Mooikloof may not have many public picnic grounds of its own, but residents do not have to travel far for lawns, shady trees, braai facilities, and a proper afternoon outdoors. From a relaxed picnic beside a dam to a fully catered forest setup, these five picnic spots are all within roughly half an hour of Mooikloof.
Hedianga Farm
Around 8.5 kilometres from Mooikloof Village, Hedianga Farm is one of the closest options. Its position on the Bronberg ridge gives picnickers broad views across Pretoria, while rocky trails add enough activity to work up an appetite first.
The farm offers hiking, mountain biking, dog walking during designated times, and scenic picnic areas. Three hiking routes cater to different ability levels, while the eight-kilometre mountain-bike trail is better suited to riders comfortable with rocky terrain. Access permits are managed through TrailParks, so purchase yours and check the current rules before arriving.
Distance from Mooikloof Village: Approximately 8.5 kilometres or 16 minutes
Best for: Hikers, active families, dog owners, and picnics with a view
Druiweplaas Piekniek Area
Druiweplaas in Zwavelpoort offers the kind of uncomplicated picnic day that requires little more than food, chairs, and braai supplies. Almost two hectares of lawn stretch beneath willow trees beside the dam, leaving plenty of space for cricket, Frisbee, and family games.
Visitors may braai and try catch-and-release fishing, while tennis and squash are available at an additional charge. General picnic admission is R70 for visitors aged 12 and older, R40 for children aged 5–11, and free for younger children. The swimming pool belongs to the separately booked function area and is not included with ordinary picnic admission.
Private functions sometimes affect access, so call ahead before leaving home. Follow the venue’s directions rather than approaching from Lynnwood Road, where the website warns that a bridge remains unavailable.
Distance from Mooikloof Village: Approximately 11.8 kilometres or 19 minutes
Best for: Braais, fishing, outdoor games, and relaxed family gatherings
Rietvlei Nature Reserve
Rietvlei Nature Reserve turns a picnic into a full wildlife outing. Start with a self-drive through the reserve, watch for rhino, buffalo, cheetah, zebra, and antelope, and then stop for lunch at the designated Marais Dam picnic area.
Braai facilities are available at the picnic site, but visitors must supply their own food and equipment. Alcohol, loud music, functions, large groups, and pets are prohibited. Outside designated areas, visitors must remain inside their vehicles while viewing wildlife.
Current day admission is R82 for adults, R48 for pensioners, children aged 7–17, and visitors with disabilities, and R17 for children aged 2–6. Infants enter free. The reserve accepts card payments only, and normal day visits do not require advance booking.
Distance from Mooikloof Village: Approximately 13.5 kilometres or 22 minutes
Best for: Wildlife sightings, birdwatching, braais, and full-day family outings
Cedar Junction Family Resort
A picnic at Cedar Junction Family Resort comes with considerably more action than a blanket beneath a tree. The Zwavelpoort resort covers approximately 8.5 hectares beside a lake and combines picnic lawns with swimming pools, water slides, playgrounds, amusement rides, and a miniature train.
Visitors may bring picnic baskets and cooler boxes. Braais are permitted, but only charcoal may be used. Lapas with seating and braai facilities can be hired for an additional R300–R800.
Admission for the September 2026 to April 2027 season is listed as R150 per adult and R130 per child aged 2–12. Advance booking is essential for all visits, including ordinary day entry. Pets are not allowed, and children must remain under adult supervision.
Distance from Mooikloof Village: Approximately 19.2 kilometres or 25 minutes
Best for: Families with children, summer outings, swimming, and birthday groups
God’s Gift Events and The Picnic Spot ZA
God’s Gift Events is for days when lugging chairs, blankets, food, and décor feels like too much work. Set beneath bluegum trees on a Zwavelpoort farm, its catered picnic experiences are prepared before guests arrive.
This is not a bring-your-own picnic ground. Packages include options such as the Picnic in the Forest, romantic picnics, tasting picnics, tea for two, and styled group gatherings. Current prices start from R595 for tea for two and R995 for a four-hour forest picnic, with more elaborate packages costing more.
Every visit must be booked in advance, and self-catering is not permitted. It costs more than the other entries, but the food, setup, and forest setting make it particularly well suited to dates, proposals, birthdays, and small celebrations.
Distance from Mooikloof Village: Approximately 19.8 kilometres or 27 minutes
Best for: Date picnics, proposals, celebrations, and catered experiences
Plan Before You Pack
Each venue works differently. Hedianga requires a trail permit, Druiweplaas recommends calling ahead, Cedar Junction requires a booking, and God’s Gift only offers pre-arranged experiences. Rietvlei accepts ordinary day visitors, but its nature-reserve rules must be followed closely.
For the widest choice, Druiweplaas is the easy-going bring-your-own option, Rietvlei adds wildlife, Hedianga combines lunch with a trail, Cedar Junction keeps children busy, and God’s Gift handles the entire setup for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest picnic spots to Mooikloof?
Hedianga Farm is approximately 8.5 kilometres from Mooikloof Village, followed by Druiweplaas Piekniek Area at roughly 11.8 kilometres. Both are generally less than 20 minutes away, depending on traffic.
Which picnic spots near Mooikloof allow braais?
Druiweplaas and the Marais Dam picnic area at Rietvlei Nature Reserve have braai facilities. Cedar Junction also allows braais, but only charcoal may be used. Confirm current rules before visiting.
Which picnic spot is best for children?
Cedar Junction Family Resort offers the most children’s entertainment, including swimming pools, water slides, playgrounds, rides, and a miniature train. Advance booking and adult supervision are required.
Are any of these picnic spots pet-friendly?
Hedianga Farm permits dog walking during designated times and in specified areas. Pets are not allowed at Rietvlei Nature Reserve or Cedar Junction. Check Hedianga’s current rules before bringing a dog.
Do these picnic spots require bookings?
God’s Gift Events and Cedar Junction require advance bookings. Hedianga requires a trail-access permit, while visitors should call Druiweplaas to confirm availability. Ordinary day visits to Rietvlei generally do not require booking.