The warm, orange light that floods every nook and cranny just before dark puts you in a hypnotic trance as if you are being taken away to another world. What’s most special about sundowners are how they make everything seem so surreal – like something out of a dream.
The most magical time to photograph the landscape is during sundown. As it starts to get dark, but before everything goes black, you can see all of these different colors in the sky and on earth reflecting off of each other. It’s like a painting that never finishes itself- just getting more beautiful with every passing minute.
Some top sundowner experiences from around the world are listed below:
Masai Mara, Kenya
In East Africa, sundown in Masai Mara is a spectacle to behold. As the sun begins its descent from the sky and twilight takes over, you’ll be greeted with an array of colors that can only exist at this time of day: warm yellows, deep oranges and purples mingle beautifully against the backdrop of red-brown earth. The Masai Mara is renowned for its wildlife and unrivaled African safari experience. This landscape offers not only an opportunity to see all of Africa’s Big Five animals (African elephant, lion, leopard, Cape buffalo and rhinoceros), but also provides an experience of Masai culture.
Visitors can stay in one of Masai Mara’s many camps which offer a unique safari experience, or they can opt to explore the Masai Mara on day trips from nearby Nairobi. Masai Mara is one of the most beautiful places in Africa and a wonderful place to experience the enchanting landscape of Golden Hour.
Dhow Boat Cruise in Zanzibar, Tanzania
During sundown in Zanzibar, Tanzania, you will see shades of reds and oranges reflecting off of nearby buildings as well as the calm waters of the Indian Ocean. Dhow Boat Cruises are an excellent way to experience sundown. The short tours offer a glimpse into life on the water and a chance to get up close with some really interesting people. The sunset tours are a great way to explore the shoreline and see rolling waves crashing against the sand in front of you while enjoying live music, drinks, food, or sundowners with fellow passengers.
Victoria Falls, Zambia
Victoria Falls is one of Africa’s most iconic destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The falls are located in Southern Africa on the Zambezi River between Zimbabwe to the north and Zambia to the south. As the sun sets on Victoria Falls, Zambia it becomes cloaked in a glorious golden glow. The mist rises from the Zambezi River and curls around you as dusk falls over this stunning natural wonder. More than a waterfall, Victoria Falls is one of Africa’s most iconic destinations with its wide sheet of water tumbling 134 meters (440 ft) over the edge of the Zambian Plateau. It attracts thousands of tourists each year for its natural beauty.
Gili Meno, Indonesia
The sundowns on the Gili Meno island provide a spectacular view, as is most visible during the Golden hour. The only downside to this would be that it can happen at any time of day (depending on where you are in Indonesia). You will feel like in paradise with a cocktail in your hand and white sand, glittering turquoise waters in front of your eyes. It gives you the best romantic vibes. Gili Meno is the epitome of a dream beach vacation.
Halong Bay, Vietnam
Halong Bay, Vietnam can be explored by visiting the central highlands and Mekong Delta. The Viet people live in a land of lush rice fields, winding rivers and thick forests with remote villages that are still untouched by modernization. It is a luminous seascape of jagged limestone and granite mountains. When the sun sets in Vietnam’s stunning Halong Bay area, it creates an enchanting landscape of golden hues. As dusk falls on whatever day you visit, take time to see how these hours can be some of the most beautiful moments. If you are looking to explore by boat, it’s best to time your trip so that you can see Halong Bay at sunset. The area is made up of limestone mountains and thousands upon thousands of rock islands which provide a perfect haven for some amazing sunsets.
Patagonia, Chile / Argentina
The Patagonian landscape is probably one of the most breathtaking places on earth. The gorgeous mountains, valleys, and rivers are awe-inspiring in themselves but when you add a golden hour to that, it really does take your breath away. It is the most beautiful natural scenery on earth and perhaps one of the most breathtaking places for a golden hour shot is Laguna de Los Tres near Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, Chile.
Galapagos Cruise, Ecuador & Galápagos
The Galápagos Islands are a collection of 18 islands that form an archipelago, Ecuador. You’ll be able to visit the Galapagos Cruise while you’re in Ecuador and experience first-hand this rare wonderland where nature has taken over. The Galápagos Islands were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The Galapagos Islands are a world-renowned destination and the best time to visit is during sunset (the “Golden Hour”). The Galapagos sunsets at 16:00 pm so we recommend you arrive in Ecuador before this time. You will enjoy your cruise much more if you can take advantage of this opportunity.
Iguazu Falls, Brazil / Argentina
The sunsets and, with it, comes an incredible transformation in perspective as well as color. It may be hard to believe at first sight but witnessing this for yourself will hold some major benefits for your soul. Iguazu Falls, Brazil, and Argentina are two places where the golden hour is beautifully showcased. Witnessing sundown in Iguazu Falls will show you all of its breathtaking glory at once as well as ushering a sense of calm that’s worth every second. You will be captivated by the way it changes colors with each passing moment.
Samode Village, India
Samode Village is a small village in Rajasthan, India. Samode was established by Samarda, a ruler of the Phalodia clan who followed Jainsim (Jainism) from Gujarat. Samarda built Samode to be an idyllic village and used it as his capital until capturing Ajmer. Samode was an important gem mining center during the reign of Samodia. In present-day Samode, tourists can see ancient castles and palaces built by Samodia rulers on rocks above village homes. Experience the beautiful scenery of Samode.
Atacama Desert, Chile
The Atacama Desert is a place that makes you feel small, and in awe of the vastness. The Atacama desert in Chile is one of the most bone-dry places on Earth. The lack of rain means that its glassy salt flats, baking hot valleys, and jagged peaks remain almost unchanged for millions of years. It is a place where life can’t thrive so we come to it when we want to see the beauty of sundown. Sundown like this is worth coming to even if it’s just for one time, at least once in your life.
Source: https://www.enchantingtravels.com/travel-blog/travel-tips-top-10-sundowner-experiences/
