About Napier Sundial
At the southernmost tip of Africa, Napier is a natural and historical delight for visitors to South Africa. This little town lies at foot of the Soetmuisberg Mountain Range and the rolling grain fields of the Western Cape Province. It is home to many tourist attractions, not least of all the Napier Sundial.
Did you know? The Napier Sundial is generally accepted to be the largest sundial as well as the only vertical one in the country.
The Napier Sundial was erected by Danie du Toit in 1965, after years of his observing the movements of the sun and the shadows it cast, and researching the stars since his early years. It was when he read an article written by CJ Langenhoven on sundials and had been reprinted in 1936, that his interest was piqued. This sparked in Du Toit a special desire to create his own sundial.
He approached the local municipality, which provided the materials and allowed him to erect the sundial at the Municipal offices. It took him 18 months just to complete the markings for each minute, based solely on his observations of the shadow on the dial.
Using his table, which explains the corrections between the sundial's time and standard time, the time of day can still be determined within an accuracy of 30 seconds.
A leisurely two hours drive along the N2 out of Cape Town, charming Napier is a gem of a town, perched on a hill at the foot of the Soetmuisberg, its main road filled with restaurants, guest houses and quirky shops. It's also en route to L'Agulhas or Elim, so it does not struggle for passing trade. A drive through the little avenues and roads above the town reveals characterful cottages, vegetable gardens and a whole dollop of charm.
Need to Know
WhereNapier Sundial, Napier Tourism Office, Napier, 7270, Cape Overberg, Western Cape, South Africa
WhenDaylight hours.
Telephone+27 (0)28 423-3325
OvernightStay in Napier Accommodation, Western Cape
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
Feedback?
If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Napier
Peace Valley Guest House
Peace Valley Guesthouse is ideal for families for weekend or longer stays. Our aim is to ensure that you have an enjoyable and relaxing stay. You...
The Restio Country Guesthouse
Experience the peace and charm of country living with a stay at The Restio Country Guest House in Napier, a charming village in the Cape Overberg...
Riverbend Cottage
Riverbend Cottage provides accommodation for four guests. The tranquil accommodation is surrounded by horses and donkeys and is a short distance ...
Doornbosch Estate and Guesthouses
Doornbosch Estate and Guesthouses are part of a 5000ha working farm, with horses, game, fynbos and honey cultivation. We are located in the heart...
The Suntouched Inn
The Suntouched Inn offers unique Bed & Breakfast style accommodation in the tranquil country village of Napier. Stylishly decorated double en-sui...
The Ark Sanctuary
Situated on a smallholding in Napier, The Ark Sanctuary is a charming self catering cottage which can accommodate up to six people. Napier has an...
Stellar Overberg Travellers Lodge
Situated in Napier, Stellar Overberg provides accommodation in four rooms and a cottage. Rooms are named after the wines and olives cultivated on...
Sir Napier Boutique Guest House
The accommodation includes three exquisitely decorated guest rooms and a fully furnished cottage that can accommodate up to six guests. Each room...
Things to do in the area
Moerse Farm Stall
Stop off at the 'Moerse Padstal' on the main drag in Napier and stock up on 'warm sexy bread' and all the good things you expect to find at a vil...
Suntouched Inn Restaurant & Bar
The Suntouched Inn Pizza and Pasta Restaurant, located at The Suntouched Inn, on the main road of Napier, is fast becoming a favourite amongst lo...
Tour the Nobunto Factory
Nobunto is a South African company which specializes in hand-painted candles and ceramics and is situated in the picturesque village of Napier in...
Riek Creative Art Gallery
Explore the creativity of local artist's work - wonderful paintings, delightful ceramics and tactile sculptures. This is a new gallery on the mai...
Van Brakel Stoor
The Van Brakel Stoor is an authentic, historical farm stall, on a lone stand, along the Caledon / Napier route. With its original antique wooden ...
Spookdraai Hiking Trail
There is no secret behind the name of this hiking trail at Cape Agulhas. There have been so many shipwrecks along this coastline that even if you...
Red Windmill Farmstall
Just outside Napier, en route to Bredasdorp, is wonderful old Cape Dutch style farmhouse with a red roof. To one side stands the red windmill fro...
Rasperpunt Hiking Trail
More commonly known as the Agulhas walking trail, because it takes place within the Agulhas National Park, the Rasperpunt hike begins just west o...
Accommodation convenient to Napier Sundial
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Western Cape Accommodation / Cape Town Accommodation / Cape Overberg Accommodation / Cape Agulhas Accommodation / Napier Accommodation