The history of the sundowner

Guests and staff at our South African properties , all enjoy sundowners at sunset, but where did this concept originate? 

The sundowner is more than just a drink at sunset - it’s a tradition deeply rooted in history, particularly in South Africa and across Africa. At our luxury African properties - The Twelve Apostles, The Oyster Box, Bushmans Kloof and Xigera Safari Lodge in Botswana - we celebrate this ritual as the perfect way to unwind after a day of adventure. But where did the sundowner originate, and how did it become an iconic part of African safari culture?

Colonial beginnings

The history of the sundowner dates back to British colonial rule in Africa. In the 19th century, as the British expanded their presence across South Africa, India, and other tropical regions, they faced a significant challenge - malaria. This led to the creation of what would become the signature sundowner drink: the gin and tonic.

Sundowners at Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat

Gin & tonic: A medicinal necessity

Originally, the gin and tonic was not just a cocktail but a life-saving remedy. The story begins with quinine, an extract from the cinchona tree, which was discovered to be an effective treatment and preventive measure for malaria.

British officers and settlers stationed in malarial regions of Africa needed a way to consume quinine regularly. Quinine, however, had a strong, bitter taste. To make it more palatable, they mixed it with sugar, lime, and gin, leading to the birth of the gin and tonic.

Sundowners on The Leopard Bar's terrace at The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa

Over time, this medicinal drink became more than just a preventative measure - it evolved into a social ritual, offering a moment of relaxation after a long day in the African heat. Even Winston Churchill famously stated: "The gin and tonic has saved more Englishmen’s lives, and minds, than all the doctors in the Empire."

The evolution of the sundowner tradition

As the British Empire grew, the gin and tonic culture spread, especially in South Africa, where it became a staple among military personnel and expatriates. Eventually, this daily drinking ritual turned into a celebrated tradition. By the early 20th century, pausing to enjoy a drink at sunset became a widely embraced custom.

This ritual, often observed from the verandas of colonial homes, transformed into a social gathering. Over time, the practice extended beyond British officials to travellers, adventurers, and safari-goers, solidifying its place in African luxury hospitality.

The sundowner in modern safari culture

Today, the history of the sundowner lives on as a defining feature of African safari experiences. It’s no longer just about the gin and tonic - though it remains a favourite - but about embracing the magic of the African wilderness as the sun dips below the horizon.

Sundowners in the wilderness at Xigera Safari Lodge

At our luxury properties in South Africa and Botswana, we continue to honour this time-honoured tradition, offering guests the opportunity to sip on expertly crafted cocktails while watching breathtaking sunsets. Enjoy the sounds of nature, from the distant roar of a lion to the gentle rush of the ocean. Celebrate the end of an adventurous day in the most picturesque settings imaginable.

Experience the history of the sundowner for yourself

Whether you’re overlooking the Atlantic Ocean at The Twelve Apostles, relaxing by the Indian Ocean at The Oyster Box, embracing the rugged beauty of Bushmans Kloof, or watching wildlife roam free at Xigera Safari Lodge, the sundowner remains a cherished ritual.

Join us and be part of the history of the sundowner - where luxury, tradition, and the beauty of Africa come together in an unforgettable experience.