As the days get longer, lazier and warmer, the birds get chirpier and the blossoms brighter, so the urge to pack a picnic basket, grab a blanket and head outdoors becomes more prevalent in our thinking and planning and actions. Summer is here- which definitely makes it time to grab a picnic basket and get out there!
Cape Town is spoiled for choice when it comes to picnic spots. Head for one of the many beaches in and around the Cape, put in a little effort and hike to a vantage point on the mountain side, cruise into the botanical gardens at Kirstenbosch or come and join us on #Chappies for the perfect picnic.
Chapman’s Peak Drive is simply gorgeous for a picnic and does not have a baboon factor risking your picnic either! There are some 60 picnic tables on the 9km drive of Chapman’s Peak! Each picnic table has a view of mountain and sea with jaw-dropping scenes and sunsets. What’s not to love about sitting out in nature, enjoying good company and a plate full of delicious food? You won’t have to walk far from your car to a picnic table with a view on #Chappies.
Essentials for the perfect picnic!
- Plan ahead for your guests, your food and your supplies!
- Venue (where are you picnicking and what amenities and facilities are available?
- Time of day (breakfast, lunch, dinner?)
- Who is coming to the picnic – do we need stuff for kids or chairs for the grandparents?
- Picnic blanket and or chairs – personal choice of course but do plan your seating.
- Picnic basket: a picnic basket does not have to be a basket- it could be a backpack or a crate or a cooler too!
- Picnic Food: Picnic friendly food is different for everyone but traditionally includes cheese, cured meats, breads and finger foods. Foods that are easy to pack, easy to eat.
- Drinks: It’s not all about the food. Keep them chilled for a refresher!
- Good ideas for Main Meals: Wraps, Rolls, Cured meats, Chicken pieces, grilled finger foods.
- Good ideas for Side dishes or accompaniments: Salads, Coleslaw, Fruits, veggies
- Good ideas for Desserts: Brownies, bars, cookies, cupcakes, fruit kebabs!
While we’re on the subject, there are some other things you might want to pack: insect repellant, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, condiments (salt and pepper especially), paper towels or serviettes. Always bring a few knives just in case for cutting up fruits and veggies, slicing cake or tarts. And a bottle opener is a must for drinks.
The last thing is to think about what you’ll be doing when you’re not munching. It’s a personal choice but for me this activity is a good company or a good book or magazine. If you have the kids take bubbles, balls and frisbees, kites, and other activities they can do outdoors. A good set of binoculars can really help for those bird-watching moments during your picnic.
A final note: Rubbish bins are provided at all picnic sites and cleared regularly, please use them and leave picnic site the way you would like to find it.
Chapman’s Peak Drive Toll Plaza Office Hours:
The Toll Plaza is open Monday – Friday from 08h00 - 16h30 for registration as a Frequent User.
Address: Toll Plaza, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Hout Bay, Cape Town
Plaza Tel: 021 791 8220
- Read More about Chapman’s Peak Drive Frequent Users here.
- See Tariffs and discounts for all classes here
- As in life….Terms and Conditions apply!
