Nothing says easy-going summer vibes like the sound of sizzle and the waft of smoke. Fire up the barbie!
Whether you call it tshisa-nyama, a barbecue or a good ol’ braai, cooking meat over the coals with friends is the quintessential South African feast, come rain or shine (but preferably shine). So, in the spirit of summer, we’ve rounded up the best braai spots in and around Cape Town.
If you know of a wonderful braai spot you believe deserves to be on our list, please let us know in the comments below.
Important note Although the Cape is rich in natural beauty, tourists and locals alike are urged to take necessary precautions when exploring secluded areas, as crimes and accidents do happen.
Those venturing into the Table Mountain National Park should have the following emergency numbers on hand: 086 110 6417/ 107 or 021 480 7700. Criminal incidents should be reported to the nearest police station as soon as able.
We also recommend @safetymountain as a useful resource for hikers. This free safety tracking service allows you to notify local trackers of your contact details, intended route and travel time via WhatsApp. You are then able to provide hourly updates on your progress, and to notify trackers when you are safely off the mountain.
Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve
Andre Visser
Just outside Stellenbosch in the Jonkershoek Valley is where you will find this leafy nature reserve. Formerly a farm, the reserve has two hiking trails that are open to the public.
We love that they only allow 80 people into the reserve picnic area per day to help with conservation efforts. You can also enjoy swimming, if the water level allows in the Eerste River.
Contact 021 483 0190, reservation.alert@capenature.co.za
Please note You cannot book a picnic spot and no alcohol is allowed on the premise; it’s on a first-come first-serve basis. Payment is made at the gate.
Cost Conservation fee R50 (adults)
R30 (children)
Location Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve, Jonkershoek Road, Jonkershoek Valley, Stellenbosch
Silvermine Nature Reserve
Located in Table Mountain National Park, this peaceful site is arguably one of the most beautiful in
the Western Cape, and is open for picnics all year round. But because it’s a high-risk fire zone, braaiing is only permitted from June until end-November.
We love that there are over 40 sites scattered around the reservoir – nestled in discreet rocky hollows and tucked behind bushes of fynbos – so you might never encounter another braaier.
Need to know Swimming in the reservoir is permitted, so bring your togs.
Contact 021 789 2404, TableM@sanparks.org
Cost TMNP conservation fee
R32 (adults)
R16 (children under 12)
R64 (SADC Nationals, adults)
R32 (SADC Nationals, children)
R128 (international visitors, adults)
R64 (international visitors, children)
Location Silvermine, Ou Kaapse Weg, Westlake, Cape Town
Miller’s Point
On the southern side of the False Bay Coast, behind a serene tidal pool, is a patch of lawn that screams: braaivleis! Just make sure you lock your cars, as the local baboons are chancers of note.
We love that there are two small beaches, a tidal pool perfect for children, as well as some sheltered coves for snorkelling between the kelp beds.
Contact 021 786 1142
Cost Free
Location Miller’s Point, M4, Simon’s Town, Cape Town
Newlands Forest
Surrounded by lush woodland and with several magical hiking trails to explore, Newlands Forest is a relaxing and wonderfully scenic place to fire up the coals. You can bring your own portable braai stand or use one of the built-in pits.
We love The many secluded braai spots, which offer privacy from other groups of braaiers.
Good to know Newlands Forest picnic site is closed from the 1 June to 30 September every year, and when it opens on 1 October it works on first-come, first-served basis. When it’s closed, the area can be booked for functions or photographic shoots. For more info, contact the Filming and Events office on 021 712 0527.
Contact 021 689 7438, chamell.pluim@sanparks.org
Cost R35 (South African adults)
R15 (South African children 2 – 11 years)
R70 (SADC adults)
R35 (SADC children 2 – 11 years)
R140 (Foreign nationals adults
R70 (Foreign nationals children 2 – 11 years)
Parking R25
Location M3, Newlands Forest, Newlands, Cape Town
Heldeberg Farm
Joe Schutte
Nestled on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain, this rustic farm has public braai areas with small benches, as well as private braai sections in Granny’s Forest, which can host up to 150 people. Braaing aside, there are a number of fun activities to help you work up an appetite, including paintballing, trail running, laser-shooting, strawberry-picking and hiking. Booking is essential.
We love the farm’s traditional South African vibe and friendly atmosphere.
Contact 021 855 4308, helderbergplaas@mweb.co.za
Cost R50 (adults)
R25 (children 5 – 18 years)
R50 (Braai drum and charcoal; bring your own wood and grid)
Location Helderberg Farm, Klein Helderberg Road, Somerset West
Tokai Forest
Neil Bradfield
This serene woodland is perfect for long, languid braais with family and friends. It’s a great place to unwind and there’s ample space for the kids to run about and play.
We love The vast wide-open spaces and towering pines, which lend an enchanted-forest feel.
Good to know Occasionally the wonderful wafting smell of delicious food attracts baboons, who then enter the picnic site hoping to get lucky. SanParks warns to avoid contact and not to feed these baboons, and they should go on their merry way.
Please note The area can be booked for functions or photographic shoots. For more info, contact the Filming and Events office on 021 712 0527.
Contact 021 712 0527, TableM@sanparks.org, elmonique.petersen@sanparks.org
Cost TMNP conservation fee
R32 (adults)
R16 (children under 12)
R64 (SADC Nationals, adults)
R32 (SADC Nationals, children)
R128 (international visitors, adults)
R64 (international visitors, children)
R28 (vehicles)
Location Tokai Forest, Tokai Road, Tokai, Cape Town
Oudekraal
This sheltered cove between Camps Bay and Llandudno is beach-braai heaven. The secluded barbeque areas have seating with great views of the ocean.
We love With sandy beaches, clear waters for snorkelling on calm days, and huge boulders just a few meters away, it’s a deliriously relaxing spot for a family day out.
Good to know It is closed during the week from 1 June to 30 September, but is open every weekend and on public holidays irrespective of the season.
Contact 021 712 0527, TableM@sanparks.org
Cost TMNP conservation fee
R32 (adults)
R16 (children under 12)
R64 (SADC Nationals, adults)
R32 (SADC Nationals, children)
R128 (international visitors, adults)
R64 (international visitors, children)
Location Oudekraal, Victoria Road, between Llandudno and Camps Bay
Maiden’s Cove
Moises De Gouveia
Located between Glen Beach and Clifton Fourth, this beautifully scenic area – and prime sunset spot – offers designated public braai and picnic spots with magnificent views of the Atlantic, 12 Apostles and Table Mountain, making it the place for a hot summer’s day braai.
We love The tidal pool, perfect for a dip between sunbathing on the big boulders. It’s also a great place to indulge in some diving and dolphin- and whale-spotting (between June and December).
Contact 021 438 8212
Cost Free
Location Maiden’s Cove, Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town
Buffels Bay and Bordjiesdrif
Outdoor Photo
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. Bring your own grid and wood, and don’t feed the baboons!
We love the unparallelled views of endless ocean, rugged rocks and dizzying cliffs, not to mention the rich flora and fauna (buck, Cape mountain zebra and over 250 bird species).
Contact 021 780 9204, info@capepoint.co.za
Cost Daily conservation fee (rates valid until 31 October 2020):
R80 (SA citizens and residents with ID)
R40 (SA children, aged 2-11)
R160 (SADC nationals with valid passport)
R80 (SADC children with valid passport)
R320 (standard conservation fee)
R160 (standard conservation fee)
Location Cape Point Nature Reserve, Cape Point Road, Cape Town
Tsaarsbank
Located in the West Coast National Park, Tsaarsbank has braai facilities with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
We love During whale season (August to October), you can spot the majestic creatures while enjoying your braai. Other activities, such as hiking, biking and bird-watching can keep you busy for hours, so you can make a day of it.
Please note Bring your own wood, grid, picnic blanket and anything else you might need.
Contact 022 772 2144, moipone.thathane@sanparks.org
Cost Rates valid until 31 October 2020
R64 (adults, outside flower season)
R32 (children, outside flower season)
R96 (adults, Standard Conservation Fee & SADC Nationals)
R48 (children, Standard Conservation Fee & SADC Nationals)
R90 (adults, during flower season)
R45 (children, during flower season)
Location West Coast National Park, R27, West Coast
Kogel Bay Resort
Werner_P_Klein
You’ll find this postcard-perfect spot along Clarence Drive, a 20-kilometre scenic route between Gordon’s Bay and Rooi Els famous for whale-spotting.
We love The high mountains, surrounding the resort, shelter the beach and protect it from the strong summer southeaster, making it an ideal braai spot.
Contact 021 856 9622
Cost Camping fees (R151 – R231)
Location Kogel Bay Resort, R44, Helderberg Rural, Cape Town
Preekstoel
Explorers Garden Route
This secret sliver of beach near Kraalbaai in the West Coast National Park offers seclusion, shelter and breathtaking views of the lagoon. Preekstoel – which means preacher’s pulpit – is the perfect day trip for a relaxing family braai. Better still, rent a houseboat or hire a house, and make a weekend of it. There are wonderful hikes, fabulous bird-watching, and the best swimming ever.
We love watching the houseboats bobbing around in the shallows, and dreaming we were on one…
Please note Bring your own wood, grid, picnic blanket and anything else you might need.
Contact 022 772 2144, moipone.thathane@sanparks.org
Cost Rates valid until 31 October 2020
R64 (adults, outside flower season)
R32 (children, outside flower season)
R96 (adults, Standard Conservation Fee & SADC Nationals)
R48 (children, Standard Conservation Fee & SADC Nationals)
R90 (adults, during flower season)
R45 (children, during flower season)
Location West Coast National Park, R27, West Coast
Little Bay
ZambeziShark
Offering one of our favourite views of Table Mountain, a grassy braai area, soft beach sand for the children to run around on, and even a jungle gym with a slide, this braai spot has: “family day out” written all over it.
We love the postcard-perfect view of Table Mountain…
Contact 021 550 1204
Cost Free
Location 7 Popham Road, Bloubergstrand, Cape Town
Wynberg Park
With luscious green lawns, a duck pond and ample space to sit around the braai area, this park is an old favourite among Capetonians.
We love the fully equipped kids’ play area, which means they can run wild while you relax.
Good to know The braai area is open from 7am until 7pm daily.
Contact 021 444 8849
Cost Free
Location Wynberg Park, Corner of Klaasens and Trovato Link Roads, Wynberg, Cape Town
Berg River Resort
This riverside braai spot – somewhere between Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch – is wonderful for a superbly relaxing day in the country. The rambling lawns invite endless games of catch and volleyball for the children, while the parents busy themselves with the business of braaiing close by.
We love the serenity…
Contact 021 007 1852
Cost R100 per person & R120 per vehicle
Location R45 Franschhoek Road, Paarl South, Cape Town
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70 Responses to “The 15 Best Braai Spots in the Cape”
Tank
Looking for a lekker braai spot for the day, to enjoy with the boys in celebration of my brothers bachelors
Ndivhuwo grace maanda
We are looking for a space of 10 people on 02/12/2024
Shahid
Hi,
Can you braai at Newlands Forest picnic area during the Summer? Or is it only allowed till the end of November like Silvermine?
Inside Guide
Hi Shahid
It seems to be open from October to May, on a first-come first-served basis. I’d advise you contact them to double check.
Celeste Abrahams
I would like to know what the tariff is for a group booking. I am looking for a place to braai and enjoy our end of year staff party. We will be using company vehicles as well. Will this be allowed?
Inside Guide
Hi Celeste
You will need to contact the braai spot providers directly.
edward
can any body tell me where can we braai and chill
Nicole Malan
Hi
Is Newlands forest open on the 24th September ( Braai day)Heritage day.
Noel
Miller’s point no longer allows braais
Miche Daniels
Goodday can we braai now at Miller’s point? Last I was their all braai spots was close?!
The Inside Guide
Hi Miche,
You may braai at Miller’s Point Resort. Please contact them to confirm your booking 021 444 6811
Mario April
Good day.I would like to get updates on braaiing places please.
The Inside Guide
Hi Mario.
Thanks for your message.
We recommend subscribing to our newsletter for up-to-the-minute news about cool happenings in and around Cape Town. Let me know if you’d like us to subscribe you.
Anita Miller
😁🙏🏼
RIAAN prinsloo
Please send me updated brocherus for all you braai and camp sites please it look fabulous. Thanx
The Inside Guide
Hi Riaan. Thanks for your message.
We recommend subscribing to our newsletter for up-to-the-minute news about cool happenings in and around Cape Town. Let me know if you’d like us to subscribe you.
roslynne leukes
hi
i am looking for a braai spot to celebrate my birthday in july
The Inside Guide
Hi Roslynne,
We recommend either of the braai spots mentioned in our post, The 15 Best Braai Spots in the Cape.
Nicole Malan
I the places feature on your list
Diana Bam
Good day
Are you still open?
Please send me entry rates for adults, pensioners and children
We are looking for a venue for 19 March to have a braai and picnic.
Thank you
The Inside Guide
Hi Diana,
you can find contact details as well as the rates for all the braai spots listed in the post: The 15 Best Braai Spots in the Cape
Steven Harris
Please keep me updated
Claude Benjamin
please keep me updated
SHAFIC JACOBS
Please keep me updated of the best day resorts, campsites in the Western Cape.
Lanzee
Gooday please keep me updated thank you
Inside Guide
You’ve been subscribed to our weekly newsletter, Lanzee. Enjoy!
Colleen Sampson
Life the reviews and love being outside
Thanks for keeping me updated with activities and places to explore
Thanks
Colleen
Reeva Harricombe
Subscribe me to the newsletter
The Inside Guide
Hi Reeva, we’ve subscribed you to our newsletter.
Stay tuned for updates!
Rushana Hendricks
Are there opening and closing time for Maiden’s Cove spot?
The Inside Guide
Hi Rushana,
Maiden Cove’s opening times are 8am – 6pm.
Miranda
Hi there any outdoor places allows alcohol..
Inside Guide
Hi Miranda
You’ll need to contact the places to check on their rules and regulations.
Colin Armontville
Please subscribe me.
The Inside Guide
Hi Colin, we’ve subscribed you to our newsletter.
Stay tuned for updates!
Shafiq Keet
Please keep me updated
Thanks for the great tipps
The Inside Guide
Hi Shafiq, we’ve subscribed you to our newsletter.
Stay tuned for updates!
Lenka Rink
Thanks for the great Tipps!
Lorna Fisher
I’m interested in exploring
Penguin
Thank you
Brenda
Newsletter please. We stay in Kleinmond
The Inside Guide
You’re subscribed, Brenda!
Welcome.
Brendan
Good day, I just wanted to know if you guys are open on the 25th.
The Inside Guide
Hi Brendan
Because of Covid and lockdown, the opening and closing times of certain places have changed. It’s advisable to call ahead to check if the place you’re interested in is open.
shirley smith
pleASE KEEP ME UPDATED
The Inside Guide
Hi Shirley, we’ve subscribed you to our newsletter.
Stay tuned for updates!
Dale van niekerk
Please send info on free spots around cape Town thanks
The Inside Guide
Hi Dale, we’ve subscribed you to our newsletter.
Stay tuned for updates!
Anele
Kindly keep me posted on updated braai places around. Thanks.
The Inside Guide
Hi Anele, we’ve subscribed you to our newsletter.
Stay tuned for updates!
Claudette Witbooi
Please keep me up to date with the different spots available for daycamping or braaiing.
Regards
Claudette
The Inside Guide
Hi Claudette, we’ve subscribed you to our newsletter.
Stay tuned for updates!
Ashley
Is alcohol allowed at one of these places?
Ntombi
Can one still braai at Maidens Cove?
Simone America
I would like to be updated on the best spots in cape Town
The Inside Guide
Hi Simone,
We’ve subscribed you to our newsletter.
Stay tuned for updates!
Donovan
Is alcohol allowed and what is the open and close times. Would it be required for reservation to be made. Is thé braai spot covered or nestled between the trees for shade
The Inside Guide
Hi Donovan,
Thanks for your message. You don’t need to reserve a spot.
Alcohol is not allowed at the SanParks braai areas that are featured on this post, but Newlands Forest is closed for the winter months.
Kindly contact your preferred braai spot to confirm if they’re definitely open and whether the areas are shaded.
Gregory Calvert
Thanks so much great info
Joe de Cruz
I would love to know more about camping and braaing areas in cape Town leading up to Durban
Pearl Phillips
News on sights and activities
Clare Grobler
Please send me a regular newsletter
patricia pieterse
Would like info
Sameeh Rooza
Please keep me posted
Sania Rooza
Please keep me posted
Reggie
Please keep me informed.
Clinton Nelson
Send me more information about your future stuff
Litha
Does Little Bay Beach has a braai facility? I want to know before I can go there.
Yahyah
Yes it has braai facilities, always have rangers and law enforcement close by with regular monitoring / patrols
I think it’s called Eerste Steen… though
Rose-mary Klaasen
Please keep me posted