Golden hour is a much celebrated affair while on safari. It’s customary to stop for drinks when the sun sinks into the horizon. The honey-glaze of sunset serves as the bridge between the afternoon game drive and night game drive. Rangers switch off the vehicle in an open clearing, free of danger and let their guests stretch their legs while serving them a tipple of their choice. There is nothing better than a brazen African sky and it certainly gives guests a reason to feel at peace with themselves and their surrounds. A number of lodges have their own way of serving sundowners, so we’ve decided to select our favourite bush bars, each catering for a different type of personality. Bars have been constructed overlooking rivers, others offer a more natural feel and some have been located in the midst of the bush. Whatever the style, they all have one thing in common – “cheers-ing” to the setting sun!
Pafuri camp is located in one of the Kruger’s bio-diversity hotspots (the Makuleke Concession) and comprises a large wetland area. Home to over 350 species of bird, huge herds of elephant and incredible views; Pafuri is a rare safari surprise. “Crooks Corner” is known for its large population of hippo and croc. With so much on the go in terms of landscape, game viewing and activities, it’s no surprise that Pafuri provides the idyllic surrounds for a bush bar and sundowner spot. Having realised the popularity of guests celebrating golden hour while on safari, the team decided to construct a bush bar overlooking the river. It’s a natural extension of the lodge and a weaving wooden walkway snakes its way from the main area to this outlook point.
Africa on Foot and Thambo Tree Camp
Over the past few months, in between guiding duties and the daily grind of bushveld living, rangers at these two camps in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve have been hard at work constructing the ultimate rustic bush bar. They carefully selected the spot for the bar, which is located on the banks of a drainage line where leopards tend to reside. Sundowners at the Bush Bar is a special occasion event when guests are staying at either camp for a few days. Africa on Foot specialises in walking safaris and nThambo Tree Camp gives guests the opportunity of staying in wooden chalets.
When the Bush Bar “special” sundowners is set-up, you can expect an array of sundowner snacks to accompany the drinks selection. Camp chairs are placed around the campfire and your choice of drink will be served at your request.
When sundowner o’clock rolls around, it’s time to tackle the dry throats and soak them with a refreshing drink. Chitwa Chitwa not only offers a sublime and sophisticated relaxation area overlooking the swimming pool and dam; but is also the epitome of a five star Kruger lodge. There is an array of speciality gins, craft beers and exotic drinks all to be enjoyed while out on game drive or at the lodge bar area.
There is a bustling dam in front of the lodge that attracts lion, elephant, buffalo and big game. Being located in the midst of the Sabi Sand means that there’s no shortage of leopard sightings. Plenty of sightings for you to toast to !
Voted as one of South Africa’s most luxurious lodges, Singita certainly pulls out all stops to please its guests. Built up high on an elevated area overlooking the Kruger, Singita Lebombo Lodge is perfectly located. All rooms expansive glass windows and private viewing decks. Singita have mastered the art of understated luxury and coupled with a personalised experience and game viewing second-to-none, its no wonder this lodge sets itself apart from its competitors.
A swanky wine cellar at the lodge, wine pairing and a slick bar area combined with a sundowners on a remote rocky area, make this one of the most spectacular Kruger bush bars.
