Picnic comes from the French word pique-nique derived from the word piquer which means to ‘pick at food’. It also involves small portions that can be eaten with your fingers while outdoors and socialising in a casual manner with friends and family. Here is a quick and easy picnic to prepare, with all the necessary extras that you may need.

Drinks

* Cooldrinks/juice

* Wine with a screw top

* Water

Food

* Different cheeses, for example Brie, Camembert, Mozzarella and strong cheddar

* Crackers

* Ham and mustard/egg and mayo sandwiches

* Cooked/crumbed chicken drumsticks and thighs

* Crisps

* Fruit/crudités with dips

* Cup cakes

Eating utensils/condiments

* Cooler bag/picnic basket

* Ice packs for cooler bag

* Paper or plastic plates, or both which you can use together

* Paper or plastic cups or wine glasses

* Knives, forks, spoons, cutting knife

* Small cutting board

* Paper napkins

* Salt and pepper

* Plastic bag for rubbish

* Damp cloth/wet wipes

* Dry cloth

Extras

* Picnic blanket

* Sun protection

* Umbrella (if it’s not too windy)

* Cushions/fold-up chairs

Great South African Picnic spots:

Cape Town

Beaches: Clifton, Camps Bay, Noordhoek, Hout Bay, Gordon’s Bay, Seapoint, Milnerton, Boulder’s Beach

Cape Point, Tokai Forest, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Table Mountain, Silvermine, Oudekraal, Lion’s Head, Signal Hill, Wynberg Park, Wine Farms in Stellenbosch, Constantia and Franschoek

Johannesburg

Sandton Field & Study Centre, Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Fountains Valley Nature Reserve, Walter Sisulu (Witwatersrand) National Botanical Garden, Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, Emmarentia Dam, Delta Park and Environmental centre

Kwa-zulu Natal

Beaches: Addington Beach, Alkanstrand in Richard’s Bay, Amanzimtoti Beach, Anerley Beach in the South Coast, Ansteys Beach in The Bluff, Baggies Beach in Warner Beach, Banana Beach in South Coast and many more…

Botanical Gardens, Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve, Paradise Valley Nature Reserve, Jamieson Park, New Germany Nature Reserve, Krantzkloof Nature Reserve, Nkutu Nature Reserve, Memorial Park, Springside Nature Reserve, Tala Game Reserve

Port Elizabeth

Beaches: Beachview, Bluewater Bay, Hobie Beach, Humewood Beach, King’s Beach, Sardinia Bay, Schoenmakerskop Beach, Van Stadens Beach, Wells Estate Beach

Addo Elephant Park, Bushbuck Hiking Trail, Happy Valley, Seaview Game & Lion Park, St George’s Park, Wells Estate