Escape the city lights: Top five stargazing destinations in South Africa

Escape the bright city lights for a better view of the cosmos. If you are looking for the best stargazing in South Africa, you have to leave the glare of the big cities behind. Escaping the bright lightsof our urban centres is the only way to see the Milky Way in its full, glittering splendour.

From the high plateaus of the Karoo to the red dunes of the north, these five spots offer the clearest views of the cosmos. Sutherland is famous for being the coldest town inSouth Africa, but it is even better known as the country’s premier astronomical hub. Located in the Northern Cape at a high altitude, the air here is thin, dry, and incredibly still.

These conditions are so perfect for looking at the stars that it was chosen as the site for the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT). Visitors can book night tours at the observatory or simply enjoy the view from almost any guesthouse in town. The South African Astronomical Observatory in Sutherland in the Northern Cape is renowned for its clear view of our galaxy, the Milky Way.

[paywall]

The Kgalagadi offers a stargazing experience that feels truly ancient. Because it is situated so far from any major human settlement, there is virtually zero light pollution. In 2019, it was recognised as an International Dark-Sky Sanctuary, meaning it is one of the darkest places on the planet.

[/paywall]