Braaing is what we South Africans do best! And with National Braai Day (or Heritage Day if you will) just around the corner, you’re probably looking for some great spots to fire up the braai and get some steaks on the grill with friends and family. Here are our top spots to celebrate your heritage in Joburg!
Rietvlei Zoo Farm
Located in Alberton, Rietvlei Zoo Farm’s Picnic Park is open daily from 09:00 to 17:00. Here, guests can enjoy the outdoors, gather with loved ones, and enjoy a lekker kuier! You can picnic or bring your own braai, or hire a drum braai from the farm office. Other fun-filled activities include feeding farmyard animals, visiting the bird aviary, jungle gyms, pony and tractor rides, swings, scooter or train rides.
Zoo Lake – Parkview
Busy over the weekends, Zoo Lake is a popular hangout spot for young and old, offering a great space to have a relaxed day out. Laze on the green grass, braai up some lekker steaks for your picnic and watch the kids play on the jungle gyms. If you want to cool down, you can take a paddle in the man-made lake or feed the ducks!
Details: Corner Jan Smuts Avenue and West World Street, Parkview, Johannesburg.
Wemmer Pan/Pioneer Park
This spot holds rowing competitions and flower shows during the summer, and is definitely a great place to kick back and relax outdoors! Wemmer Pan (or Pioneer Park) is the perfect place to have a picnic with friends and family. And if you want to braai, be sure to bring your own portable braai stand, meat, tongs, herbs … the works. The adventure park is also ideal for kids.
Details: Corner Rosettenville Road and 11th Street, La Rochelle | Tel: (011) 435 0425.
Gillooly’s – Bedfordview
Gillooly’s offers you great braai facilities that can be used with prior arrangement, beautiful scenery, and enough room to run around and play sports. Ladies, you can sunbathe on the soft grass while the men show off their braaing skills this Heritage Day! Stock up on some refreshing beverages (alcohol is allowed) and pack a picnic basket with yummy treats.. Just don’t forget the sunscreen!
Details: 47 Boeing W Rd, Bedfordview, 2007 | Tel: 0860 543 000.
Pines Resort – Krugersdorp
For a day out in the sun with family and friends, make your way to Pines Resort out in Krugersdorp for an afternoon of braaing and water slides! Relax and fire up some chops on the braai, find a great spot to have a picnic and keep cool with Pines Resort’s swimming pools by testing out their water slides!
They are open Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 09:00 to 17:00. There are braaing facilities available.
For more information, visit their website.
Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve
After an afternoon of game watching, sit back and relax with a picnic and braai at the Bothongo Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve. There are 30 shaded braai areas. As well as a kiddies play area to keep the little ones entertained and there’s also a swimming pool for you to cool off in. And don’t forget all of the amazing activities this destination has to offer!
For more information, visit their website.
Golden Harvest Park – Northwold, Randburg
One of the biggest public open spaces in north, Golden Harvest Park offers you great scenery and a big open space. It’s perfect to do some walking, fishing, exploring, bird watching and mountain biking. There’s also a play area to keep the kids entertained. And most importantly, in the name of Heritage Day / National Braai Day, there are braai facilities available!
For more information, click here.
