As the days get longer, lazier and warmer, the birds get chirpier and the blossoms brighter, so the urge to pack a picnic basket, grab a blanket and head out of the house takes hold. Here is our pick of restaurants, wine farms and country-style kitchens offering great picnic baskets.
Johannesburg and surrounds
Budmarsh Country Lodge (Magaliesberg)
At this elegant countryside venue – where guests can even drop in by helicopter – everything is arranged for you. You need only choose your picnic spot: on the lush lawns beneath shady trees, with a view of the Magaliesberg, or near the dam, where you can sit and watch birds swooping low over the water. Expect luxurious rugs and oversized pillows along with your wicker picnic basket, which you’ll find stuffed with homemade breads, quiches and tartlets, cold cuts, salads, sandwiches, wraps, scones with cream and jam, and a chocolate tart, as well as various cheeses and biscuits. An assistant will look after you, replenishing your drinks as necessary. (R450 per couple)
Dial-a-picnic (Alberton and Randburg)
Dial-a-picnic, a national franchise, offers picnics for every occasion. Whether you’re planning to propose, taking the kids out for a fun day or organising a company team-building event, they’ve got you covered. All you have to do is either collect the basket and head off to your spot of choice, or they can set the scene for you, finding the perfect décor for a themed or personalised experience. (R180 to R245 per person)
Lethabo Estate (Cradle of Humankind)
The picnic site at this luxurious spot is nestled into the river bank, tucked under a thatch gazebo and protected by the river island. The gourmet picnic baskets are set up at a table under Caribbean umbrellas on a private stretch of the river with abundant birdlife. As for the baskets, Lethabo offers a choice of three picnics: gourmet (R500), luxury (R1600) and boudoir (R3200). They cater for meat eaters, vegetarians, vegans, the gluten intolerant and offer Halaal meals.
Picnics in the Sky (Newtown)
If you’ve arranged for one of these unusual picnics, you’ll meet up with at Maboneng’s Market on Main on your chosen Sunday and be given a basket containing utensils. The rest of the basket is empty, so you can fill it with any food you fancy from the market. You’re also welcome to bring wine along, although there will be a bar up where you’re going. Then, 50 floors up on one of the tallest buildings in the city, the Carlton Centre, you can lay out the blanket provided, relax and dive into your delicious food findings. (R250 per adult; R100 for children aged five to 13)
Van Gaalen Kaasmakerij (Magaliesberg)
Enjoy a picnic on the banks of the Skeerpoort River at Van Gaalen cheesery – a favourite picnic spot for many Joburgers. Your picnic will be packed into a basket (which you get to keep), featuring cheeses, cold meats, salad, pickles and olives. Fresh bread, seasonal fruit and cinnamon-spiced Dutch biscuits finish it off. You can order a basket for one (R260), for two (R430) or three (R590). Children’s picnics come packed into a cute little knapsack (R70). Either bring your own wine and bubbly, or purchase your drinks from the restaurant.
Pretoria
Afro-boer (Die Wilgers)
This foodie haven has some of the prettiest, well-tended gardens in all of Pretoria. The garden, which has several large trees under which one can rest and recharge, is divided into various ‘rooms’, each on a different level and each with its own unique style and feel. From October they will offer picnics for two to four guests. Baskets cost R380 for two and will include a bottle of wine (you can also bring your own at a nominal corkage fee), and beer and cocktails may also be ordered from the counter. The feast will include the likes of fresh panini, cured biltong carpaccio, brie, pickles, chicken-liver pâté, goat’s cheese cigars, quiche, and brownies for dessert. Children’s baskets are available at R75 per child.
Anja’s Tea Garden (Zwavelpoort)
This spot on Lynnwood Road is delightfully rural and farm like. The main homestead has been converted into a busy restaurant/tea garden, while the out-buildings house little shops selling beautiful gifts and clothing, around a busy lawn area for picnic goers and children playing. They serve a breakfast picnic (R110 per person) available from 9am to 12 noon, for which guests are provided with picnic blankets and pallet tables with fresh flowers and pretty crockery. The meal includes strawberry rooibos ice tea on arrival, bottomless coffee and tea, muesli with yoghurt and fruit, filled croissants, and a Hertzoggie each. The lunch picnic (R145 per person, served from 1pm to 6pm) includes the same beverages along with cheese bread with butter, basil pesto, mature cheddar, smoked beef, hickory ham and a salad in a jar.
Carlton Café Delicious (Menlo Park)
Rachel Botes and her illustrious team of young food creators are at the apex of picnic basket creations, always served in beautiful, custom-made contemporary packaging. They love a challenge, and will produce picnic baskets for any event. Their standard boxed picnic for two (R350) is packed in a biodegradable picnic box with bamboo cutlery, salt, pepper, paper serviettes and wet wipes. The contents include a savoury quiche, marmite tart topped with biltong, salads and spring rolls, chicken kebabs, brownie and blondie, and fresh seasonal fruit. You can also top it up with further items like cheese, charcuterie, cheesecake and nougat.
CocoVanilla (Pretoria North)
Lorraine Swanepoel lists the Pretoria Botanical Gardens, Klein Kaap Boutique Hotel, the Voortrekker Monument, Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Irene Farm and The Red Barn as some of her favourite picnic spots in Pretoria. She will gladly pack you a delightful tapas-style take-out box, which will include local cheeses and dips, farm-style ciabatta, deli meats, fresh fruits, your choice of mini chocolate mousse or cheesecake jars, and a bottle of local wine. (R650 for two)
Kievits Kroon (Kameeldrift-East)
The expansive lawn, surrounded by Cape-Dutch-style buildings, is meticulously maintained and hemmed in by clipped hedges, providing one with a luxurious picnic spot just a short drive outside Pretoria. Picnics must be pre-ordered and are served on the lawns under the trees or in the rose garden, with blankets and cushions provided by the hotel. Servings are very generous even though drinks are charged extra. Baskets cost R245 per person and may include vegetable wraps, smoked snoek pâté with apricot, garlic and lime confit, smoked salmon, chicken drumsticks, and a selection of cheeses.
Melinda’s Catering (Faerie Glen)
Melinda Versluis is the name behind this creative catering enterprise which offers two standard picnic boxes. Melinda says her favourite spots are Nkwe (out on Lynnwood road extension), one of those places that has been around forever and offers a natural water pool and many shaded trees for delightful picnic lounging, or the Jan Cilliers Park on the corner of Wenning and Broderick streets in Groenkloof, also colloquially known as Protea park or the Fairy Park. She sells a Date Night picnic box at R450 for two, which comprises a cheese platter, two pulled-pork burgers with Asian coleslaw, and two red velvet and white-chocolate cheesecake cupcakes in a jar. The Sunday Fun-Day picnic box serves three (R490) to six people (add R160 per person), and includes chips and homemade dips, coriander-beef meatballs, spinach-and-feta phyllo parcels, sundried-tomato-and-basil-pesto tartlets, and pecan-nut chocolate brownies.
Durban and beyond
Afro’s Chicken (Umhlanga Ridge)
The Umhlanga branch of the extremely popular Afro’s Chicken offers locals a chance to chow down on their favourite chicken burger and tjips at the picnic space at Chris Saunders Park. Simply place an order for a picnic basket, blanket and bottle of vino at the Afro’s counter and have them pack you a delicious park picnic. Enquire at the counter for prices.
Dial-a-picnic (city and surrounds)
Dial-a-picnic, a national franchise, offers picnics for every occasion. Whether you’re planning to propose, taking the kids out for a fun day or organising a company team-building event, they have you covered. All you have to do is either collect the basket and head off to your spot of choice, or they can set the scene for you, finding the perfect décor for a themed or personalised experience. (R180 to R245 per person)
Hartford House (Mooi River)
Guests of this beautiful hotel on the Midlands Meander can spend time exploring the scenic Summerhill Stud Estate before sitting down to tuck to a specially prepared picnic basket. The estate chefs prepare a basket of sweet and savoury treats to enjoy alongside one of the picturesque lakes, or while you take in the magnificent views of the Drakensberg’s Giant’s Castle mountain peak. Enquire at reservations, or ask any of the hotel’s front-of-house team for further details or prices.
Makaranga (Kloof)
Guests are invited to hire picnic blankets, baskets and umbrellas and recline in the lush subtropical gardens for which this lodge is renowned. The breakfast picnic for two (R290) includes wraps filled with bacon and scrambled eggs, the muffin of the day, and more. The veggie basket (R340) comes packed with mini ciabattas, local cheeses, mushroom pâté, hummus, quiche and chocolate crunchies, and the deli staff can also help you assemble your own picnic basket for R480. For kiddies, there’s the Mon Petit Chouchou basket (R70), which includes a cheese croissant, popcorn, fudge, biscuits and fresh juice.
Rain Farm Game & Lodge (Ballito)
This private game reserve on the North Coast offers great gourmet picnic options. For an intimate weekend date, opt for the romantic picnic for two (R700). This includes a game drive or horseback trail through the beautiful reserve, followed by a scrumptious picnic beneath the trees at the edge of the Umhlali River. The cost (R700 per couple) includes the game drive or horse ride, the picnic box filled with goodies, bottled water and bubbly, and the picnic set-up. Alternatively, enjoy an express picnic for R299 per couple between 9am and 3pm.
St Ives Restaurant (Midmar)
Spend the day next to the sparkling dam with the family, with a picnic basket or platters and a cooler-box filled with ample refreshments. A range of snack platters, picnic baskets and self-braai packs can be ordered from the restaurant. Bring your own rod and you can fish for trout and bass, too (R100 per person). Contact St Ives for updated menus and prices.
Cape Town
Cape Point Vineyards (Noordhoek)
Enjoy stunning views of Noordhoek beach as you relax on the rolling lawns of this popular wine farm. Tuck into a picnic basket for two for R395 with bites like fresh ciabatta, charcuterie, local cheeses, salads, and dessert jars.
Dial-a-picnic (city and surrounds)
Dial-a-picnic, a national franchise, offers picnics for every occasion. Whether you’re planning to propose, taking the kids out for a fun day or organising a company team-building event, they have you covered. All you have to do is either collect the basket and head off to your spot of choice, or they can set the scene for you, finding the perfect décor for a themed or personalised experience. (R180 to R245 per person)
Kirstenbosch Tea Room (Newlands)
The Garden Gourmet Picnic, served in reusable green bags, can be enjoyed on any of the many lawns and benches in the spectacular Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. For R210 a person, picnic goers can choose any salad and sandwich from the picnic menu. Salad options include the sushi salad: shredded nori, ginger and wasabi-marinated veggies with crispy fried prawns or smoked salmon. Sandwiches include spicy chicken mayo, roast beef with mustard and pickles, or grilled veggies with basil pesto and feta. The picnics also come with a non-alcoholic beverage (wines and beer can be bought separately) and cake of your choice. Guests are welcome to rent a picnic blanket for R30 if they’ve left theirs at home.
The Picnic Company (city and surrounds)
This gourmet catering group makes up baskets to order: Choose where you want to go in the area, pick from the three picnic ranges, and they’ll deliver. The classic picnic range includes Breakfast Basics, the Hikers’ Helper and a gluten-free picnic. The kiddies’ picnic range includes a Playtime Picnic, the Little Tikes’ Treat Box and the Kiddies’ Party Platter. Lastly, customers can try the canapé platter range, which includes options for a boardroom lunch, sweet treats or a paleo platter. The Picnic Company can also make up customised picnics.
Rumbullion at The Roundhouse (Camps Bay)
Find a seat on the white benches on the lawns and enjoy spectacular views of the 12 Apostles and the bright-blue bay. There’s a tick-box menu for breakfast and lunch, so you can compose your own culinary combination. Kick off your day with a picnic brunch or have a leisurely lunch of tapas and pizzas, complemented by a refreshing beer or a crisp glass of wine.
Simon’s at Groot Constantia (Constantia)
Pre-book your picnic basket for two (R350) and enjoy the sunshine and gorgeous views of vines while relaxing on the soft green lawns. The standard picnic basket includes a selection of pâtés, a fresh baguette, cured and home-cooked cold cuts, wholesome salads, select local cheeses and preserves, and a surprise dessert, but you can also design your own. The Kiddies’ Picnic Menu (R75) includes yoghurt, a sandwich, fruit, a chicken drumstick, Jelly Tots and Flings.
Tables at Nitida (Durbanville)
Relax in the sun on the rolling lawns and enjoy the scrumptious picnic for two (R350). The basket includes a meze selection with home-made tapas such as Mediterranean dips, oven-roasted tomatoes with Danish feta, and freshly baked ciabattas. A cheese selection is also available, with savoury biscuits and local cured meats by Richard Bosman. The kiddies’ parcel (R60) includes a ham-and-cheese or chicken-and-cheese ciabatta, seasonal fruit, fresh juice and a treat. Beverages are not included, but can be purchased from the restaurant.
Winelands
Aphrodisiac Shack and Smokehouse (Theewaterskloof Dam, Villiersdorp)
Take in the scenic views of the Theewaterskloof Dam and savour one of these popular picnics. The team will kit you out with a blanket, cutlery, crockery and a basket brimming with treats, such as smoked trout, apple-smoked free-range chicken breasts, a bouquet of hand-crafted cheeses, some cold meats, freshly baked bread, a seasonal salad straight from the garden, and your choice of complimentary Appletiser or Grapetiser, water or a bottle of wine. (R350 for two; R650 for four)
The Bakery at Jordan (Stellenbosch)
Unwind and enjoy the freshly produced dishes along with freshly baked breads, pastries and home-brewed coffee. Alternatively, diners can enjoy their meals alfresco-style on the lawns or the newly completed wooden deck. A selection of dishes of the day, charcuteries, breads, dips, cheeses and pastries are available.
Bistro Allée Bleue (Groot Drakenstein)
Find a spot under the shady oak trees where children can play in the picnic area secured by a Cape Dutch wall. The picnic menus, priced at R195 per adult, come with freshly baked olive-and-rosemary ciabatta. Kiddies’ picnics cost R95 per person.
Boschendal (Franschhoek)
With dramatic mountain views framing the rolling lawns of the Boschendal Estate, it’s no surprise that this venue is a popular summer picnic destination. Large picnic baskets are packed with tasty dishes. Choose from the Rhone picnics (R440 for two) with items like potted Angus beef, farm-style hummus and stoneground flat bread, or Werf Garden picnics (R395 for two) with bites like pressed farmer ham, chicken kebabs and yoghurt marinade. Banting- and kid-friendly options are available.
Cosecha (Paarl)
Enjoy a Latin-inspired picnic ono the beautiful lawns at this picturesque wine farm. Grab a blanket and choose spot on the grass before ordering your basket and drinks from the waiter. Baskets include a bottle of Noble Hill syrah or sauvignon blanc, charcuterie, a black-bean-and-corn salad, fresh guacamole, tortilla chips, seasonal fruit and Mexican wedding cookies. Picnic baskets cost R490 for two and R940 for four. There are also gourmet additions at extra cost, which include mushroom salad, chimichurri chicken, olives, and a bottle of MCC. Kiddies’ baskets cost R65 and include a cheese quesadilla, peanut butter and jelly sandwich, or a wors roll, chips and juice.
Eight To Go at Spier (Stellenbosch)
Pre-book your picnic and choose between a vegetarian or seasonal option. The baskets include a selection farm cheeses, crispy baguettes, homemade hummus, charcuterie, seasonal salads and vegetable quiche. Special picnics for children are available, offering favourites such as cheese and tomato on homemade rolls, chicken drumsticks and fruit juice smoothies (R140 per person).
Franschhoek Kitchen (Franschhoek)
Picnic along the river on the Holden Manz estate with a packed basket of farm breads, charcuterie, artisanal cheeses, pâtés and spreads, olives, salads and a sweet treat. The picnic also includes a bottle of Holden Manz Rosé.
Fyndraai Restaurant (Franschhoek)
Picnic spots at the Solms-Delta Wine Estate include a large grassy lawn alongside the forest, sandy riverbank spots and shady areas overlooking the farm dam. Baskets are freshly packed and a complimentary bottle of wine is included in each picnic basket for two. Enjoy bites like roosterkoek with wild rosemary butter, Spanish cured pork loin, bobotie, buchu-glazed pork rib, and Cape Malay koesisters and ginger pudding for dessert. (R225 per adult, R365 per basket for two, or R75 per child)
The Greenhouse at Babylonstoren (Stellenbosch)
Settle in the lush garden at this Stellenbosch wine farm and enjoy a build-your-own picnic crate filled with your favourite treats. The seasonal options might include jar salads, soups, scones, pot pie, sandwiches and side snacks like sliced biltong, smoked trout, farmhouse cheese and warm potato wedges.
Hartenberg Estate (Stellenbosch)
Picnic anywhere on the vast lawns of the estate – from in the shade under the oak trees or vines of the sunny terrace – while the kids enjoy the fully equipped playground. Alternatively, you can enjoy a walk along the trail with your picnic in a backpack. Picnics (R175 per person) include pâtés and dips, stuffed pork leg, panko chicken pops (covered in Japanese-style breadcrumbs), charcuterie and salads. A bottle of estate wine or grape juice is also included to share between two.
Hermitage at Hazendal(Stellenbosch)
This is a great picnic venue with rolling lawns and a dedicated kids’ play area. Picnics are fully prepared, priced at R350 per basket for two and R330 for a vegetarian option. Picnic treats include Freshly baked bread with farm butter, charcuterie, a selection South African cheeses, a fresh fruit platter, and homemade sweet and savoury pastries.
Klein River Cheese (Stanford)
Purchase a delicious picnic lunch and enjoy it on the banks of the peaceful Klein River. Create your own basket with the delicious cheeses, breads and deli items available from the shed.
The Red Table (Paarl)
Head to the picturesque Nederburg Wine Farm and enjoy a delicious picnic spread during the summer months. Relax to jazzy tunes by the Philharmonic Youth Orchestra while tucking into your own basket of treats or order yours ahead of time from The Red Table. Entrance is R100 per person and tickets can be bought via Webtickets.
Rhebokskloof (Paarl)
This wine estate has become known for their gourmet picnics on the lawn. Enjoy one of their outdoor, moonlight, or concert picnics with a choice of the famous Pearlstone basket (R185) with baguettes, spreads, charcuterie, and salads, or the gourmet (R495), vegetarian (R165), or banting and gluten-free options (R185). There is also a kiddies picnic for R65 per child.
Vergelegen Camphor Forest Picnic (Somerset West)
From 31 October 2016 Vergelegen’s Camphor Forest will play host to its seasonal picnics. Guests gather in a shaded and tranquil environment to tuck into the delicious gourmet picnics with dishes like duck liver paté, smoked salmon, slow roasted chicken breast, freshly baked savoury tartlet and a selection of cheeses. R 235 per person – excludes entrance fee, wine, cool-drinks and gratuity.
Warwick Gourmet Picnics (Stellenbosch)
Choose from a range of different picnic areas on the beautiful estate, such as the forest courtyard, the lawn, private picnic pods, the penthouse – or take a Land Rover ‘safari’ to sample the Big Five grape varietals. The gourmet picnic (R500) serves two and comes with a bread basket, charcuterie, cheese selection and other delicious items. Children’s menus (R80) and vegetarian options (R500) are also available.
Wild Peacock Food Emporium (Stellenbosch)
Buy a basket of goodies packed here in the town, set off and choose your own venue – from the picturesque Stellenbosch surroundings, the mountains or further to a spot on the beach.
Zevenwacht Restaurant (Stellenbosch)
A range of picnic baskets is served in a peaceful setting under tree-dappled lawns by the lake of the wine estate for R390 per basket for two. Enjoy a selection of bread and biscuits, cold meats, cheeses, and salads or pre-book a braai basket (R390) and cook your own meal over vine-wood fires. Available on weekends only.
Zorgvliet (Stellenbosch)
Set in the Banhoek Valley, these picnics take place under the shade of the oak trees at the Zorgvliet Wine Estate with some warm sunny patches in which to recline. Choose your basket from the large picnic menu offered, including the Family for Four basket (R765), the Meaty for Two option (R450) or the Snack Basket for Two (R500). All picnics include a bottle of Zorgvliet Silver Myn wine of your choice. You can also top up your basket with a selection of goodies, from baguettes to chicken drumsticks. The kiddies’ basket is available for R100.
