Now that winter is settling into our bones, the evenings in the Lowveld have become extra chilly and having that late afternoon sundowner, before heading back to your Mbombela accommodation for a quiet evening, is definitely one of the best ways to end off your day. Whether you are in the city for work or for a well-deserved family holiday, the winter sunsets are truly something to behold, something that deserves a toast of appreciation.
Much like the rest of the bushveld, the sunsets are just dreamy in Mbombela during the winter months. The sun goes down quite early in the afternoon, starting at around 4pm, and as it sinks, it turns the sky orange and red. Quite like those famous photos of sunsets in the Kruger National Park, the Mbombela sky turns into a painting late in the day, making it the perfect backdrop against which you can enjoy your favourite drink while just relaxing after a long day of exploring or attending to business meetings.
What is a sundowner exactly?
The concept of a sundowner is by no means a new one, in fact there is quite a lot of history and tradition behind it. A sundowner is basically a drink that you enjoy as the sun goes down. It is a relaxing tradition and one that really drives home the fact that a long day is over and that now is the time to kick back. Sundowners can be enjoyed with a delicious early supper, or you can enjoy it on its own.
All in and around Mbombela there are a couple of great places to treat yourself to a sundowner and you can even have one on your own in your lodge room. But then you might not get to see that incredible sunset!
So, if you are looking for a place to go to for your late afternoon drink, here are a couple of suggestions.
- Bohemian Groove
Kaapsehoop is about 30 minutes outside of Mbombela, making it a great place to go to for your sundowner. Up on the mountain, the sunset is so special, especially in winter, and since it gets far colder on the mountain than down in the valley, a good drink will definitely warm you up from the inside.
- Little Loftus Pub and Grill
As Mbombela continues to expand, there are plenty of bars and places to get something to eat just outside of the city. At Little Loftus Pub and Grill, you will find amazing views and the perfect vantage point from which you can enjoy watching the sun set.
- Ilanga Mall
There are quite a few great options to grab a drink when you are at iLanga Mall. The mall offers quite amazing views of the surrounding countryside and when you pick a spot to have a drink, you can take in the sights while enjoying the laidback vibes. Most of the restaurants are on the upper level, so your view won’t be obscured.
