Pretoria is the ultimate winter scene for outdoor lovers with a wealth of nature reserves, rivers, and dams for lazy picnics and scenic walks to get the blood pumping. Splashes of brilliant colours brighten dull wintery days as most succulents and aloes are at their brightest during the winter season.
Pretoria enjoys cool winter weather which lasts for a few weeks rather than months, with most of the rain falling in summer. While the nights are chilly, the days can warm up to an average of 18˚C which means as long as you’re prepared with a blanket and a jersey, your picnics will be just as enjoyable in winter.
Burger’s Park
Burger’s Park is the oldest park in Pretoria with enormous trees to picnic under. Established in the 1870s, it remains the finest example of a Victorian park in Pretoria and has been declared a national monument.
Jacob Mare Street, Pretoria | GPS: -25.753919, 28.192392 | Open: daily, until sunset
Jan Cilliers Park
Jan Cilliers Park, also known as Protea Park or the Fairy Park, is tucked away in Groenkloof. The park has a lake, water features, indigenous plants, and a tree-filled sanctuary perfect for picnics. Dogs are permitted on leashes.
Corner of Wenning and Broderick Streets, Groenkloof, Pretoria | GPS: -25.778491, 28.223777 | Open: always
Voortrekker Monument
The Voortrekker Monument has picnic and braai areas with a view of the water hole where game and horses drink. Bring your own charcoal and wood. The picnic site has ablution facilities and kitchens that can be hired for big events. Find out more.
Eeufees Road, Pretoria | GPS: -25.776370, 28.175985 | Open: daily, 08:00 – 17:00 (winter), 08:00 – 18:00 (summer)| +27 (0)12 326 6770
Jan Smuts House Museum
Jan Smuts House Museum was home to Field Marshall Jan Smuts and his wife. The rooms of the house have been restored and it is now a museum and national monument. Picnic amongst the Highveld grasses at the back of the house or visit the shady tea garden.
Jan Smuts Avenue, Irene, Centurion | GPS: -25.888179, 28.232327 | Open: Monday to Friday, 09:30 – 16:30, 09:30 – 17:00 on weekends | +27 (0)12 667 1176
Magnolia Dell Park
Magnolia Dell Park is one of the most beautiful parks in Pretoria. Lay out a picnic blanket under the willow trees next to the stream or grab a bite to eat from the tea garden. An Art in the Park Market is held on the last Sunday of every month from 10:00 – 15:00.
Corner Florence Riberio Drive and University Road, Bailey’s Muckleneuk, Groenkloof, Pretoria | GPS: -25.762198, 28.220278 | Open: always | +27 (0)12 358 1430
Springbok Park
Springbok Park, previously known as Grosvenor Square, is a 3 hectare indigenous wooded park and national monument – and one of the city’s most attractive open air recreational areas. Dros Restaurant is available for those looking for a bite to eat after a stroll.
Pretorius Street, Pretoria | GPS: -25.745412, 28.235969 | Open: always | +27 (0)12 343 3344
Venning Park
Venning Park is the second oldest park in Pretoria with a beautiful sunken garden and a rosarium of over 30 species of roses and 3000 rose bushes. You can even see the City of Pretoria rose. Rosies Restaurant is nestled amongst the rose beds and Harrie’s Pancakes is just across the road!
Cnr Schoeman and Eastwood Street, Arcadia, Pretoria | GPS: -25.746314, 28.221120 | Open: always | +27 (0)12 344 4840
Fountains Valley Nature Reserve
Fountains Valley Nature Reserve is a 60 hectare park and a popular braai spot at the source of the Apies River. There is a game and bird sanctuary, a restaurant, braai area, playground, swimming pool, and a miniature train for kids.
Corner Christina de Wit and Eeufees roads, Fountains Valley, Pretoria | GPS: -25.781305, 28.193670 | Open: daily and public holidays, 09:00 – 00:00 | +27 (0)12 440 2121
Groenkloof Nature Reserve
Groenkloof Nature Reserve is adjacent to Nature’s Valley and has scenic picnic spots, hiking trails, and what’s been voted the best braai spots in Pretoria, alongside the Apies River. Wildlife includes giraffe, kudu, impala, zebra, and other antelope. Bring your own wood or charcoal.
Christina de Witt Avenue, Groenkloof, Pretoria | GPS: -25.794005, 28.202920 | Open: daily, 05:30 – 19:00 (September to April), 07:00 – 18:00 (May to August) | +27 (0)12 440 8316
Van Gaalen Kaasmakerij
Book a picnic hamper from Van Gaalen Kaasmakerij and stop for lunch on the banks of the Skeerpoort River. The restaurant has a jungle gym, boules game, and giant chess board.
R560, Pretoria | GPS: -25.787840, 27.772106 | Open: Wednesday to Sunday, 08:00 – 17:00 | +27 (0)12 207 1289
Wonderboom Nature Reserve
Wonderboom Nature Reserve is a 90 hectare reserve built to protect the 23m tall fig tree known as the “wonder tree” which has a 50m diameter. There are picnic and braai spots, walking trails, a large variety of animals, including dassies and a breeding pair of black eagles.
Corner Steve Biko and Lavender Road, Wonderboom, Pretoria | GPS: -25.687032, 28.189940 | Open: daily, 07:00 – 18:00 | +27 (0)12 440 8316
Rietvlei Nature Reserve
Spend a day next to the Marais Dam at Rietvlei Nature Reserve in Centurion. There are braai and picnic facilities available, as well as bird hides and walking trails. Wildlife includes rhino, buffalo, lion, black wildebeest, and zebra.
R21 Rietvleirand, Pretoria | GPS: -25.898077, 28.287640 | Open: daily, 05:30 – 19:00 (September to March) and 06:00 – 18:00 (April to August) | +27 (0)12 358 1810
Thulani Bass
Picnic or braai next to the river at Thulani. There is plenty of shade, as well as a jungle gym, swimming pool, and a variety of farm animals.
Cnr Linvelt and Lavender Roads, Wonderboom, Pretoria | GPS: -25.653379, 28.191182 | Open daily, 08:00 – 18:00 | +27 (0)72 604 6038
The Pioneer Museum
The Pioneer Museum is home to the Pretoria Boeremark every Saturday morning from 05:00 – 10:00. There are braai facilities and 2 lapas.
Pretoria Street, Silverton, Pretoria | GPS: -25.742435, 28.185610 | Open: Saturday, 05:00 – 10:00 | +27 (0)12 803 6086
Nkwe Park
Nkwe Park just outside of Pretoria has braai facilities and shady picnic spots for day visitors. There are clean ablutions, as well as a playground, tuck shop, pool, and waterfall. No music or dogs are permitted.
Lynnwood Intersection, Tierpoort, Pretoria | GPS: -25.881055, 28.420080 | Open: daily, 08:00 – 18:00 | +27 (0)12 811 5231
Hennops Pride
Hennops Pride is a leisure resort with braai facilities, swimming pools, putt-putt, fishing, hiking trails, and more. Pack a picnic basket and enjoy a day under the shade of the trees.
R511, Hennoprivier, Pretoria | GPS: -25.838532, 27.975414 | Open: daily, 09:00 – 18:00 | +27 (0)83 288 9915
Irene Dairy Farm
Purchase some snacks from the Dairy Shop and enjoy them on the grass at Irene Dairy Farm. No blankets are permitted on the lawns.
Nellmapius Drive, Irene | GPS: -25.878651, 28.213469 | Open: daily, 08:00 – 18:00 | +27 (0)12 667 2326
Union Buildings
Have a picnic in the beautiful gardens at the Union Buildings.
Cost: Free
Government Avenue, Pretoria | GPS: -25.740212, 28.211948 | Open: daylight hours
Pretoria National Botanical Garden
Pretoria National Botanical Garden is the perfect spot for a picnic. The 76 hectare garden has a cycad garden, medicinal garden, walking trails, concert stage, a restaurant, tea garden, and an artificial waterfall.
Cussonia Avenue, Pretoria | GPS: | Open: daily, 08:00 – 18:00 | +27 (0) 12 843 5071
Freedom Park
Freedom Park celebrates the heritage of South Africa and is a great place to have a picnic. Visit the Garden of Remembrance, amphitheatre, wall of names, and the eternal flame.
Corner Koch Street and 7th Avenue, Salvokop, Pretoria | GPS: -25.766636, 28.189239 | Open: daily, 08:00 – 16:30 | +27 (0)12 336 4000
National Zoological Gardens of South Africa
National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, also known as Pretoria Zoo, has 600 hectares of parkland with 3500 wildlife, including the largest antelope collection in the world. An aerial cableway runs across the gardens and offers a view of the park. Braai facilities are available at the picnic area next to the Apies River.
232 Boom Street, Pretoria | GPS: -25.738904, 28.188666 | Open: daily, 08:30 – 17:30 | +27 (0)12 339 2700
Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary
Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary is a regular family picnic spot on Sundays. The 11 hectare conservancy has a lake that’s home to 170 birds. Dogs are welcome as long as they’re on leashes. The Blue Crane Restaurant is next door.
Corner Boshoff and Roper Street, Muckleneuk, Pretoria | GPS: -25.770003, 28.226500 | Open: always| +27 (0)12 440 8316
Zita Park
The Zita Park in Garsfontein has a splash pool, playground, and a water slide for children. There is also a tuck shop on-site. The park is dog friendly and perfect for picnics.
Zita Street, Garsfontein, Pretoria | GPS: -25.792743, 28.292929 | Open: daily, 08:00 – 19:00
Derdepoort Recreation Resort
Derdepoort Recreation Resort has picnic and braai facilities, swimming pools, lapas, an animal farm, and a playground.
Baviaanspoort Road, Pretoria | GPS: -25.696836, 28.291977 | Open: daily, 10:00 – 18:00 | +27 (0)12 800 1279
Ezemvelo Nature Reserve
Ezemvelo Nature Reserve is home to 286 bird species and a variety of mammals. Activities include horse riding (own horse), bird watching, putt-putt, and more.
Off the N4, Bronkhorstpruit | GPS: -25.704989, 28.987815 | Open daily, 07:00 – sunset | +27 (0)13 680 1399
Faerie Glen Nature Reserve
Faerie Glen Nature Reserve is a 128 hectare reserve with birds, hiking trails, and views over Pretoria East. Dogs are welcome, provided they are on leads.
156 Melk Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria | GPS: -25.772664, 28.297973 |Open: daily, 06:00 – 18:00 | +27 (0)12 358 1510
Bester Birds & Animals Zoo Park
Bester Birds & Animals Zoo Park is a great place for a picnic. The zoo has over 55 species of birds, an animal touch farm, and a refreshment kiosk. Families are welcome to bring their own picnic to enjoy under the trees.
44 Simon Vermooten Road, Willowglen, Pretoria | GPS: -25.756078, 28.324419 | Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 – 17:00 | +27 (0)12 807 2574
Ludwig’s Rose Farm
The Spiced Coffee Restaurant is nestled amongst a beautiful rose garden and is a fantastic spot for picnics. You can book a pre-packed basket. There are tractor rides, rose talks, and a playground.
Ludwig’s Rose Farm, Plot 62, Haakdoornlaagte, Pretoria | GPS: -25.576949, 28.288211 | Open: daily, 08:30 – 17:00 | +27 (0)12 544 0144
Roodeplaat Dam Nature Reserve
Roodeplaat Dam Nature Reserve is a fantastic recreational area under the trees with braai spots and picnic tables on the edge of the dam. It’s great for birding, angling, hiking, and game viewing of zebra and impala.
R573, Roodeplaat, Pretoria | GPS: -25.620831, 28.371383 | Open: | +27 (0)12 808 5131
Sammy Marks Museum
Sammy Marks Museum is a great spot for a Victorian picnic. The restaurant will prepare a delicious basket which can be enjoyed on the lawns or at a table.
Old Bronkhorstspruit Road, Donkerhoek, Pretoria | GPS: -25.750121, 28.380152 | Open: weekdays, 09:00 – 17:00, weekends and public holidays, 09:00 – 17:00 | +27 (0)12 755 9542
Which picnic spot will you be visiting in Pretoria this winter? Make a holiday of it and find your Pretoria accommodation here.
*Entry costs for these picnic spots differ. Some offer free entry. Please call the establishment or visit their website for more details.
