It might be winter in the Southern Hemisphere, but nature lovers know that the sun is always shining somewhere.
If you’re keen to sit back, relax and enjoy an informal meal in the great outdoors we’ve got some of the best picnic spots from around the world.
The Arderne Gardens
Cape Town, South Africa
The Arderne Gardens boast one of the finest collections of exotic trees in South Africa. Set on 5 hectares of land containing more than 400 trees this cultural and historical landmark is one of the best places to kick back and escape the hustle and bustle of the City with a picnic.
Photo: Christopher Murphy
From the shady glade to the romantic nooks and Japanese-style pond the Ardene Gardens have something for everyone in search of a little downtime in nature.
Entrance to the park is free however visitors to the park are encouraged to make a small donation to the Friends of the Arderne Gardens organisation which is dedicated to improving the maintenance of the Gardens.
Getting There: SAA flies directly to Cape Town.
Sheep Meadow
New York, USA
If you’re looking for a quiet picnic spot in New York City then Sheep Meadow is where you want to be.
The fifteen-acre meadow is Central Park’s largest lawn without ballfields and has been designated a quiet zone to preserve the space for picnicking and relaxation.
Located near the South end of Central Park Sheep Meadow got its name from the ever-present flock of pedigree sheep that grazed the meadow in the early twentieth century. Today the meadow is now a sunning and lounging locale with super city views.
Getting There: SAA flies directly to New York.
Hirschgarten
Munich , Germany
Hirschgarten is a popular day trip for Munichers and another one of those perfect places for a picnic and some time out from big city living.
The park, which is set on 40-hectares of land, is home to 150-year-old trees and huge meadows and is a great place to go for a family picnic thanks to the beautifully designed playgrounds and the deer enclosure.
Football is also popular in the park and you can pick up treats and small snacks for your picnic from the beer garden, or from supermarkets along the route.
Getting There: SAA flies directly to Munich.
Tai Tam Country Park
Hong Kong
Located in the eastern part of Hong Kong, Tai Tam is a large park with a series of scenic mountain overlooks and hiking trails.
The park is a favourite for family picnics and barbecues thanks to the breath taking views and kiddies play areas.
The park, which is situated right in the middle of Hong Kong, is not only home to many trees, flowers and animals but four water reservoir’s that used to be Hong Kong’s main water storage facilities in the early 1900s.
Getting There: SAA flies directly to Hong Kong
Karura Forest
Nairobi, Kenya
At 1 041hectares the Karura Forest is one of the largest urban gazetted forests in the world. The forest is the perfect place for an adventurers picnic because it boasts a range of activities and attractions that you won’t want to miss if you are in the area.
Nearly all the 605 species of wildlife found in Nairobi are represented in the forest and you can catch up with them on the marked walking trails. From the scenic waterfalls to the Mau Mau caves, the Karura Forest is a nature lovers dream and the perfect place for your next picnic in Africa.
Getting There: SAA flies directly to Nairobi
