A soft golden light creeps in during the last hours of daylight. It’s this time of day that is known as the ‘golden hour’. The rays dance between the leaves of trees, a lion’s mane is highlighted by a glowing halo that falls on each whisker and hair. As the sky darkens, silhouettes form. The shades of a sunset become more vivid, a fire orange, and blood red sun hangs heavy, before slowly setting on the horizon. The colours are versatile, mauve on one day and on another, turquoise shades dominate, layering the sky.
As the colours become richer, so we become more relaxed, winding down, breathing out. In this romantic hour we can imagine ourselves toasting to another day in the heart of the wild.
The shades of a sunset become more vivid, a fire orange, and blood red sun hangs heavy, before slowly setting on the horizon
Kim and Garrett set up a drink stop in the ‘golden hour.’
Londolozi is a place of storytelling and it is at this time that the African theatre comes alive as we recount the stories of the day and the sightings we’ve shared.
The drinks table comprises of delicious South African wines, local craft beers and a range of mixed drinks and healthy snacks.
A selection of red and white wine
On special occasions like this, elephants have been seen not far from the drinks table and a few other wildlife onlookers have been spotted admiring the ongoing festivities…
A wine enthusiast is always nearby to help you decide on your choice of wine at any time during your stay. Kim Drake, one of Londolozi’s most well known wine connoisseurs, knows the feeling of being in the bush at this time of day all to well. Experiencing local wine is an important part of the South African experience. While Kim loves visiting the famous vineyards of the Cape she admits that there is something about the bush that makes wine taste much better!
When you’ve said, ‘Cheers,’ and hopped back onto your Land Rover, another surprise awaits. I was once told that you can ‘never put nature in a box.’ With a moon, a spotlight and a guide, who knows what you’ll see next…
Chilled on ice
Experiencing local wine is an important part of the South African experience.
Biltong, nuts, grapes, olives, dip…
On special occasions like this, elephants have been seen not far from the drinks table and a few other wildlife onlookers have been spotted admiring the ongoing festivities…
Some of the refreshments on offer
Lanterns and wine
Ending the day as the sun melts away
Kim Drake, Londolozi wine enthusiast, seen in the background
Written and Photographed by: Kate Collins
Awesome blog. Nothing compares to a sundowner in the bush. A special time of the day.
Agreed completely, not much can top sundowners!
Great blog Kate! It’s a very special moment indeed when you can enjoy a nice glass of wine watching the sun set while at Londolozi…wine definitely tastes better in the bush.
The Best! Thank you Jill.
Kim, I couldn’t agree more. A great bottle of wine at a Londolozi “sundowner” is a match made in heaven!
Absolutely…