GOLDEN HOUR - 9 OF THE BEST PLACES TO WATCH THE SUN SET IN THE EASTERN CAPE
Wednesday, 14th November 2018
The Eastern Cape is known for its candy-floss pink clouds, streaks of orange and enormous skies in every hue. At sunset, mirror-images reflect on bodies of calm water, a ball of fire dips behind the horizon as the ocean waves are painted peach and, in the veld, fading sunlight bounces off the eyes of the big five. An Eastern Cape sunset is the epitome of fleeting beauty, so grab a sundowner, a loved one or three, and find your golden bliss at one of these sunset spots.
TRACK IT DOWN IN TSITSIKAMMA
Image: Janet Middleton
Tsitsikamma is known for its lush indigenous forest, delicate fynbos and dramatic coastline and you can bet your leafy greens that golden hour does not disappoint. Enjoy the sunset from the quiet beach in the small village of Eersteriver, on the eastern edge of Tsitsikamma, or head for the rocks at the Storms River Mouth in the national park, where you experience the scenic spectacle from the comfort of your tent.
ON THE EDGE AT THE VALLEY OF DESOLATION IN THE KAROO HEARTLAND
Image: Chantelle Marais
Image: Anje Rautenbach
Pack a picnic basket and make your way to top of the Morgan Bay Cliffs where crags of dark dolerite drop into the ocean below. Amidst the golden light, you’ll enjoy crashing waves, picturesque views as far as the eye can see and, if you are lucky, a visit from the Wild Coast’s famous Nguni cows.
Image: Janet Middleton
Boat trips and sunsets go together like bubbles and sparkling wine and the Kowie River, which stretches from Grahamstown to Port Alfred, will colour your getaway desires in all the right tones. You can hire a canoe or paddle boat and do it yourself or go on a sunset or even a braai cruise (yes, you can flip your choppie on the water). Don’t forget to pack the binoculars; there is an abundance of feathery finds for birders to enjoy.
INTO THE WILDERNESS IN KOUGA'S BAVIAANSKLOOF
Say goodbye to cellphone signal, work, your worries and the rush of the city, and find a calm spot in the Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve. Just imagine being in the middle of lush green valleys and vast plains, surrounded by wrinkled mountains and narrow gorges, inspired by waving grasslands and a million-year history, all while witnessing the majestic play of orange-pink-red-and-purple brush strokes across the sky.
ON TOP OF THE WORLD IN HOGSBACK
At over a kilometer above sea level, Hogsback, with its majestic mountains, spectacular views, mystical forests and swirling mists, is guaranteed to offer up some magnificent sunsets. And, as its name suggests, The Edge Mountain Retreat, is one of the best spots to enjoy a sunset, surrounded by cliffs and indigenous Afromontane forest. The beauty of Hogsback, it’s enchantment and tranquility, will infuse you with a golden light that is all its own.
GAZING AT ZUURBERG'S VISTAS, ADDO
Image: Great Zuurberg Trail Run
The Zuurberg Mountains are located within the Greater Addo region and part of the magical ingredients of the region include never-ending mountainous landscapes, a 150-year old historical hotel, Sunday lunches, hiking trails, a mountain pass and splashes of sugar bush colours. Do add enough time to your Zuurberg recipe to experience a spectacular sunset as its final rays play over the mountains.
JANSENVILLE'S FORT, KAROO HEARTLAND
Image: Janet Middleton
Karoo sunsets never disappoint and, in Jansenville, the Anglo Boer War fort offers a great view before the night sky takes over. You will be in for a photographic treat with angoras nibbling on Noors, an aloe in bloom, the silhouette of an acacia and a dusty dirt road in the distance.
ON THE DUNE'S AT KOUGA'S GAMTOOS MOUTH
Image: Anje Rautenbach
Take a sho’t left at Gamtoos Mouth, a place quietly tucked away from the noise of highways and city life, surrounded by the Indian Ocean, indigenous wonders, wetlands and a belt of untouched dunes where the Kouga and Groot River meet with a formidable liquid handshake before they part and say their goodbyes into the Indian Ocean. Whether you scramble over a dune or two, or just enjoy the scenery from the lagoon’s side, here every sunset is a masterpiece.
Find out more about these wonderful Eastern Cape regions:
KAROO HEARTLAND │GREATER ADDO │ROUTE 72 ON THE SUNSHINE COAST │
KOUGA TOURISM ROUTES │WILD COAST │AMATHOLA MOUNTAIN ESCAPE │TSITSIKAMMA
