For days you don’t want to sit still but still want to stay cosy.

While summer picnics are all about cool drinks and fresh fruit, a winter picnic calls for something different; warmth, comfort, and a touch of indulgence. Think steaming flasks, hearty bites, and foods that hold up well in the chilly air. Whether you’re adventuring with the kids or sneaking away for a romantic bushveld break, here are some cosy ideas to inspire your winter picnic at Sudwala.

Thermos Heroes: What to Sip and Slurp

A good thermos is your best friend on a winter picnic. It turns a cold bench into a café table and a riverside stop into a moment of luxury.

• Spiced Hot Chocolate
  Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne to your cocoa for a comforting kick. For something more grown-up, a splash of Amarula makes it extra indulgent.
  
• Rooibos Chai Tea
  Naturally caffeine-free and deeply warming. Brew it with cloves, cinnamon sticks, and a slice of ginger for a bush-spiced twist.
  
• Soup in a Flask
  Butternut, tomato & lentil, or creamy mushroom — pour into cups and sip between bites. Pack a few warm rolls to dip.

Easy Warm Snacks for a Portable Feast

These picnic foods are perfect for keeping warm in foil or a thermal bag, and are easy to eat with fingers or on laps.

• Mini Sausage Rolls
  Bake ahead and wrap in foil. They’re flaky, savoury, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
  
• Braaibroodjie Wraps
  Toasted sandwiches in a tortilla! Fill with cheese, tomato, onion and even chutney. Wrap in foil and keep warm until picnic time.
  
• Vetkoek with Savoury Mince
  Make small versions and fill them just before you head out. These little golden pillows are perfect cold or warm.
  
• Chicken Drumsticks (Spicy or Sticky)Easy to make ahead and just as good at room temperature. Wrap in wax paper to avoid sticky fingers.

Warm-ish Sides & Sweet Touches

• Mini Quiches or Frittata Muffins
  Make them in a muffin tray — they’re neat, protein-packed, and stay nice and warm if wrapped well.
  
• Chocolate-Stuffed Roosterkoek
  A sweet treat that doubles as dessert. Grill them at the braai or in your lodge kitchen and wrap for the road.

Keep it Cosy: Final Tips for a Winter Picnic

• Layer up: The sun might shine but the breeze can bite. Pack scarves, beanies, and blankets.
• Pack hot water bottles: Seriously — it’s a game-changer for winter sitting.
• Don’t forget the flask cups and napkins: Cold fingers appreciate easy sips and minimal fuss.
• Choose your spot wisely: Find a sunny nook, sheltered from the wind, with a view you’ll remember.

Winter at Sudwala is a season of stillness and beauty — perfect for slow living and simple pleasures. With the right snacks and a warm flask in hand, your winter picnic can be just as joyful as any summer spread.

So fill that basket, bundle up, and head outdoors. The bush is calling, and it’s never looked more inviting.