The temperatures are dropping, and the crisp air has set in, and you know what that means — time for a picnic. Whether it’s a casual gathering with friends or a peaceful solo retreat, this guide will help you plan the ultimate picnic, from choosing the perfect spot to packing the essentials.

CHOOSING THE PERFECT PICNIC SPOT: Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly park, a scenic location near your home, or a place to be surrounded by nature, here are some of the best spots in Cairo you might want to consider.

#1- AL AZHAR PARK: This park has gardens, fountains, and breathtaking views of Cairo’s skyline. It’s an ideal spot to set up a gathering with friends and family, unwind, and share a relaxing meal. Al Azhar Park is located in El Darb El Ahmar.

#2- ZED PARK: This modernized park has tons of places where you can set up your picnic. It has a blend of nature and modern amenities for all ages that you can make use of during your picnic. There are also some food vendors available on-site if you don’t feel like packing your own picnic basket — but that’s cheating. ZED Park is located in Sheikh Zayed.

#3- AQUARIUM GROTTO GARDEN PARK: This is a not so hidden gem in Cairo and a great spot for a family picnic. Nestled on an island by the Nile, this historic park offers a tranquil retreat. Kids can enjoy the playground, or take a leisurely walk by the pond. The Aquarium Grotto is located in Zamalek, and requires an entrance fee of EGP 20.

#4- WADI DEGLA PROTECTORATE: Hankering for a taste of the desert (or a place to grill without setting anything on fire)? Wadi Degla’s expansive valley — home to a number of desert animals and remarkable plant life — is perfect if you want to get away from the noise of the city, go for a hike, and have a much-deserved picnic afterwards. Wadi Degla is located in Tura, and requires an entrance fee.

WHAT TO EAT: Because it’s not a picnic without the food.

#1- FRESH FRUITS: Fresh-cut fruits are a great addition to any picnic. It’s a refreshing and healthy choice — and you can buy them precut to save yourself the effort. There’s an array of options to choose from, and they’re a great mess-free addition to your picnic basket.

WHERE TO BUY- You can find precut fruit at Seoudi, Fresh Food Market, and Gourmet.

#2- DRINKS: A variety of drinks can elevate your picnic experience and keep everyone refreshed. Pack a mix of options like sodas, juices, sparkling water, from your local grocery story, and maybe even a thermos of coffee or hot chocolate for when it cools down. Don’t forget to bring cups — which you can find on Amazon or Rabbit, and at Gourmet — and a cooler — found on Amazon, Gourmet, or Polarbox — to keep everything at the perfect temperature.

#3- CHARCEUTERIE BOARDS: Charcuterie boards make for a great group snacking session. Packed with a variety of meats, cheeses, crackers, and fresh accompaniments like olives and grapes, they’re suitable for all preferences and great for sharing. They’ll also look great on your picnic (and Instragram) layout.

WHERE TO BUY- You can assemble your own charcuterie board from store-bought products, but if you’d like to save yourself the effort, they’re readily available on Gourmet and Goodsmart, or you can order one from On Board Eats and The Grate Board. Some options need time to prepare, so plan ahead.

#4- PASTRIES: Think buttery croissants, fluffy donuts, or even the perfect finger food: mini sandwiches. They’re easy to pack, mess-free, and great for a casual snack or dessert. Bring some coffee or tea along too for a cozy treat.

WHERE TO BUY- You can find some options at TBS, Ratios, or Paul.

WHAT TO BRING: Preparing for a picnic is half the fun, and thorough preparation ensures you’ll have everything you need for the perfect day in the great outdoors.

#1- PICNIC BASKET: What’s a picnic without a picnic basket? You’ll need somewhere to carry all the goodies you’ve brought along, and it wouldn’t hurt to have a woven basket to feed into the rustic aesthetic and make your picnic even more visually appealing. You may also want to bring some food containers for easy storage, to make sure everything is tight-sealed and prevent any spillage.

WHERE TO BUY- You can find picnic baskets on Amazon or Jumia.

#2- PICNIC BLANKET: For the purpose of both functionality and aesthetic, you might want to bring a blanket to sit down on. This will keep you from placing your food (or behind) directly on the grass or sand, and will also add some more visual appeal to your picnic.

WHERE TO BUY- You can find classic checkered ones on Jumia or Amazon. If you’re practicing extreme minimalism or the no-buy pledge — or don’t see the need to shell out for a picnic blanket — any blanket or bed sheet will do.

#3- GRILL/PORTABLE STOVE: You may want to take your picnic a step further and turn it into a barbeque. In this case, you’ll need to bring a grill or a little picnic stove to cook your meal on.

WHERE TO BUY- You can find some lightweight grills on Amazon, Gourmet, Gazebo, Homzmart, and BBQ House.

#4- GAMES- Now that you’ve lounged and eaten, it’s time to have some fun. Bring along some card and board games to connect with your loved ones and amp up the bonding time.

WHERE TO BUY- You can find games on Amazon, 2oolameme, and Noon.

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