Are you seeking adventure-filled picnic spots in nature for some relaxation? Look no further than the Garden Route! From the tranquil Wilderness to the charming Knysna, there are plenty of spots to explore and unwind with your loved ones. So grab your picnic baskets, fill them up with your favourite road snacks and treats, and explore these picturesque picnic spots along the Garden Route.
Picnic spots to visit along the Garden Route
Grootdraai Picnic Site
Embark on the scenic Kom-se-pad loop and make a stop at the Grootdraai picnic site, named after its big turn. Rest and recharge amidst the picturesque landscape.
Just out of the awesome holiday town of Knysna lies the Grootdraai Picnic Site. As its name implies, it is situated on the “big turn” of the Kom-se-Pad Loop, just outside the magnificent Gouna Forest. The picnic site is equipped with wooden tables and benches, barbecue facilities, fresh water, and rustic bush toilets.
Jubilee Creek Picnic Site
With numerous tables, braais, and lush grass, Jubilee Creek offers everything you need for a perfect picnic. There is a stream flowing through the area ideal for the youngsters to play in so take their swimwear along. There is also the Jubilee Creek walk to a waterfall and swimming hole, 3km return.
King Edward VII Picnic Site
Escape to the shade of one of the forest’s largest trees for a memorable picnic experience at King Edward VII. In the heart of the Outeniqua forests of the Garden Route lies the beautiful King Edward VII Picnic Site. This comprises a few picnic tables and benches with barbecue facilities, all nestled within the splendour of tall, lush trees and forest ferns.
Kranshoek Picnic Site
Pack your picnic basket, gather your family and friends, and head to Kranshoek for a day filled with fun and laughter. There are a number of wooden benches each with its own fireplace, ablution facilities, and running water. Take a blanket, ball, and the kids, and don’t forget your camera!
Krisjan-se-nek Picnic Site
Though smaller in size, Krisjan-se-nek is a hidden gem boasting breathtaking scenery. Take in the beauty of this lesser-known spot along the Garden Route. There is a huge lawn ideal for games so take a ball! There is also the Circles in the Forest hiking trail and the Homtini Mountain Bike Trail that start and end here.
Valley of Ferns Picnic Site
On your way to Uniondale, make a pit stop at the tranquil Valley of Ferns. Walk amidst the towering tree ferns and enjoy the serenity of this picturesque spot.
With its vast open grassy spaces, with trees creating shade, it is the perfect location for enjoying a picnic. There is a short 450m walk in the forest beneath the huge tree ferns and across little streams, on past mossy meadows, which can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Ysterhoutrug Picnic Site
Let the kids run free while you unwind on the grassy fields of Ysterhoutrug. It’s the perfect spot for a laid-back picnic with plenty of space to play. The Ysterhoutrug picnic site situated along the R339 is a beautiful site to spend the day in nature with the entire family. There are wooden benches and tables under the trees but also lots of grass on which to spread your picnic blanket.
The Woodville Big Tree in Knysna
Discover the majestic Woodville Big Tree, a breathtaking 800-year-old wonder surrounded by lush forests. Find a secluded picnic table nestled deep within the indigenous forest. Here, amidst the tranquil surroundings, you can immerse yourself in the symphony of chirping birds and the soothing whispers of nature.
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Feature image: Unsplash
