The best places to go stargazing in South Africa offer a dreamy experience. The array of stars, planets, and Milky Way dust is a breathtaking sight. These magical evenings are sure to make memories that will last a lifetime.
Who knew that winter is actually the best time for stargazing? Because of the way the Earth turns, we get a better view of the Milky Way during winter. Also, thanks to the drier cold air, we can see the stars more clearly. So, if you’re wrapped up warmly and ready to pack a suitcase, here are the best spots to stargaze in the country.
1. Sutherland, Northern Cape
We couldn’t talk about where to go stargazing in South Africa without mentioning Sutherland. Sutherland hosts the South African Astronomical Observatory and the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT). This world-class telescope provides unparalleled views of the cosmos.
Sutherland is a tiny village in the vast Northern Cape. Because of the low number of people living there and low levels of light pollution, visitors can see some of the starriest skies in the country even without the telescope.
2. Drakensberg Mountains, KwaZulu-Natal
The clear, high-altitude skies of the Drakensberg Mountains make it an excellent location for observing stars and constellations. At night, constellations like the Southern Cross and Orion seem closer than ever.
Apart from stargazing opportunities, the Drakensberg also offers some of the best hiking in South Africa. The area attracts diverse birds and also boasts thousands of San rock art paintings.
3. Cederberg Mountains, Western Cape
Located just two hours from Cape Town, the Cederberg region offers clear skies and minimal light pollution, making it an ideal spot to go stargazing in South Africa.
The Cederberg is an area rich in the history of the San people. Travellers can learn about their history by day and watch the sky light up with San mythology at night. Take, for instance, the origins of the Milky Way: One evening, a young girl dancing around the fire grabbed a fistful of ashes. She threw them up into the air, and they lit up the sky forever…
4. Quiver Tree Forest, Northern Cape
With Quiver Tree Forest, the Northern Cape again delivers an exceptional spot to go stargazing in South Africa. You’ll find this ancient forest on the Ganabos farm near Loeriesfontein.
The quiver tree is a kind of aloe that the Khoisan have used for centuries to fashion quivers for their arrows. The trees can live as long as 400 years. When the sun goes down, the distinctive quiver trees provide a captivating backdrop for evening star observations.
5. Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga
Beyond its wildlife, Kruger offers guided stargazing tours, allowing visitors to explore the night sky while learning traditional myths about the origins of the constellations. With the growing popularity of astronomy, there are also guided tours of the heavens on offer.
Kruger National Park is massive and some stargazing spots are better than others. Punda Maria Camp, in the northern part of the park, is a particularly good place to go stargazing in South Africa.
What’s the best place to go stargazing in South Africa?
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