Cape Town’s Top Viewing Spots for the Total Lunar Eclipse 2025

Our son loves everything astronomical, so it goes without saying that we’ll be watching the total lunar eclipse this Sunday, September 7th, 2025.

A total lunar eclipse is often referred to as a Blood Moon. This name comes from the reddish colour the moon takes on once the Earth’s shadow completely covers it, blocking direct sunlight from reaching the moon’s surface. This happens when the moon moves into the Earth’s shadow. The red colour appears because of the refraction of sunlight through the Earth’s atmosphere, much like a sunset, bending the light and filtering out the blue tones.

Unlike a solar eclipse, which is only visible from a small area on Earth and lasts just a few minutes, a lunar eclipse can be observed from anywhere on the night side of the planet, provided the moon is above the horizon and the skies are clear. It also lasts much longer, and it’s reassuring to know that no eye protection is needed.

This Sunday’s total lunar eclipse will last 82 minutes. The moon rises at 6:24 PM, entering the Earth’s shadow about an hour later. It will be fully eclipsed by 7:30 PM, with the maximum totality at 8:11 PM, and it will exit the Earth’s shadow at 8:52 PM. If the weather plays along, there will be plenty of time to enjoy the view of the Blood Moon.

As of writing this, the forecast looks partly cloudy on Sunday, but it looks like it will clear up later in the day. The South Easter is expected to pick up in the afternoon and continue throughout the eclipse. Let’s hope it pushes the clouds away.

So, we’ll definitely head out on Sunday evening, pack a warm jacket, some snacks, and a bottle of wine, and go watch the blood moon. But where’s the best place to see it?

When and Where to Look for the Blood Moon?

The moon will rise at 6:24 PM in the east at 98°.

While the moon’s rise point shifts slightly depending on the season and phase, it always appears in the east-northeast to east-southeast because of Earth’s eastward rotation.

Here’s the exact path for Sunday’s total lunar eclipse:

• 7:30 PM: Enters Earth’s shadow at 89° East
• 8:11 PM: Maximum totality at 83° East
• 8:52 PM: Exits shadow at 76° East-North-East

So what does that mean for your viewing experience?

The fact that the moon rises at 98° East this Sunday means the best view will be from an elevated spot with clear views to the east.

The Best (and Not-So-Great) Places to Watch the Blood Moon

Lion’s Head

Probably the best view with its 360° panorama. But it’ll likely be very busy, and the hike can take up to an hour (longer with kids). Coming down in the dark, in a crowd, isn’t for everyone. Bring patience and good headlights if you go!

Signal Hill & Signal Hill Road

It depends on where you sit. The usual picnic area (where the paragliders take off) faces North-West, toward the Atlantic Ocean, and you won’t see the moon rise from there. Instead, head to the top of Signal Hill or find a good spot along Signal Hill Road, where you’ll have a much better view to the East. Look towards the CBD and the Cape Flats, and you’ll see the moon rise behind the distant mountain range. Use your phone’s compass to double-check your orientation. Parking at the top of Signal Hill Road is limited, so it’s best to come early.

Kloof Corner

It’s a beautiful short hike with great views into the city and Camps Bay but it’s not ideal for the lunar eclipse. Devil’s Peak blocks the view, so you’ll only see the moon once it’s already high up in the sky.

Table Mountain Road

Same issue: the mountain is in the way. You’ll only get a glimpse during totality. Not the best spot to watch the moon rise.

Sea Point Promenade

Also not ideal. It’s not elevated, and Signal Hill blocks the view to the east. You’d only see the moon once it’s high enough in the sky, but by then, it’s lost that dramatic near-horizon size.

Better Alternatives

Look for elevated spots with unobstructed views eastward, such as:

• Rhodes Memorial
• Boyes Drive
• East Pier (Cape Town Harbour / Waterfront): Not elevated, but with the Atlantic stretching out in front of you, you’ll get an uninterrupted view of the moon rising over the Table Bay.

You can also use Google Earth to test out your chosen location:

• Click on the blue “Explore Earth” button (top right)
• Search for any spot in Cape Town
• Click on the compass icon at the bottom right to access more controls
• Set the heading to 98° (that’s where the full moon will rise on September 7th)
• Adjust the tilt to 80° to 90°

This will help you figure out if the view is blocked or open. It’s also a fun tool to play around with.