Seven sensational stargazing destinations
South Africa, known worldwide for its great natural beauty, vibrant cities, amazing safaris, unspoiled beaches and cultural diversity is a favoured destination for travellers – and a mecca for stargazers. Stargazing in South Africa is possible year-round. With its minimal light pollution, ideal geographical positioning, a unique view of the Milky Way and a dazzling diamanté display of stars, South Africa’s night skies are nothing short of spectacular.
Some exceptional game lodges and reserves that offer stargazing/night safari activities are:
The 5-star Samara Karoo Reserve in the Eastern Cape, with its stunning combination of wildlife, luxury and stargazing.
Star Struck at Samara Karoo Reserve – known for its landscape of infinite horizons, luxury accommodation, Big Five game and its dark skies, Samara is a place where you can reconnect with nature, immerse yourself in the stillness of the Karoo and where, when the sun sets, you can lift your eyes upwards to the dazzling dark skies and stargaze. For next level stargazing Samara features a secluded ‘star bed’. A king-size bed swathed in white netting in a luxurious ‘open-air room’ on a raised platform above a river bed out in the middle of the bush…night falls, and the sky comes alive with a dazzling array of stars, planets and the misty sweep of the Milky Way… you’ll drift off to sleep and dream sweetly warmly wrapped in a thick mohair blanket. The star bed is available only to guests staying a minimum of two nights at Samara’s Karoo Lodge or The Manor, a safari villa ideal for families; it’s not available for guests staying at the tented Plains Camp, but not to worry, you can do your own stargazing from the deck of your luxurious unfenced tent. Other stargazing options include stargazing night drives (for all guests) with guides who are trained in astronomy, meals at the boma lit by the canopy of stars overhead, and should you be doing the 3-night/4-day guided hiking Samara Cheetah Trail, you’ll get to sleep out under the stars on the second night. Ts & Cs apply.
Samara Karoo Reserve: 049 940 1111| reservations@samara.co.za | www.samara.co.za
And six members of Cape Country Routes:
Beautiful Night Skies at De Hoop – the night sky conditions at De Hoop Nature Reserve, one of the Western Cape’s largest, most beautiful and unspoiled nature reserves, are excellent for stargazing. Its night sky is known for being clear and dark – there’s minimal light pollution here, and on clear nights the skies offer a spectacular display of stars, constellations, bright planets and the moon. To experience the magnificence of the De Hoop night sky, there’s the Cape Country Routes accredited De Hoop Collection, located in the heart of the Reserve, which offers a range of accommodation options and activities. A heads up for stargazers – De Hoop Collection offers a stargazing tour – this is for groups only, by request and is entirely dependent on the weather conditions. On this tour you’ll observe the constellations, planets, the moon, the Southern Cross (visible all year round) and with a bit of luck, Orion and Canis major plus you’ll learn about the various star signs and other interesting ‘sky’ facts. At the end of an activity-filled day in your own time you can relax outside your chalet at night, lift your eyes upwards and delight in the clear night sky and stargaze. Your day activities can include whale-watching, guided marine walks, bird walks, guided vulture experience, nature drives, eco-boat cruises and the ‘Origins of Early Southern Sapiens Behaviour’ exhibition, amongst many others. An adventure awaits at De Hoop! Booking is essential. Ts & Cs apply.
The De Hoop Collection: Reservations: 021 422 4522 | res@dehoopcollection.co.za | www.dehoopcollection.com
Rogge Cloof’s Resplendent Night Skies – if you happen to be road-tripping through the Northern Cape, a visit to the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) in Sutherland is an absolute must. Sutherland, the coldest place in South Africa in winter, renowned for its clear dark skies and The South African Astronomical Observatory (home to SALT) – is the gateway to the wonders of the Karoo skies. Naturally, you’ll be wanting somewhere to stay. The Cape Country Routes accredited Rogge Cloof in the eco-conscious Rogge Cloof Private Nature Reserve, is a really good place to stay. Located 15 kms from Sutherland, it offers accommodation options within its eco-Village, ‘star plains’ that span over 20 000 hectares, a magnificent view of the heavens and, described as a place where ‘the stars have never been so bright and close’, it’s where you’ll be treated to some of the most spectacular stargazing opportunities from the comfort of the lodge. Rogge Cloof’s stargazing tours include a tutorial from the lead guide and observations of the stars through its onsite 10″ Meade telescope. Offered every evening (weather dependent) booking is essential. Whether the night sky offers clouds, a full moon, pitch black darkness or the full spectrum of the Milky Way…no night goes unnoticed at Rogge Cloof. Ts & Cs apply.
Enquiries: bookings@capecountryroutes.com | www.capecountryroutes.com
Night Sky Wonders and Delights at Wildehondekloof and De Zeekoe – “Yes, we offer stargazing at Wildehondekloof and De Zeekoe Guest Farm! The Klein Karoo is renowned for its clear, unpolluted night skies and our stargazing evenings explore the Southern Celestial ‘High 5’ – the planets, stars, constellations, galaxies and globular clusters.” A family owned, privately operated, off the grid and malaria-free luxury game lodge 50 kms from Oudtshoorn, Wildehondekloof offers a range of accommodation, countryside teeming with diverse wildlife – buck species and giraffes, diverse birdlife, great food and a host of daylight activities – swimming, hiking, fynbos tasting tours, guided game drives and mountain biking; and situated only 40 kms away, its sister property, a working solar powered lucerne farm De Zeekoe Guest Farm, also offers a range of accommodation – en suite luxury and deluxe rooms and luxurious, private self-catering options plus a great onsite restaurant and various activities -swimming, hiking, biking, canoeing and the Five Shy meerkat tours. With the Klein Karoo’s clear, unpolluted night skies both these Cape Country Routes accredited destinations offer a memorable Stargazing – Explore the ‘High 5’ evening exploring the Southern Celestial ‘High 5’. A short walk from reception will get you to where the tour starts at 8pm – it lasts roughly two hours (R690 per person). Booking is essential. Ts & Cs apply.
Enquiries: bookings@capecountryroutes.com | www.capecountryroutes.com
Star-studded Sibuya Game Reserve – one of South Africa’s most unique safari destinations in the Eastern Cape spanning over 10 kms of the Kariega Estuary, the Cape Country Routes accredited Sibuya is the only game reserve in the country that is accessed solely by boat. Distinguished by its comfortable 4-star accommodation, superlative game-viewing experiences, diverse wildlife including the Big 5, Sibuya is also a bird-lover’s paradise offering night game drives, river cruises and guided walks. Spectacular sunrises, sunsets and, made for stargazers – the deep black night sky studded with unbelievably shimmering stars, will leave you breathless! Every moment at Sibuya is a moment that enriches your life. From the moment you arrive you become part of the ‘family’. One of the highly trained, experienced and passionate Sibuya guides, who has undergone specialised stargazing training, becomes your designated expert companion. For a unique star-studded ‘Sibuya Experience’ booking is essential. Ts & Cs apply.
Enquiries: bookings@capecountryroutes.com | www.capecountryroutes.com
Adventures Under the Stars – “At Gravity, we like to take you just that ‘little bit’ out of your comfort zone, to a place where you’ll connect with nature” – fishing – birding – hiking – rafting – camping – sleeping under the night sky out in nature is a magical experience …but the real magic happens when the sun sets, the sky darkens and the stars emerge. Multi-day wilderness rafting trips and nature experiences at some very remote places – Breede River – rafting trips, Thunder Alley on the Orange – remote wilderness rafting, the Doring River in the Cederberg – whitewater action and wild camping and the Cape Columbine Kayak Trail on the wild west coast – give a unique opportunity to connect with nature. This is where, once you’ve set up camp for the night and enjoyed a meal cooked on a fire, you’ll be amazed by the beauty and brightness of the night sky, free from light pollution, and where, lying on your back you’ll see the Southern Cross, the Milky Way and countless other constellations. These adventures, together with a range of bite-size (micro) adventures around Cape Town,suitable for a wide range of ages and skills, are offered by a Cape Country Routes member, Gravity Adventures, a Cape Town-based, award – winning adventure operation founded by the dynamic Kellett duo, Andrew and his wife Marie-Louise. Gravity Adventures offers unique and diverse adventures with safety a top priority. Qualified guides, well maintained equipment and great food are standard and good group discounts are available. We do Adventures! Ts & Cs apply.
Enquiries: bookings@capecountryroutes.com | www.capecountryroutes.com
