Cape Town sunrises are truly magical. There is just something about seeing the first rays of sunlight as they create a tapestry of unsurpassed beauty, can be a spiritual experience. This is one of the best ways to see the beauty and splendour of nature, to begin your day on a high note.
That is why the time just after sunrise and just before sunset is even called the golden hour. Though this term is usually used in photography and film, it still speaks to the magic of this time of day. At this time of year, the golden hour in Cape Town is between 05:47 and 06:48 in the morning and between 19:15 and 20:00 in the evening. This does differ slightly from South Africa’s average as the golden hour for the country is between 05:35 and 06:24 in the morning and 18:40 and 19:26 in the evening. Though these times do fluctuate depending on the time of the year.
In order to help you to catch the Cape Town sunrise we have put together a list of some of the best places to see it. At this time of year, it gets light in Cape Town at about 06:12, so you will need to be up quite early to catch the sunrise. However, the beauty and magnificence of the sunrise are worth it, plus as they say, the early bird gets the worm.
Table Mountain
Easily the best place to see the Cape Town sunrise is on top of Table Mountain. As the highest point in Cape Town, the top of the mountain provides the best view of the sunrise possible. Allowing you not only to see the beauty of the sunrise, but the entire city sprawled out beneath you. Unfortunately, it can be a challenge to experience this as the cable car is not open early enough to catch the sunrise, meaning the only way is to hike up the mountain. However, the breathtaking view it affords is worth the effort. As it will seem like you can reach out and pluck the sun out of the sky.
Cape Point
Another great place to enjoy the sunrise is in the Cape Point nature reserve. This is the most Southern tip of the Cape Town peninsula. Here you can enjoy the Cape Town sunrise surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. Additionally, you can enjoy the natural splendour endemic to the area such as Eland and the fynbos the region is famous for. There is even a lighthouse and a lookout point that can provide you with a breathtaking view of the sun’s first rays. The Cape Point nature reserve charges an admission fee of R90 for South African citizens and R360 for tourists. However, it is definitely worth it to enjoy the sunrise in this spectacular nature reserve.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
If you want to immerse yourself in nature to enjoy the Cape Town sunrise then look no further than the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Located on the Eastern slope of Table Mountain it is perfectly situated to see the sunrise. Additionally, you can see the widely acclaimed botanical garden that is considered one of the greats in the world. Unfortunately, the garden’s ticket booth only opens at 07:30 which is too late to see the sunrise. Fortunately, you can access the gardens through the Constantia Nek Hiking Trail. This will allow you to get into the gardens and see the sunrise surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery in the world.
Signal Hill
One of the most popular spots to catch the Cape Town sunrise, and sunset, is Signal Hill. Located at the Northern tip of the Table Mountain National park the view of the sunrise is a bit obstructed by the mountain. However, this hill provides panoramic views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean. This allows you to see the sunrise over the entire mother city, with Table Mountain standing majestically in the foreground. As Signal hill is very popular with the locals, it can get very crowded around sunrise, and even more so at sunset. To reach the top you walk up an inclined spiralling path. At the top, you will experience a view of the city that you won’t easily forget.
Muizenberg Beach
If you are looking for a beach that will allow you to enjoy the Cape Town sunrise then Muizenberg beach is your best option. As most of the beaches in Cape Town face the West they are perfect for the sunset but not so great for watching the sunrise. Muizenberg beach however is on the North-West side of False Bay. This means it is perfectly situated to watch the sunrise over the ocean. This must be one of the best ways to start your day, relaxing on the beach with the sound of the surf for accompaniment and a beautiful sunrise over the ocean.
These are our picks for the best places to enjoy the Cape Town sunrise. While the only way to catch the sunrise is to get up early, which is not always ideal, especially for night owls. The spectacular display is worth that early morning alarm clock. As it is one of the most beautiful ways to start your day.
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