Blanket Banquets: Shed the load with a picnic

There's nothing like a spot of afternoon load-shedding to send Johannesburgers scuttling across the city in search of faux nature.

Our range of picnicking options, in both urban and bucolic locales, offers an opportunity to experience the verdant joys of outdoor dining like battling armies of ants, lugging a kitchen around and drooling as the city is dappled in the peach glow of sunset.

These five picnic hot spots will make the swatting of flies worth it, and you'll forget all about Eskom's problems.

Common ground

The latest addition to Maboneng's avant-garde real estate portfolio, Common Ground gives you the impression you're in a glade hewn from stone, metal and glass.

In typical Maboneng fashion the venue announced its existence to the world by hosting The Seven Sounds music festival featuring the likes of Nakhane Toure, Matthew Mole, Guy Buttery and The Muffinz .

If your haircut makes you unsuitable for a job as an accountant, or if you studied philosophy at university, Common Ground will instantly appeal.

• The next event at Common Ground is on March 7. See facebook.com/TheMabonengPrecinct

Maboneng sky and night picnics

Why not ascend one of the tallest buildings on the continent, the Carlton Centre, and have a picnic on the top with a view that would turn a pigeon green with envy?

The Maboneng Picnics in the Sky are one of the most civilised ways to overcome vertigo while keeping an eye on your car.

There's also the added benefit of finally understanding what your parents' fuss over the Carlton Centre was about. Should heights be a hurdle, the precinct also holds monthly night picnics closer to ground at Arts on Main's Night Market.

• Picnics in the Sky happen every Sunday. The Night Picnics are held on the first Thursday of every month. Contact Bheki Dube on 072-880-9583 or see facebook.com/TheMabonengPrecinct

Constitution Hill

Previously a place where fun was actively discouraged, Constitution Hill has blossomed into a venue where entertainment flowers like fynbos.

Not only is it the seat of the highest court in the land, but it also regularly hosts parties and picnics.

On Saturday, The Styled Out Picnic #loveedition will be stopping by to bring music, food and fashion to the area for Valentine's Day. Constitution Hill boasts one of the most stirring views of Johannesburg at sunset.

The Styled Out Picnic begins at 1pm and tickets are R50. See facebook.com/mystyledoutpicnic

Monaghan farm

If the idea of being surrounded by skyscrapers doesn't appeal, then a trip to Monaghan is the antidote.

The idyllic estate is far enough away from the city to keep bad news at bay, but close enough to be reachable in 40 minutes.

The estate's restaurant, The Other Side, caters for those not keen on walking around with a pantry in hand.

• Contact 087-630-0742 or see monaghanfarm.co.za/restaurant. Booking is essential.

The Big Red Barn

Set in the rolling hills of Olifantsfontein, the Big Red Barn is a converted antique hay barn on the Sunlawns Estate.

It looks out over a vista of fields, grasslands and the Kaal River.

Bring your own picnic and enjoy the amazing Acrobranch course complete with high-speed zip line, or ride in the 27km of winding track through shady gumtrees and rocky African grasslands.

If you don't want to bring your own, the restaurant offersfarm-fresh fare.

• See thebigredbarn.co.za