Our top ten sundowner spots
Cocktails anyone? African safari tradition dictates that the end of the day be celebrated with a traditional sundowner – and snacks, of course! – enjoyed as the last golden rays of the setting sun impart their hue to the surrounding wilderness. Whether accompanied by designer G&Ts, local brews/wines, or some ice-cold water for the somewhat sunburned, there is no doubt that Africa boasts some of the planet’s best places to watch the sun go down.
Below is a list of some of our favourite sundowner spots, and why (in no particular order). Find your inspiration here, and start dreaming about that epic African safari.
Want to experience sundowners on an authentic African safari? Browse our safari ideas here. Or, tell us about your dream trip, and our travel experts will plan your safari for you.
1. The Oloololo Escarpment, Maasai Mara, Kenya
The Oloololo Escarpment rises sharply 300 metres above the plains of Maasai Mara, affording visitors an extraordinary view of the serpentine path of the Mara River. If you are a fan of classic films, you might recognise this spectacular vantage as the one seen in the film Out of Africa. Recreate your own African romance and celebrate the spectacle that is the Great Migration. Take a moment to breathe, take a step back, and quite literally see the “big picture”.
2. Sossusvlei, Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia
The stark beauty of this salt and clay pan at the heart of the Namib-Naukluft National Park lies in the towering cerise dunes – some of the world’s largest. The rich, soft sand of Sossusvlei has drifted in over the centuries, and begins to glow as the sun sets while the barking geckos begin their evening chorus. It is time to settle back with a sundowner and watch the rise of arguably the best stargazing display in Africa.
3. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (or Zambia)
The world-famous Victoria Falls mark the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. As the mighty Zambezi tumbles down over 100 metres, it throws up a spray that can, on occasion, be seen for kilometres. At dusk, the descending peace allows you to consider what David Livingstone must have felt when he first laid eyes on the world’s largest waterfall.
4. Ngorongoro Crater, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
At the centre of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area lies the Ngorongoro Crater – the largest intact caldera in the world – surrounded by a rim that rises 2,300 metres above the grasslands below. Almost all Africa’s iconic animals, including the Big 5 and beyond, shelter in this geological cradle. Where better to appreciate the ancient geological forces that shaped East Africa than from the rim of a massive, extinct volcano? It’s a bit like stepping back in time to a lost world (but with readily available drinks).
5. Forest baïs, Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Congo-Brazzaville
Odzala-Kokoua National Park, rich in biodiversity, lies in the northern reaches of Congo-Brazzaville and protects an enormous expanse of pristine Central African rainforest. Its many streams tumble their way through the trees before draining into the swampy forest baïs. Nestled deep in these Congo rainforests, Odzala-Kokoua offers treetop hides where you can sip as forest elephants, buffaloes and other wildlife descend to drink at these mineral‑rich baïs at day’s end. Okay, so this is less about the sunset and more about the atmosphere befitting a life-changing sundowner. Alternatively, you can stay at the camp’s elevated deck, enjoying sundowners around a fire as evening sets in and the night noises of the rainforest envelop you.
6. Chobe River, Chobe National Park, Botswana
The Chobe River, the lifeblood of Chobe National Park, marks the border between Botswana and Namibia before its confluence with the Zambezi River to the east. A sundowner is, in theory, meant to be a relaxing experience, but the sense of anticipation as thirsty wildlife approaches the water’s edge in the day’s final moments adds another dimension to your sundowner. Watch from the comfort of many a lodge deck perched along the river, or head out on a river cruise as the last rays descend on the day.
7. Lake Malawi, Malawi
Lake Malawi (also known as Lake Nyasa) is an African Great Lake – the southernmost lake in the East African Rift System and the fifth-largest freshwater lake in the world. The shores are lined by unspoiled sandy beaches, and below the surface, over 1,000 different freshwater fish species dart between the rocks. Why Lake Malawi? Because beaches, sunsets and cocktails are a winning combination.
8. Lanner Gorge, Makuleke Contractual Park, Greater Kruger, South Africa
This magnificent viewpoint marks the border between the magical Makuleke Contractual Park and the Kruger National Park. Here, the Luvuvhu River has carved a winding path through the sandstone to create a breathtaking gorge that is over 150 metres deep at some points. The views from the lookout point provide the perfect spot to ponder what life must have been like for the people of Africa’s ancient civilisations 900 years ago.
9. Luangwa River, South Luangwa, Zambia
Life in the Luangwa Valley centres around the Luangwa River and the rich floodplains that spill over into the surrounding savannahs and woodlands. South Luangwa is the largest of the valley’s four national parks and is renowned for the enormous herds of elephants and buffaloes that congregate along the riverbanks. After an adrenaline-tinged day of walking in Big 5 country, soaking your feet in the cool waters of the Luangwa River is the perfect way to decompress.
10. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
The Serengeti’s vast, golden plains set the stage for some of Africa’s most unforgettable sundowners. Out on game drive, guides often find a quiet kopje or open stretch of savannah where you can watch the sun melt into the horizon, silhouetting giraffes or elephants in the amber light. Back at camp, the experience continues with drinks around a crackling fire, overlooking the wilderness as dusk gives way to starlight and the sounds of the nocturnal Serengeti awaken. Pure safari magic.
Final thoughts
Wherever you might find yourself in Africa, enjoying the beach, sitting with sleepy lions, or decompressing after a walking safari, stay there. Take a moment, look up and appreciate the unique display nature has prepared for you.
Further reading
- The ultimate guide to your African safari bucket list. Here are our choices of 15 top wildlife experiences on the continent
- Don’t miss our guide to the six best locally brewed beers from top-class breweries to enjoy on your African safari. Check it out here
- Between meals, cocktails, spa treatments and pool dips, when should you head into the wild? We recommend our favourite safari time
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