When it comes to the best places to see a sunset, Africa tops the list. Our signature sunsets consistently amaze our guests visiting Africa. The combination of colours, backdrops, silhouettes and scenic skies that seem to be on fire is quite literally breathtaking. There's no better way to end a day! With that in mind, here are seven of the best places to see a sunset in Africa.
1. Chobe River, Botswana
Sunset in Chobe National Park, Botswana, Image Credit: Linyanti Bush Camp
Sunsets over the water are always special. Seeing the warm orange glow reflected on a shimmery surface almost feels like you're getting a double dose of an African dream. Mix in an array of wildlife mere metres away, and you've got a small taste of what it's like to watch a sunset on the Chobe River.
Drifting past peaceful pods of hippos and admiring elephants at the water's edge is just the start of what you can expect. However, it does come with a warning… Once you've spent an evening watching one here, your list of best places to see a sunset will never be the same again!
There are few better ways to enjoy an African sunset than on an evening boat cruise on the Chobe River, Image Credit: Brad Mitchell
A sunset cruise on the Chobe River is an absolute must for any guest visiting this region. Plus, you can take in the African wild from the comfort of a broad spectrum of boating options. From triple-decker floating lounges equipped with bars and 360-degree viewing decks to small, nimble aluminium game viewing crafts, you can get up close to local wildlife and everything in between.
2. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town bathed in glorious evening light
Sunset takes centre stage, even in a place so surrounded by spectacular natural beauty like Cape Town. Dramatic mountain ranges, sandy beaches and the sun slipping behind the sea's surface all set the scene for day turning into night in Cape Town. And as any true Capetonian will tell you, their city is one of the best places to see a sunset in the world.
Taking in the view from Lion's Head in Cape Town is one of the best ways to appreciate the natural beauty of the city
Choosing where to enjoy the sunset in the Mother City can be tricky as there are so many excellent vantage points.
Feel the sand between your toes as you watch the sun go down in the summer paradise that's Clifton Third Beach. Or, get a front-row seat at the Sea Point Promenade, where the last of the sun's rays and fresh salty sea spray kiss your skin.
For those who are a little more adventurous, soaking in the dramatic setting from a perch above the city on the slopes of Lion's Head is a must. Wherever you choose to enjoy it, sunset in Cape Town is something extraordinary.
3. Seychelles, Indian Ocean Islands
Spectacular sunsets are a given in the Seychelles
What would a list of African sunsets be without a tropical island paradise? When it comes to sensational sunsets, Seychelles certainly delivers. Swaying palm trees, infinity pools and sun loungers, sparkling seas, and pristine beaches make this a postcard-perfect setting.
4. Mana Pools, Zimbabwe
Magic is in the air at Mana Pools, and even the elephants seem to defy logic
Few places on Earth have a raw sense of magic as Mana Pools does. The way that golden light and dusty scenes combine below the canopies of trees creates a grand atmosphere, something that's almost felt more than it's seen.
Bathed in an orange glow, Mana Pools shows off to end the day. Photo Credit: Rhino Africa
Deep oranges and golden tinges hang in the air and dance along the treetops, making this a sunset experience you'll never forget. Ending your day under the trees at Mana Pools feels like a journey into the wild heart of Africa.
5. Sabi Sand in Kruger National Park, South Africa
Romance blooms in Sabi Sand during sunset
Most people know Sabi Sand as a wildlife paradise teeming with fascinating animals that thrill guests. However, that's not all it has to offer.
Any guest who has visited a lodge in the Sabi Sand will know of a special sundowner tradition that's part and parcel of the safari experience here. Even the excitement of an afternoon game drive is put on hold, with a drinks stop being a customary salute to the sun as it sets.
A typical day in the Sabi Sand ends by enjoying a drink with a spectacular sunset, Image Credit: Silvan Safari
It creates a moment of spectacular peace and calm, an island among the emotions and energy of the day where one can simply be. Watching the palette of colours painted across the African sky is the ultimate way to take stock of a special time in the African bush, making this one of the best places to see a sunset!
6. Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana
Sunset at Nata Bird Sanctuary in the Makgadikgadi Pans, Image Credit: Brad Mitchell
The stark expanse of the Makgadikgadi Pans seems almost alien-like as it stretches out into the distance. Signs of life feel few and far between but finding them creates its own kind of spectacle.
Depending on the season, the pans can vary from a dusty, dry desert to a floodplain teeming with flocks of flamingos, making every sunset distinctly unique.
Baobab trees at Khubu Island in the Makgadikgadi Pans
Depending on just how adventurous you'd like to get, there's a wealth of otherworldly sunset scenes to see in the Makgadikgadi Pans. For the intrepid explorer, the bizarre baobab-littered rocky outcrop "islands" that stand out on the salt flats are among the most desirable sites to enjoy this remarkable wilderness.
Nata Bird Sanctuary also offers opportunities to see a variety of stunning birdlife set against one of the most beautiful backdrops on the continent. However you choose to enjoy it, this is undoubtedly one of the best places to see a sunset in Africa.
7. Serengeti, Tanzania
African sunset in the savannah of the Serengeti National Park
Deep dusty oranges and striking silhouettes make the Serengeti one of the best places to see a sunset in Africa. The wide-open plains stretch as far as the eye can see and seem almost never-ending, making you wonder if there is in fact a horizon to swallow the sun at all.
Deep dusty oranges are the Serengeti sunset's trademark, Image Credit: Philip Marazzi
Time your visit to the Serengeti right, and your sunset could be sprinkled with thousands of wildebeest and zebra as they make their annual migration. The sheer scale of this gathering adds to the splendour of an African sunset, making it an unforgettable memory that will live long in the heart of those who share it.
If you aren't around at the same time as the herds, then the iconic flat-topped acacia trees provide the perfect subject for a classic safari sunset shot.
Visit the Best Places To See a Sunset in Africa
With so much to choose from, there's hardly a better time to start thinking about which horizon to chase next. Our advice is just to ensure that there's an African sun setting behind it.
Our team of African Travel Experts are on hand to ensure you're in the right place at the right time to make the most of every sunset on your dream holiday. And if you've already missed today's, they'll make sure there's one for you tomorrow!
