Their northern counterpart, the aurora borealis, has captivated people for centuries, drawing visitors to the Nordics, Iceland and Greenland to see the spectacular display.
While gazing at the sky isn’t new, astrotourism is gaining in popularity as people seek quieter, more introspective experiences – and the darkest skies possible for stargazing, meteor showers and celestial phenomena.
South Africa’s Department of Tourism marked World Tourism Day at the end of September with the launch of the country’s National Astro Tourism Strategy, intended to capitalise on this trend – and unlock the country’s undeveloped dark-sky resources.
For Antoinette Turner, General Manager at Flight Centre South Africa, this is incredibly exciting, as South Africa can easily hold its own against the best astrotourism destinations in the world.
“Astrotourists are looking for wide open spaces, big skies, zero light pollution, and the option of nearby research facilities or observatories,” says Turner. “All of which South Africa has in abundance.”
Planning a stargazing trip to remember? Here are a few of Turner’s top picks.
There’s a reason the Department of Tourism chose Carnarvon in the Northern Cape for the launch of its Astro Tourism Strategy: it’s one of the most peaceful places in the world. Not only do the Karoo skies, high altitude and complete lack of light and atmospheric pollution make it the perfect spot for stargazing, but the region is also home to the MeerKAT radio telescope and Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project which, once completed, will be 50 times more powerful than the Hubble Space telescope.
If you are road tripping through the Northern Cape, a visit to the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) in Sutherland is an absolute must. Not only can visitors book a guided tour of the facility – but they can also enjoy a quintessentially Southern African stargazing experience just outside of town.
!Ae!Hai Kalahari Heritage Park located just south of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, was declared an International Dark Sky Sanctuary in 2019, making it one of the most significant cultural, ecological and astronomical destinations on the continent. Visitors can learn more about the ǂKhomani San and Mier peoples, spot wildlife in the semi-desert savannah, and experience the power of storytelling – and stargazing – once the sun goes down.
According to Turner, the Kruger National Park also lends itself beautifully to astrotourism. “Many of the private camps in and around Kruger also offer ‘astro-safaris’,” says Turner. “Guides have honed their knowledge and stargazing skills and are able to point out the constellations and bright stars seen in the Southern Hemisphere. It adds another dimension to night drives.”
Namibia
The only other place in Africa to hold International Dark Sky accreditation is Namibiaʼs NamibRand Nature Reserve – which DarkSky International describes as “one of the naturally darkest yet accessible places on Earth”. Here visitors have the opportunity to overnight in ‘open-air’ tents where they can view the Milky Way, Southern Cross, and the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds (LMC and SMC) from the comfort of their beds!
New Zealand
If you’re flying to New Zealand, Turner explains that you have at least eight dark sky sanctuaries to choose from: Great Barrier Island, Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, Oxford Forest Conservation Area, Kaikōura, Kawarau Gibbston Dark Sky Park, Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve, Wai-iti and Stewart Island/Rakiura. “Tātai aroraki, or Maori astronomy, is incredibly important to the Māori people,” says Turner. “Whether you’re travelling to the South Island or North Island, you’ll be able to find a stargazing destination – and a spiritual experience like no other.”
Chile
For astro-tourists heading to South America, the Atacama Desert in Chile remains one of the most famous stargazing destinations in the world. As Turner explains, San Pedro de Atacama lies on the border of Chile and Bolivia, which means visitors can combine a trip into the desert (considered one of the driest places on earth) with a visit to Bolivia’s extraordinary salt flats. “This part of South America is incredible. Those with a spirit of adventure can experience geothermal geysers, turquoise lagoons, the red stones of Atacama – and some of the best stargazing on the planet.”
USA
The very first destination to receive International Dark Sky accreditation, Natural Bridges National Monument in Utah is considered to be the darkest national park in America. “For those looking for deep dark skies, a trip to Utah has to be at the top of the bucket list,” says Turner. “Park rangers offer educational stargazing seminars by night, while visitors can hike the park’s three natural bridges by day!”
“People are increasingly looking for peaceful, silent spaces to learn more about our galaxy – and contemplate the mysteries of the universe,” says Turner. “Eclipse chasers, stargazers and astrotourists are the next big thing – and it’s transforming the way people think about a destination.”
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