24 September is National Braai Day here in South Africa or the correct name is Heritage Day. A day when families, friends and strangers join at various events around the country celebrating South Africa’s heritage and building bridges to overcome a painful past by chucking a tjoppie on the braai (or for foreigners – Barbecue) and some drinks. This happens either at home or we go out to one of the many Braai places, out in the open to enjoy the weather.
The Braai usually consist of MEAT (and lots of it), our favourite boerewors (the essential), steak, chops, chicken or fish, some vegetables (usually potatoes or pap) and a salad. What more could you ask for?
Of course this needs some liquid refreshment along the lines of cool drink, beer and wine. Topped off with some great music and don’t forget the braai charcoal, wood (if you a purest), firelighters, braai grid and matches.
If you not sure how to braai here are some instructions for the quintessentially South African skill: HOW TO BRAAI LIKE A BOSS
Where can you go outside?
In Cape Town:
Wynberg Park
Beautiful surroundings consisting of a large playground for the children and braai areas for the adults ensure that everyone is entertained at Wynberg Park. Location: Corner of Klaasens and Trovato Link Roads, Wynberg.
Helderberg Farm, Somerset West
With activities like gravel karts, laser shooting, mountain biking and strawberry picking, the whole family will be kept busy. For the less energetic, or for once the activities are complete, the farm offers picnic and braai facilities. Location: Klein Helderberg Road, Somerset West
Miller’s Point, Simon’s Town
Still waters and a tidal pool make this a perfect spot to spend the day swimming or snorkelling. Those with a boat can launch at the slipway. Portable and gas braais are welcome making it a fun day out for the whole family. Location: Main Road, Simon’s Town
Oudekraal
Pretty sandy beaches and a well maintained braai area make this spot a pleasure to visit. Location: Between Camps Bay and Llandudno.
Tokai Forest Braai Area
Braai or picnic in the forest with nature for company. Location: Top of Tokia rd.
Silvermine Nature Reserve
Surrounded by mountains, individual braai spots are tucked away between boulders and fynbos giving each of the 40 braai spots the feeling of seclusion. Take your costumes for a swim in the reservoir and nets for the children to catch and release fish. Location: Top of Ou Kaapse weg.
Other great braai spots around South Africa
Storms River Mouth, Garden Route National Park
Situated on the slopes of the green lawn in front of the camp’s shop and restaurant are ten braai spots. With views across the rocks to the ocean you could be lucky enough to see dolphins or even whales.
Groenkloof Nature Reserve, Tshwane
For the energetic there is no shortage of activities such as hiking, mountain biking, a 4 x 4 route, guided horse trails and game drives. On game drives kudu, sable and giraffe could be spotted. Whilst braaing keep your binoculars handy for the extensive birdlife.
The Shark Tank, Durban
There is nothing like a home game, with a braai beforehand to really get you in the mood. Festivities will continue well into the night, especially if there is a win, and you may even be joined by a shark or two.
Kraalbaai, West Coast National Park
Either braai at the Preekstoel picnic site and take your food down to the wide sandy beach for a picnic or just take a picnic and sit on the sand, no braaing is allowed on the beach itself.
Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve, Krugersdorp
A great day out for those with small children, and big children. A plethora of activities which include abseiling, game drives, a pool, a kids play centre, horse trails, an underground cave, snake shows, a pygmy hippo enclosure and a petting crèche you may be too exhausted to braai at one of the 30 braai areas. Wood can be bought on site and braai grids are provided.
Fish Eagle Picnic Spot, Pilanesberg
Fish Eagle picnic spot is situated overlooking the Mankwe Dam. Find a spot close to the edge of the site for the best views. Look out for hippos and other game in the distance while sharing your picnic with hornbills and squirrels.
Nkutu Falls, Krantzkloof
Lesser known than the picnic site at Kloof Falls the spot at Nkutu Falls is newer and quieter. It’s found at the meeting place of two river gorges and with seven walking trails in the forest it doesn’t matter how much you ate at lunch.
Here in South Africa we love to braai, if we could we would do it every day! If you need a car to go out and have a braai at one of our great outdoor places? CABS car rental has it.
Thanks to Getaway and Cape Town Travel.
