As the sun is setting on 2017, it’s time to take another look at your bucket list ─ did you get to explore any of your dream destinations? If not, don’t fear, you’ve got a brand new year ahead! But first we have to wish the past year farewell, and what better way to do that than by admiring a spectacular sunset with your loved ones? LekkeSlaap knows just where to go!

Kalahari

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Braving the midsummer Kalahari heat is definitely worth the sweat since the sunsets here are truly unique! The red dunes provide an extra warm glow as the setting sun serves as background to camel thorn trees and grazing springbuck and gemsbuck.

Combine your Kalahari New Year’s celebration with game viewing at Kalahari Trails Nature Reserve and Meerkat Sanctuary where you can take delight in their resident group of merry meerkats.

Kalahari Trails Nature Reserve and Meerkat Sanctuary Kalahari Trails Nature Reserve and Meerkat Sanctuary

Tankwa Karoo

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There’s nothing like the vast open plains of the Karoo to bid the year farewell. The enchantment of the region annually attracts free-spirited souls who set the night on fire during the infamous Afrika Burn Festival. Now that the magic has been uncovered, all you have to do is to experience it yourself!

The sunset can be enjoyed right from Tankwa Guestfarm’s large farm stoep, or you can venture far and wide on the farm by foot.

Tankwa Guestfarm Tankwa Guestfarm

Bloubergstrand, Cape Town

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Bloubergstrand is famous for its million dollar views of Table Mountain, Robben Island and ships passing on the horizon. Watch the Atlantic sky melt into pink and orange hues from the balcony of a luxury seaside apartment while sipping on a sundowner … It doesn’t get any better than this!

Secure a spot right on the seafront at The Bay View to ensure the moment is captured forever.

The Bay View The Bay View

Camps Bay, Cape Town

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In this vibey suburb nestled against the Twelve Apostles Mountains to the one side and the famous Camps Bay Beach to the other, you’ll start to feel the new year pulsing louder as midnight approaches, so be at the ready with a cocktail in hand at one of the upmarket seafront bars.

Camps Bay has to be done in style, so you might as well book a 5-star stay at The Terrace where you don’t even have to leave the bedroom to watch that sunset!

The Terrace The Terrace

Signal Hill, Cape Town

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When Cape Town was young, guns and flags on this hill signaled the arrival of ships into the bay so that o that even those as far away as Paarl could rush to the harbour to sell their goods. Today Signal Hill is simply one of the best spots to get some perspective on the Mother City. Start your ascent via Buitengracht Street, turn right at the circle and drive all the way up the hill for a bird’s eye view of Cape Town’s city lights and beyond!

For this adventure, we recommend you steep yourself in Cape Town’s history at the historical Cape Heritage Hotel in the iconic Bree Street.

Cape Heritage Hotel Cape Heritage Hotel

Fouriesburg, Free State

If you’re looking for a sunset with a countryside feel, consider the agricultural town of Fouriesburg. Nestled between the mountain ranges of the Maluti, Rooiberg en Witteberg, its location gives rise to that unspoilt mountainous sunset that makes the Eastern Free State so exceptional.

Lesoba Guest Farm’s dam and mountain views promise memorable sunsets. Can you just imagine an evening braai in a paradise like this?

Lesoba Guest Farm Lesoba Guest Farm

Johannesburg

On New Year’s Eve the City of Gold is best experienced from a rooftop bar. You’ll be able to view the sunset from one of the most bustly spots in Africa while enjoying the best cocktails money can buy — because Jo’ies is all about the zing and bling. And if the weather doesn’t allow for that view you wished for due to one of them Gauteng thunderstorms, at least you’ve got your entertainment sorted.

After your night out, lay your head to rest at the stately 1950’s mansion, 33 Melville Road, to be spoiled with delectable meals by their executive chef the next day.

33 Melville Road 33 Melville Road

Union Buildings, Pretoria

Looking for a sunset that would tug at the patriotic heart strings? Opt for this famous landmark where the fatherly figure of former President Nelson Mandela watches over the country’s administrative capital, calling the nation together to unite in anticipation of new beginnings.

The Premier Hotel Pretoria is just the right base for your experience!

Premier Hotel Pretoria Premier Hotel Pretoria

 

8 sunsets, 8 ideas for the best possible end to 2017! Grab your camera and go!

Hooffoto: Cape Town, South Africa” deur “flowcomm” (Flickr)