With the start of spring in Cape Town, indoor days are gradually giving way to time spent outdoors. As Heritage Month is underway, and Heritage Day is celebrated on September 24th, a barbecue is a suitable way to mark this public holiday, but it doesn't have to be hosted at home.
Cape Town has numerous locations where you can gather friends and family to spend a day in the fresh air. Below are five barbecue spots worth considering if you want to replace your backyard with something more original.
Newlands Forest Picnic Site
If your idea of a great barbecue includes trees, shade, and a break from city hustle, Newlands Forest is hard to beat. The picnic area is situated under pine trees on the slopes of Table Mountain, offering a completely different atmosphere compared to coastal barbecue spots in the city. Furthermore, there are hiking trails available, allowing you to warm up before or after lunch. It is recommended to check the current operating status before visiting, as the site may undergo seasonal closures. SANParks classifies Newlands as a picnic and barbecue spot.
Wynberg Park
For families needing more than just a place to grill, Wynberg Park offers a variety of entertainment. This large park is equipped with designated barbecue areas, grassy lawns, walking paths, a duck pond, and a playground. This makes it particularly suitable for a group where adults can linger by the fire while children play.
Tokai Forest
Tokai is another good option if you prefer spending the day among trees rather than by the sea. The picnic and barbecue areas are surrounded by tall pines, making it a popular choice for families and large groups wishing to spend several hours there. The forest setting provides a sense of escape from the city, even if you haven't traveled far. Tokai is one of the barbecue and picnic areas within Table Mountain National Park.
Blaauwberg Nature Reserve
To enjoy one of the classic city views, head towards Blaauwberg. The Eerste Steen section of the Blaauwberg Nature Reserve features equipped picnic and barbecue sites, allowing you to combine a meal by the fire with time by the coast. The setting itself is the main advantage: from the Blaauwberg area, Table Mountain overlooks the bay, creating one of those Cape Town views that turns an ordinary outdoor lunch into a full-fledged day out. The City of Cape Town lists equipped barbecue and picnic spots in Eerste Steen, and the reserve also offers walks and conservation activities.
Oudekraal
If you prefer combining a barbecue with a trip to the coast, Oudekraal combines mountain scenery, ocean views, and a protected area between Camps Bay and Llandudno. The Table Mountain National Park picnic site is close to the water, so a barbecue can easily become part of a longer day outdoors, including swimming and picnicking. There are some practical points to consider.
Oudekraal operates on a first-come, first-served basis and may close its gates once capacity is reached. Its operating schedule also changes depending on the season, so check the latest information before heading out. For ocean and mountain views, Oudekraal is the best choice.
Whether you choose the shade of the forest, the family-friendly park, or the seaside location, these barbecue spots offer a simple way to celebrate Heritage Day outdoors without hosting everyone at home. Just check the latest opening information and any location-specific rules before packing your picnic basket and hitting the road.