“We have 11 official languages, and we all know the word braai. It has this power to bring people together.”
~ Tiaan van der Spuy
Heritage Day is the celebration of our roots, where we come from and who we are at our core. The one South African element that we all share is the love of a great braai. Hot sizzling meat on the coals and great conversation while the kids run and play.
We explored the best places in our 9 provinces for you to celebrate your Heritage Day. Make sure to take photos and tag us on Instagram, #Debt_Rescue. If you have found even better spots in your area, please mention them in the comments below.
Gauteng
Top Pick: Rietvlei Zoo Farm
Entrance Fee: Find the pricelist here.
Source: Rietvlei Zoo Farm
Highlights: Located in the south of Johannesburg, Rietvlei caters for the whole family with loads of outdoor activities for the kids, braai areas, lapas and lots of excitement. Rietvlei Zoo Farm does get busy so make sure to get there early.
Western Cape
Top Pick: Tokai Picnic and Braai Area
Entrance Fee: Visit SANParks website here for updated tarrifs
Source: Cape Point Route
Highlights: Fresh air, majestically tall trees and designated braai areas with enough space for the children to play. The Tokai Picnic and Braai Area also has surrounding hiking trails. While the braai areas have enough room between them to feel secluded from other ‘braaiers’ it is important to go to Tokai in a large group. Always lock the cars and keep a litter bag on hand to take with when you leave.
Eastern Cape
Top Pick: Sunday’s River Pearson Park Resort
Entrance Fee: Find their pricelist here.
Source: Pearson Park Resort
Highlights: Situated on the banks of the beautiful Sunday River, 40km outside of Port Elizabeth, Pearson Park boasts a breath-taking scenery and a range of activities such as walking trails, boating, canoeing and bird watching. With various braai spots available, this is the top area for the Eastern Cape.
Free State
Top Pick: Sterkfontein Dam Nature Reserve
Entrance Fee: Contact (058) 622 3520 to book or for price per vehicle updates.
Source: TripAdvisor
Highlights: Close to Harrismith, and surrounded by picturesque mountains of the Drakensberg escarpment, the Sterkfontein Dam Nature Reserve is home to 230 recorded species of bird as well as a large selection of wildlife. The area is also a well-loved fishing area. The dam is the greatest attraction with its bright blue water. Around the dam are lapas designated for braai’s and picnics. The weather in this area can change in moment’s notice, so be prepared with warm clothing.
Kwazulu-Natal
Top Pick: Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve
Entrance Fee: 072 139 5862
Source: The Saunter
Highlights: From monkeys to mongoose, the Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve is over 253 acres of spectacular scenery and wildlife. The designated braai areas are clean, and the area is generally safe. There are a mixed selection of hiking trails including one which is wheelchair friendly. Do note that the Reserve opens from 6am – 6pm.
Limpopo
Top Pick: Debengeni Waterfall
Entrance Fee: Contact (013) 754 2724
Source: TripAdvisor
Highlights: A well-loved area for its remarkable beauty and great photogenic spots, the Debengeni Waterfall is a wonderful idea to celebrate Heritage Day. The braai spots are clean and there is enough room for the kids to play. Just please keep in mind the rocks are slippery, there are no lifeguards on duty and an eye should be kept on the little ones at all times. The area closes at 5pm.
Mpumalanga
Top Pick: Lone Creek Falls
Entrance Fee: Visit the website here.
Source: Inspirock
Highlights: The waterfall has been declared a national monument and is definitely a sight to tick off your bucket list if you are in the area this Heritage Day. There are braai stands available and picnic spots next to the river and parking lot. The beautiful scenery alone will make this an unforgettable experience.
Northern Cape
Top Pick: Goegap Nature Reserve
Entrance Fee: Contact (027) 718 9906
Source: Mapio.net
Highlights: Only 8km from Springbok, the Goegap Nature Reserve sports 94 bird species, 45 mammal species and over 600 plant species. A spectacular area with ablution facilities and designated braai areas. There are also caravan areas if you have one. The reserve does not have electricity at all. Just make sure you are well prepared and your chargers are in the car.
North West
Top Pick: Pilanesberg National Park
Entrance Fee: Visit the website here.
Source: EasyVoyage UK
Highlights: Only 2 hours from Johannesburg, there is no better place to spend Heritage Day than in the crater of an extinct volcano? There are five places across the park with shaded braai facilities, toilets and the braai areas are well fenced. Activities from hot air balloon rides to game drives to see the big five and so much more… that’s if you want more than just a braai.
No matter where you find yourself this Heritage Day, remember to hold up your glass to being South African and celebrate the magnificence of our beautiful country and the big steps that we have taken to be where we are as a people.
Just as a precautionary step, remember to make sure that you are in a group of people when going to braai/picnic spots. Safety should be your first priority.
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