Africa is known for its incredibly beautiful golden African sunsets. Who has not seen pictures of the open savannah plains with an acacia tree in the background and the silhouette of a lone giraffe strolling past, embraced by the warm golden glow of the setting sun?

My first trip to the southern part of Africa was in 2005 when I took a tour in Zambia. For the first time ever I had the pleasure to experience the famous and beautiful African sunset with my own eyes. I spent the first night in a campsite on the banks of the Luangwa river, overlooking the amazing South Luangwa national park. While sipping on a sundowner, the atmosphere felt so peaceful and relaxed. The only sounds came from nature, cheeky vervet monkeys were playing on the river banks, hippos were welcoming the evening with a chime of grunts and birds were tweeting happily. Slowly, the warm golden glow stretched over the open landscape like an african bushfire. To this day I remember my first evening in the southern part of Africa when I saw my first sunset in Africa.

I have since had the opportunity to experience this magical spectacle many times over and not once does it stop being fascinating. This is the reason why seeing the spectacular sunsets in Africa should be on everyone’s bucket list to experience at least once in a lifetime. There are no words to describe a sunset and photos sometimes say more than words. Here is a selection of some of my African sunset pictures.

The most beautiful African sunset destinations you have to visit

Watch the African sunset in Cape Town from the top of Lion’s Head

Renowned for its spectacular sunsets, Cape Town offers plenty of great spots where you can sit at the end of the day to watch the sun go down the horizon. Either from the top of a mountain or while sitting on a white sandy beach or sipping a sundowner on the terrace of one the many cafes, there are many different places around town to enjoy the red and golden glow of the sky. For me, my favourite place to watch a Cape Town sunset is from the top of Lion’s Head. It’s a bit of a hike, but the view from the top during sunset is so worthwhile. If you are a keen hiker, you can easy go to the top by yourself, since it’s one of the many things that you can do in Cape Town for free. Or you can book a tour with a local guide to hike up Lions’ Head, which is a good idea especially when climbing down after sunset.

Viewing the African sunset in Spitzkoppe in Namibia

Spitzkoppe is also known as the Matterhorn of Namibia. Massive granite formations make up the landscape which many centuries ago used to be inhabited by the local bushmen (early inhabitants of Southern Africa). It’s a great place to camp and to enjoy the spectacular colours of the sunset. Due to the location, in my opinion, in Spitzkoppe you can see some of the best sunsets in the world.

Tip: When viewing the sunset from one of the granite rocks while camping in Spitzkoppe, don’t forget to bring a torch with you. It gets really dark very fast and you might have trouble finding your camp spot again without a decent torch.

Tip: Namibia is a beautiful country to travel, especially when self-driving. Do prepare you trip to Namibia with these useful and interesting travel tips.

Take a sunset drive in Kruger National Park, South Africa

Kruger national park is the largest game park in South Africa and makes a great destination for a safari. Sunset drives can be organised and while sipping on a sundowner you can watch the wildlife pass in front of the setting sun. Kruger National Park is great for a self-drive safari due to its good infrastructure and facilities and a great place to see the famous South African sunsets. Find all the information you need in this complete guide to the Kruger National Park.

Take a sunset boat tour on the Chobe river in Botswana

The Chobe river is the major lung of the Chobe national park, attracting many animals to the river banks to drink. Aside from the big wildlife as the infamous Big Five animals, much birdlife can also be seen. These vultures sitting high up on the tree seemed to be enjoying the beauty of the sunset as well.

Tip: Bring a jacket while on a sunset tour. It can get really hot during the day, but as soon as the sun sets it might get pretty chilli, especially on the boat.

Read: Click here to read about how to explore Chobe National  Park and see the sunset in Africa that you will never forget

Enjoy a magical sunset in Serengeti National Park in Tanzania

Visiting the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and watch the animal migration is on the wish list of a lot of people who visit Africa. The wide open savannah grassland is dotted with wildlife grazing between the Acacia trees that mark the horizon. Sitting in the safari vehicle, watching this scene while the sun slowly disappears behind the horizon leaving the sky in a hue of red, yellow and orange. Who would not want to have that on their bucket list.

Having sundowners on a Zambezi river boat cruise, Zimbabwe

Apart from visiting the spectacular Victoria Waterfalls themselves, the town of VicFalls in Zimbabwe is also known for its great adrenaline activities. After an adrenaline filled day, a good way to wind down is to enjoy the sunset on a river boat cruise. It takes two hours and bottomless drinks are included, or “on the house”.

Watch the sun set in the waves of the Indian ocean in Tsitsikamma national park, South Africa

Tsitsikamma is one of the few national parks on the garden route by the ocean. It is a great park for hikes (the famous Otter trail starts here). The campsite is located right by the water giving you the chance to see some the most spectacular South African sunsets over the sea.

Camp in the middle of nature in the Okavango Delta, Botswana

The Okavango Delta is the largest inland delta in the world. This oasis is made out of canals winding their way around the little islands which make a great setting for “wild” camping. Together with some local guides you will feel one with nature and the peace and quietness is just fantastic out here. While getting ready for the night, the last light of the day gives an amazing glow over the open plains of the Okavango Delta and you will be seeing a beautiful African sunset.

Enjoy a sunset mokoro ride in the Okavango Delta, Botswana

The best means of transport in the Okavango Delta is the mokoro, which is a dug out wooden canoe (nowadays mainly made out of fibre glass). It’s a peaceful way to get through the narrow and shallow canals surrounded by papyrus and reed. When camping out in the Okavango Delta, the local guides will take you for a sunset mokoro ride. Seeing the setting of the sun from a lower point by the water, with some hippos in the distance is a unique experience.

Take a dhow safari to the Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique

The Bazaruto archipelago in Mozambique consists of five idyllic islands with white beaches and pristine blue water. The best way to visit the islands is by a wooden sailing boat, locally called a dhow. While sailing from one island to another, enjoy the spectacular views of the area. In the evening, these wooden dhows give a local touch to the golden ocean views. The Bazaruto islands are not only beautiful in the evening hours but they also provide some of the best African sunrise views.

Go on a safari in Addo Elephant park, South Africa

Addo Elephant park is the main safari park just off the Garden route. It’s most famous for its high amount of elephants, but other animals can also be seen. This male Kudu peeped its head out of the bush, giving him a major role in this sunset photo. Having a picture with an African sunset silhouette of an animal is still one of the best known images of Africa.

Watch the sunset in Africa while visiting the ruins of Great Zimbabwe in Masvingo

Great Zimbabwe is a site close to the town of Masvingo in Zimbabwe. It is recognised as a Unesco World Heritage Site and is one of the few ruins left in Southern Africa. It gave its name to the country when it gained independence 1980. The construction of the ruins started in the 11th century and was abandoned in the 15th century. Great Zimbabwe is located in a stunning rocky area surrounded by beautiful nature.

A sunset over Africa and the African bush is one of the nicer things to see in a life time.

Where was your nicest and most beautiful sunset experience?

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