Best picnic spots in South Africa to propose this Valentine's Day

If you are ready to propose to that special person in your life this Valentine’s Day, finding a breathtaking natural setting in South Africa can turn a simple question into a lifelong memory.

Our country is home to some of the most spectacular landscapes on earth, creating the ideal setting to pack a picnic basket with their favourite treats and slip away from the noise of the world.

From the lush subtropical greenery of KwaZulu-Natal to the iconic floral kingdoms of the Western Cape, these locations provide the romance and serenity required for such a momentous occasion.

Table Mountain National Park, Silvermine

Located on the Atlantic side of the Cape Peninsula, the Silvermine section of Table Mountain National Park offers a more rugged and intimate experience than the main tourist peaks. The area surrounding the reservoir is particularly enchanting, with wooden boardwalks and fynbos-scented air that creates a tranquil, high-altitude oasis. It is an ideal choice for a couple that enjoys the outdoors, providing a serene waterside backdrop that feels worlds away from the city below.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town

Kirstenbosch is a world-renowned sanctuary nestled at the foot of Table Mountain, offering a blend of manicured lawns and wild indigenous fynbos. It is a perfect proposal spot because of its sheer scale and variety; you can choose a hidden nook under an ancient yellowwood tree or opt for the dramatic heights of the “Boomslang” Canopy Walkway. The garden feels like a natural cathedral, providing a sense of timelessness that complements the weight of a lifelong commitment.

Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, Roodepoort

This Gauteng treasure is famous for the magnificent Witpoortjie Waterfall, which serves as a powerful and romantic centrepiece for any outing. Proposing here is special because of the dramatic red cliffs and the chance to spot the famous Verreaux’s Eagles nesting above the falls. Setting up your picnic on the lush lawns with the sound of cascading water in the background adds a natural soundtrack to your proposal that is both soothing and grand.

Emmarentia Dam, Johannesburg

Emmarentia Dam and the surrounding Johannesburg Botanical Gardens offer a peaceful escape in the heart of the city, characterised by sprawling green spaces and beautiful rose gardens. The dam itself provides a shimmering backdrop, especially during the late afternoon when the light softens across the water. It is the perfect spot for a relaxed, sentimental proposal where you can watch the ducks and kayakers pass by while enjoying a quiet moment on a picnic blanket under a willow tree.

Durban Botanical Gardens, Durban

As Africa’s oldest surviving botanical garden, this Durban landmark is steeped in history and tropical elegance. The towering trees and exotic orchid house provide a lush, emerald-green setting that feels incredibly private despite its central location. It is perfect for a proposal because of its classic romantic charm; find a spot near the lily pond or under the canopy of a majestic Banyan tree to ask that life-changing question in the warmth of the KwaZulu-Natal sun.

Paradise Valley Nature Reserve, Pinetown

Paradise Valley is a hidden gem that features one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Durban area, tucked away within a coastal forest. The hiking trails lead you through thick greenery to the Umbilo River, where the seclusion makes it feel as though you have the entire world to yourselves. This reserve is perfect for a nature-loving couple who wants a proposal that feels like a private discovery, surrounded by the sounds of the forest and the gentle rush of the river.