Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a sunny picnic lunch in Cape Town. But with so many outdoor options, it can be hard to decide where to go. From family-friendly parks to scenic mountain overlooks, here are 23 of the best picnic spots in Cape Town. So grab a blanket, some snacks, and your best friends or family members, and head out for a day of fun in the sun!
Our city offers beautiful locations and the perfect Summer climate to enjoy good food and pleasant temperatures. And, there doesn’t even need to be a hassle. Many wine farms have realised the necessity for convenience, and have on offer pre-packed picnic baskets full of delicious treats.
All you need to do is book your spot and show up.
Check out our list of 23 best picnic spots in Cape Town below:
1. Cape Point Vineyards
First on our list of picnic spots in Cape Town. The Cape Point Vineyards’ picnic spot offers beautiful views of Noordhoek beach as well as fynbos and vineyards.
You can choose from three picnic spots: the secluded area next to the dam (no kids allowed), the shaded family area with easy access to the jungle gym, or the mid-level lawns with ocean views.
Vegetarian baskets and a menu for kids are both available.
What’s in the basket:
- Mastro Dario coppa, breasaola and truffle salami
- Brie, Chevin, mature cheddar
- Balsamic onion marmalade
- Butternut and lentil balls with wild mushroom pâté
- Smoked-chicken couscous salad, with harissa yoghurt dressing
- Salmon trout and cream cheese bagel
- Ciabatta, French baguette with herbed butter
- Dark chocolate tart with seasonal fruits
Important information:
- Location: Cape Point Vineyards, Silvermine Road, Noordhoek
- Opening times: Monday to Sunday 12pm to 4pm
- Cost: R590 for two
Find out how to book this picnic here.
2. De Grendel
De Grendel is situated on the side of the Tygerberg hills and offers stunning views over Cape Town and Table Mountain.
This picnic also offers a farm wildlife tour as part of the experience. Guests can look for springbok, eland, red hartebeest and bontebok as well as beautiful scenery from a safari vehicle.
After the hour-long tour, guests will settle into the gardens that overlook the dam and can enjoy a picnic basket from the restaurant.
What’s in the basket:
- Selection of local cheeses
- Artisan charcuterie
- Freshly baked baguettes
- Pickles and jam
- Seasonal fruit
- Something sweet
- Juice and mineral water
Important information:
- Location: De Grendel Wine Estate, Plattekloof Road, Cape Town
- Opening times: Wednesday to Sunday
- Cost: R1100 for two (includes farm wildlife tour)
Find out how to book this picnic here.
3. Protea Picnics
Protea Picnics gives you the option to choose where you want to have your picnic. Anywhere from Kirstenbosch to your own garden, Protea Picnics provides the food.
You can choose what’s in your hamper, which then gets delivered to you. There are six to ten options in four savoury categories, and you can choose one from each menu. Vegan dishes are available and the meal will be finished off with something sweet.
Protea Picnics makes a point to use biodegradable packaging.
What’s in the basket:
- Homemade wholewheat bread with dip or paté
- A quiche or pastry
- A substantial salad
- A generous main dish (seared ostrich, calamari, Thai fish curry)
- Something sweet: a champagne cupcake or vegan baklava
Important information:
- Location for collection: 22 Gordon Road, Hout Bay
- Delivery: Free within 20km
- Opening times: Daily
- Cost: R295 per person
- Good to know: Order at least 48 hours in advance, with a minimum order for two people
Find out how to book this picnic here.
4. Fynkos
Fynkos offers arguably the ultimate picnic spot in Cape Town: Kirstenbosch. A picnic surrounded by mountain streams, huge lawns, trees, sculptures and indigenous plants, is quite ideal.
Fynkos gives you the option of not having to worry about packing your own picnic. The Fynkos Tea Room at Gate 2 provides freshly prepared finger-food picnics to be picked up.
What’s in the basket
- Schwarma chicken skewers
- 2 meatballs
- Rare roast sirloin with pickles
- Chilli poppers and falafel
- Spinach and feta quiche
- Hummus and guacamole
- Salad with cheddar, feta and olives
- Homemade whole-wheat bread
- Two mini pitas
- Kettle-fried crisps
- Cheesecake petit four
- Chocolate fudge cake petit four
- Carrot cake petit four
- A nonalcoholic drink of your choice
Important information:
- Location: Gate 2, Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, Rhodes Drive, Cape Town
- Opening times: Monday to Sunday 9am to 4pm
- Cost: R305 per person
- Good to know: Order online at least 24 hours ahead, or if you’re prepared to wait, you can order on the day.
- Vegetarian option: Yes
Find out how to book this picnic here.
Also read: Fynkos picnics at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden will make your weekend
5. Dial-a-Picnic
Dial-a-Picnic also leaves the picnic location choice up to you but does give you a list of recommended spots.
What’s in the basket:
- Freshly baked ciabatta with hummus, basil pesto or olive tapenade
- Local cheese platter with fruit preserves
- Crackers and fresh fruit
- Rare roast beef rocket salad
- Parma ham with fresh melon
- Mini pecan tarts
- Sparkling grape juice or mineral water
Important information:
- Opening times: Daily
- Cost: Between R130-R240 per person, R2750 Bespoke Picnic Experience for four that includes food, drinks and setup
- Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free options: Yes
Find out how to book this picnic here.
6. Quoin Rock Wine Estate
Quoin Rock Wine Estate boasts a stunning location – lush gardens with mystical sculptures. The space has eight custom-built picnic pods spaced ten metres apart from each other.
The picnic food on offer includes cheeses, game fish, Russian-style potato salad and beef fillet, with vegan and vegetarian options also on offer. The picnic is served on proper crockery, with everything in the basket being plastic-free.
Walkie talkies are provided as a way of contacting the waitrons if needed.
What’s in the basket:
- Freshly baked baguette
- Namysto sweet wine butter
- Biltong pâté
- Cashew pesto
- Carrot purée
- Dalewood Camembert
- Dalewood Gruberg
- Boerenkaas
- Jewell’s bresaola
- Jewell’s squashed Italian salami
- Creamy garlic prawns
- Sweet potato and butternut ribbon
- Burrata
- Citrus salad
- Pork-belly confit
- Lemon posset
- Unlimited still and sparkling water
Important information:
- Location: Quoin Rock Wine Estate, Knorhoek Road, Stellenbosch
- Opening times: Thursday to Sunday 12pm to 2.30pm
- Cost: R400 per person (kids’ basket 3-12 years old R180)
Find out how to book this picnic here.
7. Hazendal Babushka Picnics
Hazendal’s Babushka picnics take place on the relaxing lawns of the estate. The picnics are presented in wicker baskets and are filled with food intentionally created from fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients making it one the most scenic picnic spots in Cape Town.
This picnic pairs perfectly with the estate’s award-winning wine or botanical fruit cordials from the Babushka Deli.
What’s in the basket:
- Freshly baked artisanal bread
- Butter
- Hummus with pickled herring in sour cream, onions, herbs and garlic, rosemary-and-lemon-marinated mushrooms
- Mini chicken and beef meatballs with BBQ dipping sauce
- Cold cut selection
- Garlic and lime Asian salad, charred corn, grilled peppers, pineapple and mixed sesame seeds
- Baby potato salad with pesto
- Local cheese, chutney and preserves
- Seasonal panna cotta cup
Important information:
- Location: Hazendal Wine Estate, Bottelary Road, Stellenbosch
- Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday 10am and 1pm
- Cost: R350 per person (kids’ basket R175)
- Vegetarian and vegan: Available on request
Find out how to book this picnic here.
Also read: Things to do at Hazendal Wine Estate in Stellenbosch
8. Haskell
Haskell Vineyards sits on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountains near Stellenbosch. The family-friendly spot boasts wonderful views with the picnic lawns set out with blankets and cushions.
There is plenty of space for kids and dogs to run around with games provided to entertain them. Guests can choose either picnic baskets or fresh pizzas from the outdoor oven.
What’s in the basket:
- Home-baked bread
- Cheeses and preserves
- Locally cured meats
- Roasted summer vegetable salads
- Seasonal fruits
- Chocolate desserts
Important information:
- Location: Haskell Vineyards, Annandale Road, Lynedoch, Stellenbosch
- Opening times: Wednesday to Sunday 9am to 6pm
- Cost: R399 for two
Find out how to book this picnic here.
9. Cavalli
Cavalli is an estate located between Stellenbosch and Somerset West that houses beautiful indigenous gardens and mountain views.
The gourmet picnic is brand new and contains local sustainable ingredients that are mostly grown in the estate’s vegetable garden.
What’s in the basket:
- Seed loaf with whipped herb butter
- Spiced nuts
- Smoked Stanford cheese, pickled grapes, crisps
- Fired sesame and ginger chicken sosaties
- Quiche au fromage
- Trout pâté, gherkin, lavash
- Crispy grain salad with peas and mint
- Cavalli garden salad, herb vinaigrette
- Basque-style cheesecake
- Lemon madeleines
Important information:
- Location: Cavalli Estate, R44 (Strand Road), Somerset West
- Opening times: Wednesday to Sunday 12pm to 2pm
- Cost: R600 for two
Find out how to book this picnic here.
Also read: Cavalli: Food, art and wine under one cloche
10. Webersburg
Webersburg, situated in the Stellenbosch Winelands, boasts stunning views of the Helderberg mountains. The big lawns run down to a dam and give you the chance to picnic in the sunshine or in the shade of the oak trees.
This spot is perfect for a visit with kids as there is wide space to play, as well as ducks, chickens and turkeys to keep them entertained. This is definitely one of the more kid-friendly picnic spots in Cape Town.
What’s in the basket:
- Freshly baked ciabatta
- Basil pesto cream cheese
- Hummus
- Marinated olives
- Croissants with rare roast beef, rocket, tomato and caramelised onions
- Chorizo, feta, spinach and pepperdew quiche
- Marinated chicken kebabs with curried mango chutney
- Greek salad with honey and nut sprinkle
- Potato salad with bacon, onion and parsley
- Fruit salad
- Double-chocolate brownies
- Strawberry macarons
Important information:
- Location: Annandale Road, Stellenbosch
- Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday 11am to 4pm
- Cost: R600 for two (kids’ basket R100)
Find out how to book this picnic here.
11. Jordan
Jordan is a Stellenbosch-located wine estate with eight private picnic pods in secluded spots around the dam with gorgeous valley views.
The picnic is set up with blankets, cushions and an ice bucket, along with your picnic basket for two containing delicious goods from the Cellar Door at Jordan.cid:f_larznacs1
What’s in the basket:
- Wood-fired ciabatta, focaccia and Cape seed loaf baked in-house·
- Locally produced cheeses such as Dalewood Camembert, Brie, Klein River Stanford and De Pekelaar Boerenkaas
- Charcuterie such as Parma ham and biltong
- Smoked hake and fennel paté
- Petite butternut, leek and feta quiches
- Jordan estate olives
- Homemade preserves, spreads, aubergine atchar and whipped butter·
- Homemade pita filled with slow-cooked pork, slaw, Greek yoghurt dressing
- Salad of the day
- Something sweet
Important information:
- Location: Stellenbosch Kloof Road, Vlottenberg, Stellenbosch
- Opening times: Monday to Sunday 12.30pm to 4pm
- Cost: R625 for two (kids’ basket R169)
- Vegetarian and vegan options: Yes
Find out how to book this picnic here.
12. Spier
Spier is a beautiful farm that has been around for over 300 years. Nestled in the heart of Cape Town, this stunning piece of land boasts wide lawns, oak trees, a picturesque dam and a gentle stream. Whether you’re looking for picnic spots in Cape Town or simply want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Spier offers an idyllic oasis where you can unwind and enjoy nature at its finest. The property is home to a variety of animals and plants, making it the perfect place for families with children.
The produce provided is seasonal and sustainably sourced, and the food includes a plant-based option.
What’s in the basket:
- A selection of cheese with preserves and lavash
- Roast Farmer Angus beef rump and pickles
- Country pâté with a baby salad
- Chicken drumstick with a harissa dressing
- Vadas baguette with white bean hummus and butter
- Roast Spier Food Garden Veg Salad with herb pesto
- Spier Food Garden tomato salad with feta and basil
- Vadas Pasteis de Nata
- Location: Spier Wine Estate, R310, Stellenbosch
- Opening times: Monday to Sunday 12pm to 3pm
- Cost: R345 (kids’ basket R160)
Find out how to book this picnic here.
Also read: Another world awaits at Spier Wine Farm
13. Alluvia
Alluvia is a beautiful picnic spot in the Winelands. It is surrounded by mountains and valleys, providing a scenic place to enjoy good food.
You can sit beneath an old oak, a willow, or alongside the dam.
What’s in the basket:
- Freshly baked bread selection with southwest hummus
- Chilled yellow-fin tuna pâté with garlic and herb crostini
- Haloumi and pear salad with charred broccoli
- Korean chicken with crunchy Asian coleslaw
- Boneless beef short rib with honey mustard potato salad
- Charcuterie selection
- Quiche Lorraine
- Assorted local cheeses, crackers and preserves
- Picnic brownie bars
- Mini doughnut balls
- Mini milk tarts
- Bottle of Alluvia sauvignon blanc
Important information:
- Location: Glen Arum Road, Helshoogte Pass, Stellenbosch
- Opening times: Monday to Sunday 12pm to 3pm
- Cost: R545 for two
Find out how to book this picnic here.
14. Boschendal
Another gorgeous spot in the Winelands, Boschendal gives you the opportunity to enjoy a delectable feast under trees on their grand pavilion lawn.
All the food is made fresh on the farm by Boschendal’s team of bakers, butchers and chefs. The estate is committed to sustainability so the picnic makes use of glass jars and compostable, biodegradable packaging.
What’s in the basket:
- Farm-baked ciabatta with butter, garden hummus and locally marinated olives
- Werf green salad with shaved parmesan and garden herb vinaigrette
- Coronation roast cauliflower
- Honey-mustard roast chicken
- Marinated mushrooms with spring onion and coriander
- Honey mustard roast broccoli
- Shaved Angus beef, Duroc pork and pickles
- Meringue bites
- Chocolate tart with salted-caramel popcorn
Important information:
- Location: Boschendal, Pniel Road, Groot Drakenstein, Franschhoek
- Opening times: Thursday to Sunday 12 to 5pm
- Cost: R620 for two (kids’ basket R150), R680 for two on weekends with live music
- Vegetarian and vegan options: Yes
Find out how to book this picnic here.
15. La Bri
La Bri sits in the Franschhoek valley and dates back to the 17th century. The set-up for the picnics is in the estate’s private garden and offers spectacular views of the Franschhoek Mountains and vineyards.
What’s in the basket:
- Cheese board (selection of local cheese, onion marmalade, olives from the estate and freshly baked bread)
- Chargrilled mini chicken fillets
- Smoked speck
- Salad of the day
- Dessert box (seasonal fruit and something sweet)
Important information:
- Location: La Bri Estate, Excelsior Road, Franschhoek
- Opening times: Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturday and public holidays 10am to 4pm
- Cost: R650 for two
Find out how to book this picnic here.
16. Mila at Doolhof
Mila at Doolhof is a historic wine estate but that sits just below Bainskloof Pass.
The spot invites you for an adventure, which starts with the route there being a winding dirt road going into the mountains. Once there, you’ll see a river trail in the woods, a hiking trail up to Groenberg mountain, and a selection of mountain-biking trails.
Picnics take place on the shaded lawn on the edge of a forest. The lawn also has a jungle gym for kids.
What’s in the basket:
- Fresh bread of the day
- Local charcuterie selection
- Local cheeses
- Salads of the day
- Olives, preserves and dips
- Pasteis de nata or chocolate brownies
- A bottle of Doolhof wine
Important information:
- Location: Bovlei Road, Wellington
- Opening times: Wednesday to Sunday 9am to 4pm
- Cost: R350 for two
Find out how to book this picnic here.
17. The Manor at Nederburg
Nederburg Wine Estate, just outside of Paarl, has a wonderful backdrop of the Drakenstein Mountains with a farm full of vineyards and gardens.
The Manor restaurant of the estate offers picnics served under the shade of oak trees, with food celebrating the estate’s rich heritage.
What’s in the basket:
- A selection of locally sourced cheeses and preserves
- Amasi-fried chicken sliders with roasted vegetables
- Garden Salad
- Crisp and tangy slaw
- Rosemary vegetable crisps
- Coconut koeksisters
Important information:
- Location: Nederburg Wine Estate, Sonstraal Road, Dal Josafat, Paarl
- Opening times: Monday to Sunday 9am to 4pm (except Tuesday)
- Cost: R540 for two (kids’ basket R120)
Find out how to book this picnic here.
18. Avondale
Avondale, the organic family farm, offers breathtaking views of the Paarl and Simonsberg mountains. The picnic takes place on the farm’s lawns and flower gardens, where there are six private picnic tables.
There is also the option of sitting in the shade of the oak trees next to the stream.
The baskets contain delicious sustainably sourced eats from the estate’s Faber restaurant and Ochra deli.
What’s in the basket:
- Freshly baked baguette
- Artisanal salad
- Butter, tapenades, preserves and spreads from Faber
- Charcuterie selection
- Dalewood cheese selection
- Rootstock seasonal vegetable crisps
- Rootstock kudu or springbok biltong crisps
- Fresh strawberries
- Pasteis de Nata
- Nougat
- Bottle of water
Important information:
- Location: Lustigan Road, Klein Drankenstein, Paarl
- Opening times: Saturday and Sunday from 12pm
- Cost: R550 for two (kids’ bag R150), R175 picnic in a bag for one
Find out how to book this picnic here.
Also read: Spend the sunny season at Avondale Wine Estate and FABER restaurant
19. Laborie
Laborie, a historic Paarl wine estate that dates back to 1691, offers shaded spots and mountain views on their lawns for their picnics.
The wooden picnic creations are full of locally sourced treats from the estate’s Farm Grocer deli. You can also opt for a sunset picnic and watch the golden hour with a glass of the estate’s wine in hand.
What’s in the basket:
- Selection of charcuterie
- Selection of local cheeses
- Freshly baked baguette
- Preserves and pickles
- Crudites with hummus and tzatziki
- Smoked snoek samosa
- Mushroom arancini
- Sticky chicken wings
- Marinated citrus olives
- Homemade fudge, Turkish delight, chocolate brownie, crispy treat
Important information:
- Location: Laborie Heritage Wine Estate, Taillefer Street, Paarl
- Opening times: Wednesday to Sunday 12pm to 2.30pm, Wednesday to Saturday 4pm to 5.30pm
- Cost: R530 for two (kids’ basket R140)
- Vegetarian option: Yes
Find out how to book this picnic here.
20. The Cellars-Hohenort
The Cellars-Hohenort invites you to relax in their enchanted garden under the ancient camphor trees for an afternoon of delicious food and chilled drinks.
This spot is a great destination if you don’t feel like venturing too far outside of the city but still want a secluded feel.
What’s in the basket:
- Tapas
- Olive and sundried tomato focaccia bread
- Lemon-and-rosemary-roasted chicken
- Artisanal house salads with vinaigrette
- Mini scones, strawberry jam and butter
- Orange, apple or vegetable juice
Important information:
- Location: 93 Brommersvlei Road, Constantia Heights, Cape Town
- Opening times: Monday to Sunday 11am to 5pm
- Cost: R365 per person, R725 for two
Find out how to book this picnic here.
21. Buitenverwachting
Buitenverwachting, near the Constantiaberg Mountains, is another great option to be close to the city but still get feel like you’re on a farm in the country.
The wide lawns are shaded by 250-year-old trees and the chickens run free. There is a variety of picnic platters to choose from, ranging from simple snacks to feasts.
What’s on the platter:
- Bread and butter
- Camembert, Emmenthaler, Chevin
- German salami and coppa
- Peppadew pâté
- Stuffed pepperdews + olives
- Pickled patty pans + dill cucumbers
- Hummus; sundried tomato feta and olive tapenade; peppadew chutney
- Seasonal fruit
- Roasted almonds + Turkish apricots
- Chocolate brownie
Important information:
- Location: 37 Klein Constantia Road, Constantia, Cape Town
- Opening times: Monday to Saturday 10am to 3pm
- Cost: R380 platter for two, R200 cheese board for two, R145 bread and pâtés for two
- Vegetarian and vegan options: Available on request
Find out how to book this picnic here.
22. Little Stream
Little Stream is a lush tea garden with an English country setting that sits between Groot Constantia and Klein Constantia Wine Estate.
The space offers romantic picnics at tables for two in their secret garden, as well as lawns where you can relax in bigger groups.
The picnic platters are designed to contain the best local artisanal produce, and you are welcome to bring your own wine.
What’s in the basket:
- Homemade chicken liver pâté
- Onion-marmalade crackers
- Baby crumbed grilled camembert and Huguenot cheese from Dalewood
- Poached pear and green fig preserve
- Salami, pastrami and prosciutto from wild peacock
- Olives
- Freshly baked ciabatta and butter
- Sweet treats with coffee or tea
Important information:
- Location: Klein Constantia Road, Constantia
- Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday 10.30am to 3.45pm, Sunday 10am to 3pm
- Cost: R450 for two
Find out how to book this picnic here.
23. Norval Foundation
Last on our list of picnic spots in Cape Town. The Norval Foundation is a perfect choice as they are scenic but also convenient – just a 30-minute drive from the city.
The natural wetland garden you sit in houses sculptures, and is surrounded by vineyards and mountains. You are also given the opportunity to browse the exhibitions in the world-class museum before or after your picnic.
Hampers and beverages can be collected from the kiosk adjacent to the restaurant’s terrace.
What’s on the build-your-own-basket menu:
- Bread board
- Mixed salad
- Crispy chicken wrap
- Beef sliders
- Charcuterie
- Cheese selection
- Olives
- Nuts
- Seasonal sliced fruit
- Cake of the day
- Banana bread
Important information:
- Location: Norval Foundation, 4 Steenberg Road (opposite US Embassy), Tokai, Cape Town
- Opening times: Wednesday to Monday 12 to 5pm
- Cost: R150 minimum spend for build your own picnic (kids’ access free)
Find out how to book this picnic here.
Also read:
Award-winning wine estate opens contemporary South African restaurant
Picture: Unsplash