The good news? Spring's arrived, chasing away the winter chill. The weather's deliciously warm, flowers are popping up and cheery birdsong fills the air. The bad news? While you want to take advantage of the scene, you may also be penny-pinching for the holidays. Here's your solution: Take the family out for a picnic in Middelburg. The area has some fantastic spots that promise a day of adventure, relaxation and fun.
1. Botshabelo Nature Reserve
Take a drive 20 minutes outside Middelburg and you'll be well rewarded. The Botshabelo Nature Reserve has lovely spots for a tranquil lunch. There's nothing better than a delicious spread under the grassy, tree-lined banks of the Klein Olifants River.
A trip to the nearby mission is a must. The historic Botshabelo village and Fort Merensky provide a fascinating look into the pioneering days on the frontier. When you meet the residents, you'll also get to experience the beauty of the Ndebele culture.
2. Middelburg Dam
Who says dad has to give up his fishing trip? This delightful dam is a fine spot for recreational water sports. You can fish for smallmouth bass, carp and barbel. You can also get in some waterskiing. After you've worked up an appetite, you can roll out your blanket and spread out the dip. The area may not be the greenest but its sandy surroundings mean you'll have a bug-bite-free day. A huge plus if you're allergic to the outdoors.
3. Pienaars Leisure Resort
Pienaardam Leisure Resort lies 16 minutes away from Middelburg. This luxury destination is the perfect place for upscale picnicking. You can get comfortable near the sparkling waters of the Pienaardam or set up a braai stand for a proudly South African meal. The big selling point is the activities on offer. There are swimming pools, angling opportunities, game drives and a predator park. If you've under packed your basket, you can opt for a meal from the resort's restaurant.
4. Kees Taljaard
Here's your chance to rub shoulders with the rest of the community. Kees Taljaard's park is a weekend favourite for picnics and braais. You'll definitely want to carry your sunscreen. The area also has a pool, stadium arena and sports facilities. There's a space for running, badminton, squash, rugby, soccer, tennis and many other sporting codes. It's a good place to keep the kids entertained and active while you enjoy a quiet read.
5. Avontuur Lodge
Romantic picnic spots in Middelburg - are there any? Glad you asked because Avontuur Lodge ticks all the boxes. There are panoramic vistas, spectacular sunsets and two waterfalls. The area is rich in diverse fauna and flora. Imagine finishing those cucumber sandwiches while a family of impala passes by. What a sight! At night, you can admire the African sky by a roaring fire or take a long moonlight-drenched walk. Is it too early to plan your Valentine's Day? Never! Call and set up your reservation at Avontuur for your day out.
Plan your picnic
Your Middelburg escape starts with some thoughtful preparation. Be sure to pack:
- Enough food for everyone
- Wet wipes for spills and messes
- Cutlery to prepare and eat your food
- A cutting board for serving
- Refuse bags to keep your environment clean
- Sunscreen, hats and insect repellant
- Bottled water for drinking and to clean your hands
- Sauces, salt and pepper for seasoning
- A camera to capture the happy day out
Middelburg has a picnic spot to suit any mood, occasion and budget. It's a superb area for an outdoor feast. Grab every opportunity with Seeff Middelburg. We have a number of beautiful listings to help you move to the area.