Every year the pressure is on to plan something even more romantic than the last. To help you decide on what to do for Valentine’s Day here are two of the best picnic spots in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Cape Town: Vergelegen Estate
Vergelegen Estate is a 45 min drive outside Cape Town in Somerset West. Vergelegen was established in 1685 and is world renowned for the award winning wines they produce. The extensive gardens and old farmhouses are open to visitors throughout the year and are well worth the visit for locals and tourists alike. The most beautiful spot on the Estate is next to five enormous Camphor trees which were planted over 300 years ago!
A picnic at the Vergelegen Camphor Forest is truly a culinary experience; featuring a smoked salmon parfait starter, Moroccan rare beef fillet main, exotic salads and a Summer Berry Cheesecake for dessert – plus a selection of cheeses & bread (a vegetarian option is available). The cost is R165 per person which excludes entrance fee, tips and any extra drinks. Picnics may be collected between 12:00 & 14:00 and bookings are essential (021 847-1346). Unfortunately it is not possible to bring your own picnic to Vergelegen.
Admission Details:
Open daily from 09h30 to 16h00 (except Good Friday, December 25 & May 1)
Adults: R10
Students and pensioners: R5
Phone: 021 487 1334
Johannesburg: Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens
The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden is the newest of the 8 botanical gardens in South Africa and has been voted the most popular picnic spot in Gauteng for the last 5 years. The Garden covers over 300 acres and is a mosaic of manicured lawns, natural veld, lovely streams and a wild flower area. The highlights of any visit to the Garden are the magnificent Witpoortjie (“white gate”) Waterfall and a chance to spot the pair of local Black Eagles that have made the park their home.
The Eagles Fare Restaurant offers the option to pick and choose from their menu to create your own unique picnic basket – be sure to check out their Cake of the Day for dessert. Another option is to bring your own picnic and find a shady spot on the lawns – don’t forget the bubbly!
Admission Details
Open daily from 08h00 to 18h00
Adults: R25
Students and pensioners: R20
School-going children: R10
Phone: 086 100 1278
Image Credits (clockwise from top left): mojo_333 (Flickr), Aaron Brodovcky, MBoy68 (Flickr), Martin_Heigin (Flickr)