There’s something sacred about a South African Sunday.
Mathieu Odin / Unsplash
The rush of the week fades, the air slows down, and the question of the day is simple: Where are we braaing? Whether you’re the type who packs a cooler and heads for the mountains or one who prefers a seaside sizzle with a view, the country’s picnic and braai culture is a love language of its own. From Cape Town’s silver-rimmed mountain dams to shady forests and tidal pools, here are a few favourite spots to fire up the coals, lay out a blanket, and make the most of a slow Sunday.
1. Silvermine Nature Reserve
Tucked within the Table Mountain National Park, Silvermine is one of those places that makes you forget you’re just minutes from the city. A short drive from Noordhoek or Tokai leads you into the fynbos-lined reserve, where walking trails weave through rocky slopes and lead to the shimmering Silvermine Dam — the heart of the picnic and braai area.
It’s an ideal spot for those who like a bit of balance: a morning hike to Elephant’s Eye Cave or around the dam, followed by a long, lazy lunch beside the water. There are designated braai stands and picnic tables scattered around, shaded by indigenous trees and ringed by mountain views.
Good to know: Braais are only allowed in the designated areas and may be suspended during high fire-risk months (usually summer). No alcohol or loud music is permitted, and you’ll need to bring your own grid and charcoal. It’s also worth arriving early — Silvermine’s calm beauty makes it a Sunday favourite.
2. Tokai Forest
For a completely different atmosphere, the Tokai Forest Picnic and Braai Area offers cool shade and the soft rustle of pine needles instead of crashing waves. The scent of woodsmoke mixes with the earthy smell of forest floor as families gather under the trees, kids darting between picnic blankets.
The forest is part of the Table Mountain National Park and sits at the foot of Constantiaberg, easily accessible from the Southern Suburbs. There’s plenty of space to spread out, and it’s one of the few spots in Cape Town where braais are still permitted within a forested area.
Safety notes: Baboons occasionally wander through, so keep food securely packed away and never feed them. Fires must be kept within the built-in braai pits, and the site closes by late afternoon, so plan for a relaxed early-morning start and a midday feast rather than a sunset session.
Tokai’s charm lies in its simplicity — it’s the kind of place where time stretches, where conversations last longer than the coals burn, and where everyone leaves smelling faintly of wood smoke and pine.
3. Maiden’s Cove
Few spots capture Cape Town’s coastal magic like Maiden’s Cove, wedged between Clifton and Camps Bay. Here, the lawns roll down toward the sea, the braai stands are built into the rocks, and the view takes in both the Twelve Apostles and the Atlantic.
It’s a picture-perfect place for a seaside Sunday: bring a picnic, your braai grid, and a few friends. While the coals glow, take a dip in the tidal pools or wander along the shoreline collecting shells. The atmosphere is cheerful and communal, with locals and visitors alike soaking up the sun and sea air.
Tips for the day: Arrive early, parking fills up fast on sunny weekends. Fires are only allowed in the built-in braai areas, and you’ll need to bring your own grid, wood, and utensils. The wind can pick up in the afternoon, so plan to start early and pack a light jacket for when the breeze rolls in.
And don’t rush home, Maiden’s Cove offers one of the most spectacular sunset views in the city. There’s no better way to end a Sunday than with the ocean turning gold and the last embers of your fire flickering out.
Making the most of a Sunday braai
No matter where you go, a few golden rules keep the tradition alive (and the parks open):
- Check the fire warnings — if the wind is strong or the fire danger high, braaing may be temporarily banned in nature reserves.
- Pack smart: bring your own grid, tongs, charcoal, and plenty of water for dousing coals.
- Leave no trace: take all your rubbish home and leave the site as clean as you found it.
- Be wildlife-wise: especially in areas like Tokai or Cape Point, never feed baboons or leave food unattended.
- Arrive early: the best spots go quickly on warm Sundays.
There’s a rhythm to South African Sundays: a late start, a long lunch, the sound of sizzling coals, and the smell of something good on the braai. Whether you’re surrounded by forest, mountain, or sea, it’s about slowing down and remembering that the best adventures often happen close to home, with the people (and food) that make you happiest.
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