There is nothing a South African likes better than a braai. Meat sizzling on the fire, a drink dripping condensation in hand and good conversation over a bowl of Lays; South Africans know how to braai in style. So, with summer just around the corner, LekkeSlaap decided to seek out the best public braai spots in Gauteng where you can enjoy a cold one with friends as you keep the kids entertained:
1. Pines Resort, West Rand
With water slides, jungle gyms, a tuck shop, lockers, and braais at every picnic spot, the family-friendly Pines Resort in Krugersdorp is a perfect weekend outing. As a licensed facility, no alcohol or glassware is allowed on the premises as drinks can be bought from the tuck shop. Bring your own picnic baskets filled with food and soft drinks.
Open on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 09:00 – 17:00. Hours during school holidays may vary. Make sure you book online to avoid disappointment.
Entrance: Click here for pricing.
Where: 2 Ivan Smuts Avenue, Silverfields, Krugersdorp
Contact: +27 (0)11 955 3845 / info@pinesresort.co.za
2. Brookwood Estate Trout Farm, Kromdraai, Krugersdorp
Set in the Cradle of Humankind, an hour away from Joburg and Pretoria, Brookwood Estate Trout Farm is a fishing paradise that’s an ideal spot for a family outing or a day out with friends. The shady picnic area has beautiful views of the river, safe swimming in summer for children and plenty of braai areas and tables.
Open weekdays from 07:30 – 18:00, weekends from 06:00 – 18:00. Open on public holidays excluding Christmas. No pets allowed.
Entrance: R70 per adult, R50 per child (under 12).
Where: Portion 30, Farm Rietfrontein, Krugersdorp, West Rand
Contact: +27 (0)11 957 0126 / info@brookwoodtroutfarm.co.za
3. Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve, Krugersdorp
The Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve is one of Johannesburg’s Big Five Tourist Destinations and has some great amenities where you can relax after a game drive. Picnic spots and braai areas are available, as well as a play park for children with jumping castles, trampolines, swings, an obstacle course and jungle gyms.
The main entrance gate is open Tuesday – Sunday, 08:00 – 16:00 while the childrens’ playground is open 09:00 – 16:00.
Entrance: R160 per adult, R120 per child, R130 per pensioner
Where: 520 Kromdraai Road, Krugersdorp
Contact: +27 (0)11 957 0106/09 | bookings@rhinolion.co.za
4. Gnu Valley Farm, Muldersdrif
Gnu Valley Farm is a catch-and-release fishing venue with braai facilities, picnic areas and an indoor and outdoor playground with a splash pool for children. They cater for kiddies parties, functions, events, adult parties, kitchen teas, baby showers and year-end functions, and as of January 2017 they will be hosting “little girl spa parties” as well.
Entrance: R130 per adult/child over 12 years of age if fishing, R70 per adult/child if not fishing and R40 for birders (however then no fishing, braai or picnic is allowed)
Where: Beyers Naude Extension, Muldersdrif
Contact: +27 (0)74 920 7784, +27 (0)60 962 3863, +27 (0)83 379 3792
5. Golden Harvest Park, Randburg
Stretching almost 4km, with picturesque views and a charming ambience, Golden Harvest Park is tailored for a great day out. Frequented by dog walkers and families who traverse the indigenous bushveld, you can also visit the remains of an ancient iron smelting bloomer, and furnace, on the top of the little koppie. Open daily.
Entrance: Free
Where: First Avenue, Northgate
Contact: +27 (0)11 712 6600
6. Zoo Lake, Randburg
Zoo Lake is the beloved annual venue for Jazz on the Lake and Carols by Candlelight, and you’ll see early morning joggers, bikers, dog walkers, and couples strolling its pathways. There are designated braai areas and picnic spots on the lawns. The sports club and the zoological garden are also worth visiting while there. Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
Entrance: Free
Where: Corner of Jan Smuts Avenue and Westwold Way, Parkhurst
Contact: +27 (0)11 483 1017
7. Gillooly’s Farm, Germiston
Gillooly Farm is a firm favourite among local families and fishermen with wooden walkways encircling the lake, an abundance of bird species and plenty of picnic spots. Braais are available at the farm, by prior arrangement with staff.
Open daily, sunrise to sunset. Conferencing and venue hire are available.
Entrance: Free
Where: 47 Boeing Road West, Johannesburg
Contact: +27 (0) 11 453 8066 | gillooly@mweb.co.za
8. Rietvlei Lifestyle Centre, Alberton
Rietvlei Lifestyle Centre has it all with putt-putt, picnics, farm animals, a steam train, pony and tractor rides, as well as bicycle and walking trails. Bring your own portable braai or hire a drum from the office. Open daily 09:00 – 18:00.
Entrance: R30 per adult, R20 per child (2 – 12 years), R10 per person if disabled or in a wheelchair or a pensioner, R40 per car for the picnic area (free parking available outside picnic area)
Where: 101 Swartkoppies Road, Johannesburg South
Contact: +27 (0)11 024 1512 | info@rietvleifarm.co.za
9. Dorothy Nyembe Park, Soweto
Comprising of 23 hectares, the Dorothy Nyembe Park offers a haven for sports and nature lovers, with walking trails, volleyball, netball and basketball courts, and wetland-fed dams. There are also morabaraba and chess areas, a children’s playground, and ample areas for you to braai. Open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Entrance: Free
Where: Corner of Mashinini and Mofolo Street, Soweto
Contact: +27 (0)11 938 7600
10. Thokoza Park, Soweto
Set beside Moroka Dam, and a venue of choice for Jazz concerts and art exhibitions, Thokoza Park is popular year-round destination for families, wedding parties, photographers, and outdoor visitors. The netball and basketball courts are well-kept, and you’ll often see children feeding the ducks which frequent the dam. Braai areas, and shady spots for picnics, are plentiful. Open daily, 10:00 – late.
Entrance: Free
Where: Corner of Chris Hani Road and Ntuli Street, Moroka
Contact: +27 (0)11 938 1820
11. Pioneer Park (Wemmer Pan), Johannesburg South
You’d find it hard to believe that Pioneer Park is built on top of a reclaimed mine dump when you see the lush flora and lawns, heated swimming pool, expansive Wemmer Pan lake, dancing fountains, and children’s playground. Braai areas are available – please bring your own portable braai stand. Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
Entrance: Free
Where: Corner Turf Road and 11th Street, La Rochelle
Contact: +27 (0)11 435 0425
12. Innesfree Park, Sandton
Found in the heart of Sandton with two dams, picnic spots, and grassy areas that are often utilised for sport matches, Innesfree Park is a peaceful haven to escape the hustle and bustle of Sandton. The area also plays host to concerts, motor shows and arts and cultural exhibits. Braai areas are available – please bring your own portable braai. Open daily, 06:00 – 18:00.
Entrance: Free
Where: Katherine Street and Grayston Drive, Sandton
Contact: +27 (0)11 728 1999
13. Footloose Trout Farm, Midrand
Green grass, safe swimming, fresh air and plenty of braai facilities make Footloose Trout Farm a natural choice for an outing with your friends and family. The venue is able to host private events and conferences. Open Tuesday – Sunday, 07:30 – 17:00. Rod hire and bait available.
Entrance: R70 per adult, R55 per child
Where: Plot 101, William Nicol Drive, Deepsluit, Midrand
Contact: +27 (0)11 464 5264
14. Rooihuiskraal Historical Terrain and Animal Farm, Centurion
The Rooihuiskraal Historical Terrain and Animal Farm with a farmstead that dates back to 1880, an animal farm for the children to visit, a restaurant, playground, and two barns, is a national monument that makes for a convenient family outing. There are a variety of braai facilities available to the public, while lapas are available for private function rental. Open daily.
Entrance: R11 per child 0 – 6 years old, R18 per child 7 – 12 years old, R30 per person over the age of 13, R19 per person if older than 60, R350 per group minibus
Where: Rooihuiskraal Road, Centurion
Contact: +27 (0)12 661 4284 | 076 519 4717
15. Fountains Valley Resort, Pretoria
Set within the Groenkloof Nature Reserve beside the Apies River, Fountains Valley Resort is a firm favourite with weekenders. It has a caravan park, swimming pool, playground, lapa and braai areas available to visitors. This, combined with the adjoining Groenkloof Nature Reserve, form the oldest nature reserve in Africa. Open daily, 09:00 – 00:00.
Entrance: R12 per child 0 – 6 years old, R20 per child 7 – 12 years old, R32 per person older than 13, R20 per person if older than 60
Where: Fountains Road off of Christina De Wit Ave, Groenkloof
Contact: +27 (0)12 440 2121 | dirkm@tshwane.gov.za
16. Groenkloof Nature Reserve, Pretoria
Groenkloof Nature Reserve is a popular spot with shady hiking and mountain biking trails, swimming options in the river, a childrens’ play park, historical ruins, and guided horse trails through the reserve where kudu, blue wildebeest, giraffe and ostrich roam. The Moyo restaurant is set within the reserve, though it also provides numerous picnic and braai areas. Open daily, 05:30 – 19:00 (summer), 07:00 – 18:00 (winter).
Entrance: R12 per child 0 – 6 years old, R20 per child 7 – 12 years old, R32 per person older than 13, R20 per person if older than 60
Where: Off Eeufees Road and Christina De Wit Avenue, Groenkloof
Contact: +27 (0)12 440 8316 | groenkloofnaturereserve@tshwane.gov.za
17. Bronkhorstspruit Dam Nature Reserve, Bronkhorstspruit
Found at the southern end of the dam, Bronkhorstspruit Dam Nature Reserve is known for its scenic views, angling opportunities and braai spots. Open 07:00 – 18:00 (summer) and 07:00 – 17:00 (winter).
Entrance: R22 for adults, R11 for children (aged 7 – 1), R6 per child (0-6 years), R11 pensioners and disabled guests
Where: Off the R25, Bronkhorstspruit
Contact: +27 (0)71 671 8605
Don’t hesitate, check out the abovementioned braai spots this weekend and let us know which one is your favourite!
