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9 Best Sunset Spots in South Africa That Are Irresistible to Any Photographer
Did you know that the sunset we see is actually an illusion? By the time we watch the sun dip below the horizon, it’s already gone. The Earth’s atmosphere bends the light, making it appear higher than it really is.
That’s why it always fascinated me, and lucky for me, South Africa has no shortage of incredible spots to take them in.
If you’re looking for places to admire and capture the beautiful setting sun, I have some places to share!
Camps Bay Beach
Media From: campsbaysunsets
Location: Cape Town
Camps Bay Beach offers a stunning view of the sunset with a dramatic sea background. Plus, the sun is framed by the Twelve Apostles mountain range and the Lion’s Head, giving you a spectacular image worthy of posting on your social media page.
While you’re there, check out the nearby cafes and restaurants, like Gelato Mania. And since you’re on the beach, might as well enjoy a stroll, sunbathe, swim, or play a game of beach volleyball.
Don’t worry about missing the sunset since Cape Town has up to 14 hours of daylight, giving you plenty of time to catch the setting sun.
| Tip: For the best angle of the sunset, consider standing at the palm-lined beachfront along “The Strip.” |
Kruger National Park
Media From: thefreeamigo
Location: 86 Grosvenor Crescent, Phalaborwa
Phone: +27 137 354 000
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Website: http://www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger/default.php/
Admission Fee:
- Adults – R128
- Children – R64
- Adult (International) – R535
- Children (International) – R267
Admire the sun dipping into the horizon at Kruger National Park’s scenic viewpoints. Nkumbe Lookout, Mathekenyane, Olifants River Lookout, and Letaba River Viewpoint all offer stunning sights of the sky being painted with gold, orange, and deep purple hues.
As the sun sets, the shadows of acacia trees cast long shadows, enhancing the picturesque view even more.
While you’re waiting, take a self-drive or guided safari to spot the Big Five and other wildlife, or join a walking safari for a closer look at nature. Bird watching is also a great pastime here, with over 500 species of birds living in the park.
Out of all the sunset lookouts, my favorite here is the Mathekenyane with its 360-degree views of the surrounding bushveld. Plus, I was able to enjoy and capture the moment since it was less crowded.
| Tip: Schedule your visit from May to September when the water levels are lower and wildlife gathers around the remaining water sources. You’ll get epic sunset views with animals in the foreground. |
Chapman’s Peak Drive
Media From: chapmanspeakdrive
Location: Hout Bay, Cape Town
If you’re looking to snap some cool coastal sunset views, head to Chapman’s Peak Drive. The rugged cliffs and dramatic coastline set a breathtaking backdrop as the sky transforms into fiery shades of orange, pink, and purple.
But don’t just rush to reach the lookout point. Rather, enjoy a scenic drive along the 9-kilometer route with 114 winding curves.
You can also hike on the Chapman’s Peak Trail and soak in the 360-degree view of the surrounding area, or go seal snorkeling in Hout Bay.
Just plan your time well, as the route gets busy near sunset, so give yourself at least an hour to drive and catch the sunset.
| Tip: Stay vigilant for an off-beat track along the pass. It’s the path to a hidden lookout cave where you can watch the sunset over Hout Bay and the ocean. |
God’s Window
Media From: henry.nathan
Location: R543, Ehlanzeni
Phone: +27 726 412 595
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: http://www.godswindow.info/
Enjoy stunning golden light as the sun dips into the horizon by visiting God’s Window, a scenic vantage point along the Panorama Route. The cliffs drop 700 meters into the Lowveld, offering sweeping views of lush forests and distant mountains.
If you’re lucky, the mist rolling in adds an almost dreamlike feel to the scene!
Before heading to the vantage point, don’t miss taking a short stroll along the Rainforest Trail, or exploring nearby attractions along the Panorama Route, like Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Lisbon Falls, and the Blyde River Canyon.
If you’d rather relax, there are also designated picnic spots where you can soak in the surroundings.
| Tip: Avoid climbing and the crowds by heading to Wonder View, which offers similar views. |
Signal Hill
Media From: currentspaces
Location: Signal Hill, Cape Town
For a 360-degree view of Cape Town and the Atlantic Ocean being soaked in golden light, check out Signal Hill.
The place also offers great activities, like paragliding, picnicking, hiking, and trail running. It’s also near the Noon Gun site. The two cannons firing exactly at noon is one of the city’s oldest living traditions.
This is easily one of my favorite spots to enjoy sunset views. It’s easy to access with no entry fee required, and I can drive to the top and save myself from taking a hike.
| Tip: Arrive 45 minutes before sunset to secure a good spot. |
Table Mountain
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Location: Table Mountain (Nature Reserve), Cape Town
Phone: +27 214 248 181
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission Fee:
- Adult – R490
- Children – R245
- Senior – 130
Table Mountain offers a spectacular sunset view as the sun casts a magical glow over Cape Town and the Atlantic Ocean. With the “tablecloth” of clouds cascading over the mountains, you’re in for a dramatic view. Plus, there are various lookout points along the hiking trails to the summit, each offering a unique take on the changing sky.
While you wait for that magical moment, you can chill at the Table Mountain Cafe or take a scenic ride on the rotating cable car. If you’re up for a hike, trails like Platteklip Gorge offer a rewarding climb with stunning views along the way.
I’ve been coming back here for the sunset, and my favorite thing to do here is ride the cable car as the sun dips below the horizon.
| Tip: For the best view, head to Maclear’s Beacon. It’ll give you an unobstructed view of the sunset. |
Kloof Corner
Media From: jutta_lemcke
Location: Contour Path, Table Mountain
If you’re short on time but still want a killer sunset view, Kloof Corner offers a great alternative to Table Mountain. From here, you’ll get panoramic views of Cape Town, the Atlantic Ocean, Lion’s Head, and the Twelve Apostles. It may not be as high up as Table Mountain, but the view is magnificent, nonetheless.
Spend at least 20 to 30 minutes hiking along the Kloof Corner trail. Contoured paths like India Venster, Union Cave, and Platterklip Gorge offer spectacular sunset views.
| Tip: Once you reach the top, follow the curve of the rocky mountain to the right. You’ll get an epic view of the Twelve Apostles and Camps Bay in front of you, with the ocean and Lion’s Head to your left. |
Sani Pass
Media From: kitkat_ch
Address: Drakensberg Mountains
Add some challenge to your sunset viewing experience by taking on the Sani Pass. Prepare yourself to climb rugged terrain. You’ll also need a 4×4 vehicle to conquer steep gradients and hairpin bends—but the view is totally worth all the trouble.
The setting sun’s golden rays light up the rocks and mountain peaks, creating a truly enchanting view for you to capture.
While on your way to the pass, don’t forget to look up, as the spot is a birdwatcher’s paradise with some endemic birds like the Drakensberg rockjumper and the Drakensberg Siskin.
Might as well stop at the Basotho Villages too, so you can interact with the locals and learn about their culture and traditions.
| Tip: For a great sunset view, head to Sani Mountain Escape’s pub. There’s a deck that offers a fantastic vantage point where you can watch the sunset over the mountains and the valleys. |
Augrabies Falls
Media From: morkelerasmus
Location: Augrabies
Phone: +27 544 529 205
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Website: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/augrabies-falls
Admission Fee:
- Adults – R70
- Children – R35
- Adult (International) – R280
- Children (International) – R140
Make your way to the Augrabies Falls to witness the sunset transform the landscape. The rays reflect off the cascading waters of the Orange River and illuminate the 56-meter-high waterfall and the rugged granite cliffs.
Before you hike and watch the sunset, do a self-drive safari or guided game drive to spot wildlife, like klipspringers, giraffes, and antelopes. There’s also an Interpretive Centre where you can learn about the geological and cultural history of the area.
I came here last winter, and the sunset was unreal. With no buildings, trees, or city lights in sight, the Northern Cape skies felt endless!
| Tip: There’s a massive granite dome called the Moon Rock where you can have a sweeping look over the landscape as the sun sets. |
