The best spots to watch the sun rise in SA
PEOPLE who chase sunsets go out of their way to find the perfect spot for that Instagram-perfect golden hour. Weddings are planned around such spots. Instagrammers tend to forget that golden hour strikes twice a day. It’s just that the early slot might be a bit more challenging for those who are not morning people.
While many prefer sunsets over sunrises, there is something truly magical about watching a day waking up with the sun. For me, sunrise signals the beginning of a new day and there’s something very special about feeling the warmth of the first morning rays on your face.
As a person who enjoys early morning walks, I love watching the sky gradually change colour from cool blues into warm yellows and oranges.
Can’t help but have the words of the classic Beatles song ringing in my head.
“Here comes the sun do, do, do … And I say it’s all right …”
Here are a few spots in South Africa where early birds can experience breathtaking sunrises:
Table Mountain, Cape Town What better place to watch the sunrise over the Mother City than from its highest point? People travel from all over the world to visit this geographic wonder, yet as South Africans, even more so Capetonians, we don’t take the time to truly appreciate what we have on our doorstep.
For those who don’t wish to be restricted by time and enjoy hiking, a climb to the top is the best way to catch a spectacular sunrise.
Kommetjie, Cape Town
Long Beach, which stretches from Kommetjie to Noordhoek, is not only a surfer’s paradise but a magnificent stretch of beach to enjoy a long morning walk.
Whether you are surfing or not, you will definitely catch a few kite surfers enjoying a bit of early morning action.
Slangkoppunt Lighthouse, which happens to be South Africa’s tallest cast iron lighthouse, offers panoramic views of the bay.
uMhlanga beach, Durban
Start the day with an early morning dip in the warm Indian Ocean as you watch the sky turn from cool blue to fiery orange.
A leisurely stroll beside the rock pools is the perfect way to salute the day if you’re not too keen on a dip in the ocean but happy to dig your feet into the sand.
Prince Albert, Klein Karoo
Far away from the sandy beaches, you will find a beauty of another kind in the Klein Karoo.
Prince Albert, a small town located on the edge of the Great Karoo, at the foot of the Swartberg Mountains, is a wonderful place to experience various types of scenery.
A hike to the koppie, which is at the edge of the town, will get you a magnificent view of the sun rising up over the Swartberg Mountains while overlooking the sleepy town as well as the surrounding Karoo desert.
You’ll need to take the Gordon Trail and find a pathway up to the top.