Picnics are great because they can cost anything from R50 to R500 and sometimes they're even free. Plus, they require you to be outside, which can only be a good thing after the slog of a work week. Here are some great spots to have a picnic in Johannesburg.
Note: This is a list of picnic spots - not braai spots (Unless otherwise mentioned). Please don't make any fires here. And if you really need to gooi some meat on the fire, check with the parks and gardens before doing so. We all have a responsibility to protect the lush nature of Joburg.
Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden
The Walter Sisulu Botanical Garden is a vast expanse of stunning flora and fauna. It has a beautiful cascading waterfall, educational walks and even a black eagle which nests atop the waterfall kraans. It is open on weekdays and weekends and will sometimes have a show or event taking place. What about a short hike or informative tour before you enjoy the delectable goods in your picnic basket. View their various tours on offer here.
Tip: Make sure you call before going as sometimes the Botanical Garden hosts events which can be loud and interrupt your idea of a quiet afternoon picnic.
Address: End of Malcolm Road, Poortview, Roodepoort.
Photo Credits: Godlieb Van Den Suitjiespoep.
Emmarentia Botanical Gardens
This central Joburg contingent is the perfect venue for a picnic. You don’t pay an entrance fee, are exposed to a world of beauty and have a brilliant view of the city. The Emmarentia Dam and Botanical Gardens is known for its dam and, more recently, for the big live music shows hosted there. They also offer paddle boat hire and benches skirting the dam. This is the most popular park in central Johannesburg and is a must for people who haven’t yet visited it, as well as for those who have.
Interesting Fact: The Emmarentia Botanical Gardens is run by the Joburg Parks Department. Walter Sisulu, on the other hand, is a National Botanical Garden and is therefore run by the South African National Biodiversity Institute.
Address: Olifants Road, Emmarentia, Johannesburg.
Van Gaalen Kaasmakerij
A personal favourite is Van Gaalen, which is actually a cheese factory (although we feel that using the word factory when referring to this little slice of tranquillity is blasphemy). They do Gouda and only Gouda as they do it so damn well. From aged cheeses to young, softer ones, their Gouda is immaculate! But enough about their cheeses before we start drooling on our keyboards. The property boasts a restaurant, a small quiet river and, of course, the cheese ‘factory’. They provide tours of the cheese-making process and allow patrons to use their property for picnics.
Tip: If you phone a day ahead they will make you a picnic basket on the banks of the Skeerpoort river. Another tip would be to book ahead for their restaurant if you plan on heading out there because it can get busy.
Address: Skeerpoort off the R512 (turn off towards Magaliesburg). Call or visit their website for more information.
Walkhaven
Another picnic spot! However, this one’s for all the dog lovers out there. Walkhaven started in 2006 with the strict purpose of being a safe environment to exercise your pooches. Walkhaven has a restaurant, a kennel and a function venue with hordes of families making the trek to spend the day with their furry best friends. It’s situated in quaint Muldersdrift on a 22-hectare plot of rolling grassland neighbouring The Cradle of Humankind and features a little dam for your dogs’ enjoyment.
Tip: Visit the park between Friday and Sunday to sign up for their annual pass which also entitles you to other perks.
Address: Plot 77, Zwartkop, Johannesburg.
Gillooly's Farm
Gillooly’s Farm is another great picnic venue on the more eastern side of town. This big piece of grassland features everything from braai areas (very rare in parks these days) to conference venues. They even have a restaurant on the property. It’s beautiful, safe and perfect for picnicking with friends as you can braai. You can also play sport or suntan on the soft sprawling lawns.
Tip: Saturdays tend to be a little busy and there can be a bit of a ruckus. (They don’t only allow braaing but alcohol too, which is fun for some… but not for all).
Address: Boeing Road West, Germiston, Johannesburg.
Zoo Lake
As Joburg’s original park, Zoo Lake used to be the place where the Randlords went to have picnics. With 9 hectares of play area and almost nowhere to park, Zoo Lake is one of our favourite spots to check out. You can also go for boat rides on the lake – at R10 a pop (it’s been R10 since forever, but just make sure as this price can change before we know it).
Tip: The weekends get pretty packed so try and go early to get a decent parking spot.
Details: Zoo Lake, Parkview, Randburg, 2122.
Modderfontein Bird and Sculpture Park
Wondering what do do for the next family birthday party or perhaps you're looking to entertain the kids on the weekend? Why not head to this quaint bird and sculpture park that boasts lovely, shaded, picnic spots and plenty of kids play equipment. It's the perfect spot for bird watching or dog walking. Furthermore, there is a R15 entrance fee for adults and the park is closed on a Monday.
Tip: Take a picnic blanket with and order a meal from one of the restaurants at Flamingo Centre (across the road). The various restaurants available will happily deliver your meal.
Address: Corner of Queens Street and Valley Road, Modderfontein, 1609.
Ethel and James Grey Park and Bird Sanctuary
“Give me odorous at sunrise a garden of beautiful flowers where I can walk undisturbed…” The poet Walt Whitman said that. Though he’s never been to Ethel and James Grey Park and Bird Sanctuary, we’re pretty sure he would have enjoyed walking the path around this beautiful piece of flora and fauna. The soft green grass, the chirping of birds and the sun shining softly on your cheek makes for a great picnic experience. With 36 hectares of land to put your blankie down on and after a R5-million upgrade the park has become a favourite of Joburg residents.
Address: Edgewood Avenue & Melrose St, Melrose, Johannesburg, 2000
Modderfontein Reserve
The reserve isn't only known for its relatively flat hiking and cycling trails. The Modderfontein Reserve is also home to a popular fishing spot and shaded picnic areas. Guests to the reserve can make use of the braai areas. Additionally, daily fishing permits and picnic passes for the Fish Eagle Dam can be purchased here. If you're hosting a party or an event then the picnic lapa is available for use and can also be booked online.
Tip: Book your picnic pass online to save time or you can purchase a ticket from the Taroko Farm Kiosk.
Address: Arden Road, Off Ardeer Rd, Modderfontein, Lethabong, 1609
Riversands Farm
Hands down the friendliest park in Jozi, Riversands Farm on the outskirts of Fourways (just past Dainfern) boasts tons of activities. Above and beyond soft grass and a relaxed atmosphere, this picnic hotspot is a great place to take the pups for a walk. There’s also a zipline, café, sports grounds and other cool stuff to get up to if the picnic basket runs empty. Riversands Farm is also known for hosting events with Cellar Rats Wine Festivals, so it’s worth keeping an eye on their events calendar.
Tip: Bring sunblock. There’s not that much shade.
Address: Riversands Commercial Park, Rose Road, Knopjeslaagte, Midrand.
Rietvlei Nature Reserve
Just past Pretoria, you will find 4 000 hectares of prime picnic fun. Rietvlei Nature Reserve is home to 404 species of birds, a big fat dam and loads of trees. So grab some blankets and picnic baskets, get the kids in the car and drive on over.
Tip: Don’t take a wee in the water. Rietvlei Dam supplies over 41 million litres of water to Pretoria on a daily basis. Also, if you’re driving through from Jozi, pack a snack to keep your wandering fingers out of the picnic basket on the way.
Address: 14 Game Reserve Ave, Rietvallei 377-Jr, Pretoria.
Photo Credits: Lehlohonolo Monanyane
Your Very Own Back Yard
Yup. We went there. It saves you a drive, you can keep the beer cold, and no one is going to yell at you for making a fire.
Tip: If you don’t have a backyard, check out the other eleven venues… just saying.
Venue: Where the Wi-Fi connects automatically.
Remember that our “Top Picks” are not paid for and are compiled at the discretion of the journalist. We only write about what we love.
