermine Nature Reserve
Silvermine Nature Reserve is located in Table Mountain National Park. The reserve is a peaceful site and arguably one of the most beautiful in the Western Cape open for picnics all year round.
Since it’s a high-risk fire zone, braaiing is only permitted from June until the end of November. There are over 40 sites scattered around the reservoir nestled in discreet rocky hollows and tucked behind bushes of fynbos so you won’t encounter another braaier.
Also, swimming in the reservoir is permitted, so take along your togs. Entry and conservation fees start from R32.
Nkutu Picnic Site, Krantzkloof Nature Reserve
The Nkutu Picnic Site is situated inside Krantzkloof Nature Reserve. The picnic spot also allows visitors to braai. Start your day off with a hike in the reserve’s marked trails or explore one of the marked trails to view Nkutu Falls.
No pets are allowed are allowed in picnic areas or the reserve. Nkutu picnic site is only open on weekends and public holidays.
No booking is required for the picnic areas and the entry fee is R25 per person.
Gillooly's Farm
Gillooly’s Farm in Bedfordview is named after early 20th-century farmer James Gillooly, who sold off his land to be converted into a public park by the city.
This tranquil park is dominated by a large man-made dam and wetlands and with an abundance of water there is lush greenery all around, tall trees, and an array of birdlife that all combine to make this a peaceful space to escape the city.
There are built-in brick braai stands or you can also bring your braai stands to the park. Entrance is free and no booking is required.
Buffels Bay and Bordjiesdrif
For those looking for a seaside experience, Buffels Bay and Bordjiesdrif are worth visiting for the views alone.
Buffels Bay and Bordjiesdrif in the Cape Point Nature Reserve are famous for their amazing braai and picnic spots, complete with a safe tidal pool for the kids.
Take along your own grid, wood and whatever else you may need, but just don’t feed the baboons. The bay is ideal for its unparalleled views of endless ocean, rugged rocks and dizzying cliffs, not to mention the rich flora and fauna including buck, Cape mountain zebra and over 250 bird species.
The entrance fee is R100 for adults and R50 for kids which goes towards conservation fees.
Laguna Beach, Durban
Laguna Beach, situated between Sun Coast Casino and Blue Lagoon, is a popular spot for sports enthusiasts. You can also engage in other activities including jetskiing, jogging, walking, kite-flying and fishing.
Laguna Beach is one of the few beaches that allows you to braai on and around the premises.
There are plenty of braai sites and a selection of eateries at Blue Lagoon beach, adjacent to Umgeni River. The beach closes at 5pm. Entry to Laguna Beach is free.
Emmarentia Dam
One of the biggest parks in Joburg, Emmarentia Dam and the adjoining Johannesburg Botanical Gardens is a popular weekend picnic spot and loved by dog walkers.
The dam itself plays host to watersports enthusiasts and flocks of Egyptian Geese and there's plenty of space on the vast open lawns for picnics, flying a kite or kicking a ball about.
]Visitors can braai at the dedicated braai areas situated along the eastern banks of the dam. No entrance fee is required.
Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve, Durban South
Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve is situated in Yellowwood Park in Durban South. The 253-hectare Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve has great braai facilities as well as cycling trails, nature walks and a disabled trail.
It's also ideal for bird watching and game viewing.
There is also a campsite with toilets picnic and braai facilities.
An entrance fee of R20 per person is charged at the gate, where visitors can obtain maps, plant and animal lists from a Field Ranger.