Tired of the busy city life and longing for some quality time with nature? Why not embark on a relaxing trip to one of Pretoria’s beautiful picnic spots? From nature reserves and mountain valleys. Pretoria offers a wide range of parks and botanical gardens to help you find that nature’s bliss. Enjoy a day with your favourite people, a picnic basket, and some charming sceneries for an afternoon of pure relaxation.
Below we list some great spots for picnics in Pretoria:
Rietvlei Nature reserve:
The Rietvlei nature reserve is home to many game and various plants in the area. Originally built to supply water to the city of Tshwane this reserve offers a fun day of animal spotting and quality time with the family.
With 4,000 ha of land, visitors are able to take their little ones to game-viewing where they can see many different animals from zebras, and elands to buffalos. After the excitement of seeing all the game embark on a visit to the Marias Dam for an afternoon picnic with all your favourite snacks and goodies. The dam offers a grand time focused on birdwatching and tranquility and even the sight of some fish.
Address: 14 Game Reserve Ave, Rietvallei 377-Jr, Pretoria, 0181
Phone: 012 358 1812
Pretoria Botanical Gardens:
If you are visiting the capital in Pretoria, make a stop at the Pretoria Botanical Gardens. Established in 1986 this garden tells a story of South African history. On your visit make a stop at Bolusanthus Avenue, where one of the first plantings in the garden took place the Bolusanthus speciosus trees. Right next door the Bolusanthus Avenue lies a beautiful waterfall for visitors to view and explore.
Bring along your blanket and favourite card games for a peaceful day of a picnic while trying to spot one of the garden’s bird and butterfly species. The area is home to over 200 bird species and more than 50 butterfly species. The botanical gardens offer an afternoon of joy and connection to nature.
Address: 2 Cussonia Ave, Brummeria, Pretoria, 0184
Phone: 012 843 5071
Jan Cilliers Park Reserve:
The Jan Cillers Park known as the ‘Fairy Park’ is one of the oldest parks in Pretoria offering a range of native plants and trees. The area offers a break from daily life where visitors can relax with their favorite books and have a picnic on the sprawling lawns whilst viewing the idyllic ponds. The perfect spot to unwind and bond with your family.
Address: Corner and, Wenning St & Broderick St, Groenkloof, Pretoria, 0027
Hennops Hiking trail, Mountain bike trail:
A family farm with beautiful nature aesthetics. The day spent at Hennops hiking trail is adventurous and relaxing. Visitors are engulfed in the beauty of nature and relaxing mountain views. After a good hike, spend the afternoon at the trail picnic spots where you and your family can use the facilities swimming pool and suspension bridge. A day filled with big fun.
ALSO SEE: Picnic spots along the Garden Route
Feature image: Pexels
