Some of the most popular braai spots in Gauteng, and the ideal destinations for Heritage Day, also known as National Braai Day. Heritage Day is celebrated this year on Saturday, 24 September 2016. Gather your family and friends, and enjoy an outdoor experience at one of these beautiful picnic and braai spots in Gauteng. Popular Braai Spots Gauteng. For advice and information on how to have a successful braai experience, go to www.braai.com, visit Jan Braai’s Facebook Page or follow Jan on Twitter. (Jan is the man behind National Braai Day).
Heritage Day – South Africa
Heritage Day, also known as “Braai Day” in South Africa, is a national holiday celebrated on September 24th each year. It is a day when South Africans celebrate their diverse cultural heritage and traditions. The holiday encourages people to embrace and showcase their cultural identity, heritage, and traditions, whether it be through clothing, food, music, dance, or other cultural expressions. One of the most prominent aspects of Heritage Day in South Africa is the tradition of braai, which is a barbecue or grill. On this day, many South Africans gather with family and friends to enjoy outdoor barbecues, sharing a variety of foods and flavors that reflect the country’s rich cultural diversity. Heritage Day is a symbol of unity in diversity, promoting understanding and appreciation of the various cultural groups that make up the nation. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating South Africa’s unique cultural heritage and promoting social cohesion in the country.
Brookwood Estate Trout Farm, Kromdraai, Krugersdorp:
Set in the Cradle of Humankind, an hour away from Johannesburg and Pretoria. A fishing paradise that’s an ideal spot for a family outing. The shady braai/picnic area has beautiful views of the Blaaubank Spruit river, safe swimming in summer for children and plenty of braai areas and tables. Open: weekdays from 07:30 – 18:00, weekends from 06:00 – 18:00. Open on public holidays excluding Christmas. No pets allowed.
Entrance: R70 per adult, R50 per child (under 12). Where: Portion 30, Farm Rietfrontein, Krugersdorp, West Rand
Tel: +27 (0)11 957 0126
Email: info@brookwoodtroutfarm.co.za
Website: www.brookwoodtroutfarm.co.za/
Dorothy Nyembe Park, Soweto:
A 26 hectares haven with sparkling dams fed by a natural wetland, ideal for sports and nature lovers. There are walking trails, volleyball, netball and basketball courts. There are also morabaraba and chess areas, a children’s playground, and ample areas to braai at. Open: daily from sunrise to sunset. Entrance: Free. Where: Corner of Mashinini and Mofolo Street, Soweto (getting there – Off Roodeport Road onto Main Road directly into park for parking).
Tel: +27 (0)11 938 7600
Website: www.jhbcityparks.com/index.php/list-of-parks-mainmenu-39/37-dorothy-nyembe
Footloose Trout Farm, Midrand:
Natural choice for an outing with your friends and family with green grass, fresh air, swimming pool, playground equipment and plenty of braai facilities. The venue is able to host private events and conferences. 10Km from Montecasino in Fourways. Open: Tuesday – Friday from 7.30am to 5pm; weekends/public holidays from 7.30am to 6pm. Closed on Mondays (except on public holidays). Entrance: R65 per adult, R50 per child. Rod hire and bait available.
Where: Plot 101, William Nicol Drive, Deepsluit, Midrand
Tel: +27 (0)11 464 5264
Website: www.gauteng.net/attractions/footloose_trout_farm
Fountains Valley Resort, Pretoria:
Set within the Groenkloof Nature Reserve beside the Apies River. A firm favourite with weekenders, with a caravan park, swimming pool, playground, lapa and braai areas. This, combined with the adjoining Groenkloof Nature Reserve, form the oldest nature reserve in Africa. Open: Daily, Monday to Sunday from 8am to 7pm. Entrance: R30 per adult, R11 per child (under age 6), R18 per child (aged 7 – 12) Where: Fountains Road off of Christina De Wit Ave, Groenkloof
Tel: +27 (0)12 440 2121
Email: dirkm@tshwane.gov.za
Website: www.gauteng.net/attractions/fountains_valley_resort/
Golden Harvest Park, Randburg:
A pristine 55ha park with picturesque views and a charming ambience. Frequented by dog walkers and families who traverse the indigenous bushveld, you can also visit the remains of an ancient iron smelting bloomer, and furnace, on the top of the little koppie. The park is completely fenced with a guard at the gate. There is an entrance fee. Getting there off Malibongwe Drive to Olievenhout Avenue, Maple Road to the entrance. Open: Daily. Entrance: Fee Payable
Where: First Avenue, Northgate
Tel: +27 (0)11 712 6600
Website: www.jhbcityparks.com/index.php/list-of-parks-mainmenu-39/39-golden-harvest
Rietvlei Lifestyle Centre, Alberton:
Rietvlei Zoo Farm, with putt-putt, picnics, farm animals, a steam train, pony and tractor rides, as well as bicycle and walking trails. Picnic / braai area set in a tranquil area of the farm, surrounding natural wetlands, with wide open spaces and grass areas lined with beautiful old oak trees. Bring your own portable braai or hire a drum from the office. Picnic Area Opens: at 09h00 and closes at 17h00. Entrance Gate to Picnic Area will close at 17h00. Entrance: R30 per adult, R20 per child (2 – 12 years), R40 per car (free parking available outside picnic area) Where: 101 Swartkoppies Road, Johannesburg South
Tel: +27 (0)11 024 1512/4
Email: info@rietvleifarm.co.za
Website: www.rietvleilifestylecentre.co.za
Rooihuiskraal Historical Terrain and Animal Farm, Centurion:
A national monument with a farmstead that dates to 1880, an animal farm for the children to visit, a restaurant, playground, and two barns, is a national monument that makes for a convenient family outing. There are a variety of braai facilities available to the public, while lapas are available for private function rental. Open: Daily, 08:00 to 17:00. Entrance: R30 per adult, R18 per child age 7 – 12, R11 per child under 6, R19 per pensioner (60 and older)
Where: Rooihuiskraal Road, Rooihuiskraal, Centurion, Pretoria
Tel: +27 (0)12 661 4284
Website: www.tshwane.gov.za/sites/tourism/Resorts/Pages/Rooihuiskraal-Historical-Terrain-and-Animal-Farm.aspx
