Fire up the barbie!

Top 10 braai spots in and around Cape Town

Whether you call it tshisa-nyama, a barbecue or a good ol' braai, cooking meat over the coals with friends is the quintessential South African feast, come rain or shine (but preferably shine). So, in the spirit of summer, we've rounded up the best braai spots in and around Cape Town just for you...

1. Miller's Point
On the southern side of the False Bay Coast, behind a serene tidal pool, is a patch of lawn that screams: braaivleis!

Contact 021 786 1142
Cost Free
Location Miller's Point, M4, Simon's Town, Cape Town

2. Newlands Forest
Newlands Forest is a relaxing and wonderfully scenic place to fire up the coals. You can bring your own portable braai stand or use one of the built-in pits. We love the many secluded braai spots, which offer privacy from other groups of braaiers.

Contact 021 689 7438, chamell.pluim@sanparks.org
Cost R35 (South African adults)
R15 (South African children 2 - 11 years)
R70 (SADC adults)
R35 (SADC children 2 - 11 years)
R140 (Foreign nationals adults
R70 (Foreign nationals children 2 - 11 years)
Parking R25
Location M3, Newlands Forest, Newlands, Cape Town

3. Helderberg Farm

On the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain, this rustic farm has public braai areas with small benches, as well as private braai sections in Granny's Forest, which can host up to 150 people. Braaing aside, there are a number of fun activities to help you work up an appetite, including paintballing, trail running, laser-shooting, strawberry-picking and hiking. Booking is essential

Contact 021 855 4308, helderbergplaas@mweb.co.za
Cost R50 (adults)
R25 (children 5 - 18 years)
R50 (Braai drum and charcoal; bring your own wood and grid)
Location Helderberg Farm, Klein Helderberg Road, Somerset West

4. Tokai Forest

It's a great place to unwind and there's ample space for the kids to run about and play.We love the vast wide-open spaces and towering pines, which lend an enchanted-forest feel.

Contact 021 712 0527, TableM@sanparks.org, elmonique.petersen@sanparks.org
Cost TMNP conservation fee
R32 (adults)
R16 (children under 12)
R64 (SADC Nationals, adults)
R32 (SADC Nationals, children)
R128 (international visitors, adults)
R64 (international visitors, children)
R28 (vehicles)
Location Tokai Forest, Tokai Road, Tokai, Cape Town

5. Oudekraal

This sheltered cove between Camps Bay and Llandudno is beach-braai heaven. The secluded barbeque areas have seating with great views of the ocean.

With sandy beaches, clear waters for snorkelling on calm days, and huge boulders just a few meters away, it's a deliriously relaxing spot for a family day out.

Contact 021 712 0527, TableM@sanparks.org
Cost TMNP conservation fee
R32 (adults)
R16 (children under 12)
R64 (SADC Nationals, adults)
R32 (SADC Nationals, children)
R128 (international visitors, adults)
R64 (international visitors, children)
Location Oudekraal, Victoria Road, between Llandudno and Camps Bay

6. Maiden's Cove

Located between Glen Beach and Clifton Fourth, this beautifully scenic area - and prime sunset spot - offers designated public braai and picnic spots with magnificent views of the Atlantic, 12 Apostles and Table Mountain, making it the place for a hot summer's day braai.

The tidal pool, perfect for a dip between sunbathing on the big boulders. It's also a great place to indulge in some diving and dolphin- and whale-spotting (between June and December).
Contact 021 438 8212
Cost Free
Location Maiden's Cove, Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town

7. Preekstoel

This secret sliver of beach near Kraalbaai in the West Coast National Park offers seclusion, shelter and breathtaking views of the lagoon. Preekstoel - which means preacher's pulpit - is the perfect day trip for a relaxing family braai. Better still, rent a houseboat or hire a house, and make a weekend of it.

Contact 022 772 2144, moipone.thathane@sanparks.org
R64 (adults, outside flower season)
R32 (children, outside flower season)
R96 (adults, Standard Conservation Fee & SADC Nationals)
R48 (children, Standard Conservation Fee & SADC Nationals)
R90 (adults, during flower season)
R45 (children, during flower season)
Location West Coast National Park, R27, West Coast

8. Little Bay

Offering one of our favourite views of Table Mountain, a grassy braai area, soft beach sand for the children to run around on, and even a jungle gym with a slide, this braai spot has: "family day out" written all over it.

Contact 021 550 1204
Cost Free
Location 7 Popham Road, Bloubergstrand, Cape Town

9. Wynberg Park

With luscious green lawns, a duck pond and ample space to sit around the braai area, this park is an old favourite among Capetonians.
We love the fully equipped kids' play area, which means they can run wild while you relax.
Good to know The braai area is open from 7am until 7pm daily.
Contact 021 444 8849
Cost Free
Location Wynberg Park, Corner of Klaasens and Trovato Link Roads, Wynberg, Cape Town

10. Berg River Resort

This riverside braai spot - somewhere between Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch - is wonderful for a superbly relaxing day in the country. The rambling lawns invite endless games of catch and volleyball for the children, while the parents busy themselves with the business of braaiing close by.

Contact 021 007 1852
Cost R100 per person & R120 per vehicle
Location R45 Franschhoek Road, Paarl South, Cape Town