The 15 Best Braai Spots in the Cape

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
R44 (adult); R22 (child 2 – 11 years)
SADC nationals: R90 (adult); R45 (child)
International visitors: R200 (adult); R100 (child)
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

Jens on Flickr

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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