The 24th of September is a time for family, a time for fun and a time for celebration ─ It’s Heritage Day after all. For those of you, who aren’t familiar with the customs and practices that take place on this auspicious day, see our Heritage Day post that we did last year.
Now that we’re all caught up, let’s do a crash course on what to do on National Braai Day.
What to do on National Braai day if you have a family of four
The obvious answer, of course, is to braai. The venue however, is undetermined. Cape Town has many outdoor parks and open spaces to discover, so it is only a matter of choosing one that is suitable for you and your family. See our 9 suggested braai spots below :
1. Wynberg Park – Corner of Klaasens and Trovato Link Roads
2. Silvermine Nature Reserve – Table Mountain National Park
3. Miller’s Point – False Bay Coast
4. Newlands Forest
5. Tokai Forest
6. Oudekraal – Victoria Road, between Llandudno and Camps Bay
7. Maiden’s Cove – Victoria Road, Camps Bay
8. Devonvale Golf and Wine Estate – Stellenbosch
9. Paarl Mountains
If you’re looking to turn a chop in the Johannesburg area, these are the top 6 places you should consider:
1. Innesfree Park – Sandton
2. Brookwood Estate – Cradle Of Humankind
3. Gillooly’s – Bedfordview
4. Rietvlei Farm – Between Alberton and Mulbarton
5. Pines Resort – Krugersdorp
6. Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve – Kromdraai
What to do on National Heritage Day as a couple
Yup you guessed it, the answer is to braai (Spoiler alert, the answer is always braai). More than that, you can also enjoy a romantic time with your partner at the following spots around Cape Town:
1. Cake tasting at Charly’s Bakery
2. Old school movie viewing at the Labia Theatre
3. Bay Harbour Market Scouting
4. Cocktails at Cafe Caprice
5. Cycling at Sea Point
6. Hiking up Lions Head
7. Putt Putt at Sea Point
8. Picnic at the Company Gardens
9. Frolic in the Kirstenbosch Gardens and the Boomslang Aerial Walkway
Jozi love birds, we haven’t forgotten you! Here’s what you can look forward to, come Heritage Day:
1. Go to the Locrate Market in Soweto
2. Visit the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory
3. Grab a sundowner at the Living Room rooftop bar
4. Visit the James Hall Museum of Transport
5. Take a boat out on Zoo Lake to feed the ducks
6. Take in the view from the tallest skyscraper in Africa, the Carlton Centre
7. Indulge in nature’s goodness at the Neighbourgoods Market
Those who can’t braai, wander. If you aren’t in the mood to fire up a barbie this Heritage Day, there are other options open to you and the family or loved one. Why not try the following activities instead:
– Local market hopping
– Farm dwelling
– City exploring
– Gallery scouting
On a budget? We’ve got you covered! Here’s our top 5 list of things you can do ranking from free to R500:
1. Visit Zeitz Moccaa Museum (CPT) ─ FREE
Visit the Bryanston Organic Market (JHB) ─ FREE
2. Sight Eagles at Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens (JHB) ─ Adults R50, free for children under the age of 6, scholars R15, students (with valid student card) R30
Strawberry picking at Polkadraai Farm (CPT) ─ from R40 to R190
3. Immerse yourself in culture, art, music, film, crafts and cuisine at Afrofest (CPT) ─ Free
Catch the thought -provoking ‘Mama Goema’ production at the Bioscope Independent Cinema (JHB) ─ R60
4. Cycle & sightsee the Sea Point pavillion (CPT) ─ R70
Bungee Jumping at the Orlando Towers (JHB) ─ from R60
5. Enjoy the sunset over Table Mountain with stunning views of the Winelands at the Heritage Day FALKE Full Moon Hike (CPT) ─ R100 per adult
Get active and participate in the FNB Joburg 10k City Run (JHB) ─ R170 for standard entry.
6. Visit Africa’s largest Bird Park in Hout Bay (CPT) ─ Adults R120, Children R45.
Get an adrenaline rush at Jozi X Zorb ride (JHB) ─ R150 per person for one roll
7. See a live performance at Jazz in the Native Yards, Gugulethu (CPT) – R120
Celebrate natural hair at the Natural Hair Expo (JHB) ─ R150
8. Take up standing paddling board lessons with SUP Cape Town (CPT) ─ R220 p/h
Have a picnic in the sky with Mainstreet Walks (JHB) ─ R300.00 per person + additional R100.00 for each child between 5 & 12years
9. Learn the heritage of the San people at !Khwa ttu Dream Museum, the first heritage centre of the San (CPT) ─ R220
Travel back in time with the Magaliesburg Express train (JHB) ─ R300 for adults
10. Get a taste of Cape Malay culture and take a tour of Bo-Kaap (CPT) ─ R350
Have a picnic at the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & SPA (JHB) ─ R450
Whatever you decide to do this Heritage Day, make sure you’re honouring your origins in the best way possible ─ because that’s what makes us Proudly South African.
