Evenings in Africa: A Look at What Happens When the Sun Goes Down

You’ve heard about what happens during the day in Africa, whilst on safari, but do you know what happens when the sun begins to set? A new and spectacular Africa emerges.

Here’s a glimpse at some of the best ways to spend your evenings in the African bush:

Sundowner time! A glorious time of day, sundowner time is when you sit down after a long day on safari with a glass of your favorite beverage as you watch the sun melt behind the horizon. As you reflect on your day and the sheer beauty and mysteries of nature with a refreshing cocktail or glass of wine, you’ll find yourself experiencing one of the rarest moments in life: complete peace and solitude.

But the setting sun isn’t the only thing you’ll witness with a sundowner in hand. You’ll also observe some of the residential wildlife drinking, as well—water, of course.

This is one of my favorite times of day!

Searching for the glowing eyes in the night. From leopards to aardvarks and aardwolfs to honey badgers, the nocturnal creatures of Africa are just as fascinating as the ones that appear on daytime safaris. Many properties offer nighttime game drives for guests to observe these fascinating animals in the dark, feeding and going about their “night to night” lives.

Star gazing beneath the African sky. Arguably, the clearest and most beautiful star-studded sky in the world can be witnessed throughout southern and eastern Africa. With no light pollution, whatsoever, the detail of each and every star can be witnessed with full clarity. Many accommodations offer star gazing “safaris” where guests can join their guide outside with a telescope to observe beautiful star formations, such as the famous Southern Cross, as well as planets.

Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve is one of my favorite places to go star gazing. During this past September, for example, visitors to the reserve could witness Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune!

Great wine, great food, and great laughs. Whether you want to gather around a crackling fire or lodge bar with fellow travelers or enjoy an intimate evening with your loved one(s) on your private verandah, the top properties in southern and eastern Africa offer a variety of ways to enjoy your dinner and after-dinner cocktails.

And because South Africa produces some of the top wines in the world, you’re sure to find a wide selection of award-winning wines on your accommodation’s menu to pair with your delectable dinner.

As for the cuisine served at luxury properties in southern and eastern Africa, many of the chefs are internationally acclaimed with award-winning dishes. I assure you, you will not be disappointed by the cuisine served at high-end African camps and lodges. And because many of the best properties are small (accommodating only a handful of travelers at any given time), each of your meals can be catered to your exact needs and preferences.

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