South Africa’s best sundowner spots

South Africa’s best sundowner spotsHere’s our list of the top spots to enjoy a sundowner drink in South Africa’s main cities.

Sunset must be the optimal time for drinking beer. Apart from that burning globe mimicking the golden tones of a cold one, sunset signals the end of the day’s activities and the beginning of the evening. What better way to bridge these two than relaxing with friends and sharing a drink?

South Africa’s sunny climate and glorious landscapes make for fantastic backdrops to sundowner drinks. From wide sandy beaches to vast stretches of thornveld; from the high-rises of Joburg to koppie viewpoints in smaller towns, there is always a sundowner spot nearby which deserves to be appreciated!

 

JOBURG

Rooftop bars are Joburg’s speciality.

Randlords is deep in the inner city area of Braamfontein, but situated at the highest point. Imagine 360 degree views from the centre of a city that has been pulsing for over a century. A rather exclusive spot, it’s open to the public on select special event days, this is indeed somewhere special.

Skye Bar at the Holiday Inn, gives another rooftop view, this time from the hub of Sandton.  You can also travel up through the external lift, an experience in itself! The plush decor makes a luxurious place to recline with a glass of your favourite after work.

For a more budget-friendly option the Northcliff Hill makes a great picnic spot. Head to the top (right next to the water tower) for glorious views of the city. On a clear day you’ll be able to see Hartbeespoort Dam.

 

Cape Town

Cape Town, with its West-facing beaches, is teeming with seaside sundowner spots. And then there’s also that mountain, which makes a pretty good vantage point.

Café Caprice in Camps Bay is the quintessential Cape Town sundowner spot. A trendy bar overlooking the famous beach, it’s also a great place to see stars not of the celestial variety. They’re pumping every day of the year.

To experience the magic of the mountain and the sea combined, visit the Leopard Room Bar at the Twelve Apostles Hotel. Perched between the fynbos-covered slopes and the rocky seabed below, this luxurious location will give you more than a sunset to savour. There are regular live bands to keep it festive too.

And let’s not forget Table Mountain. There are several options here. You’ll never regret doing the touristy thing at the Table Mountain Café  (which is remarkably well stocked) but there’s also the simpler version of the mountain sundowner. Simply pack a picnic and head to Rhodes Memorial, Signal Hill or Lions Head for the most dramatic DIY sundowner.

 

Durban

Durban’s balmy but humid summer days demand great sundowners! Luckily there are excellent options.

The Oyster Box Hotel is considered the Grand Dame of the KwaZulu-Natal hotel scene. Coming here, you can’t help but feel you’re on holiday! Head to the Lighthouse Bar for a view of the sea crashing to the rocks below, and Umhlanga’s famous lighthouse. There’s regular live music too.

Durban Beachfront is also a fantastic place for people-watching and a swim. Head straight from the surf to the Moyo Pier Bar, situated on the Ushaka Pier. Enjoy your brew as you watch ships coming and going through the nearby harbour, or just admire the surfers below.

 

What's your favourite sundowner spot?

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