Big cities are notorious for light pollution. It makes stargazing more like a squinting pursuit as you try to glimpse and focus on the glimmering stars.
Depending on what city you live in, going a bit further into the countryside might give you a clearer view of the night sky; however, the city’s glow can still distill the starlight.
If you’re planning a trip to the Cape, here are a few recommended places where you can stargaze.
Stargazing in and around Cape Town
The Cape is one of the most beautiful places in the world. It attracts visitors from all over, including locals. There are endless locations for travel and adventure, boasting some of the most stunning and awe-inspiring landscapes.
But don’t forget about the nightly landscapes, notably the unfolding cosmos in the sky. With ample places outside of the Mother City, the Cape’s countryside is a rich environment for stargazing because it’s more isolated and darker. Some of the recommended places include the famous Karoo region and Cederberg.
The Karoo in the Northern Cape is several hours away from Cape Town and offers numerous game reserves and lodges that make for perfect star-studded getaways. You will also find Sutherland, which has the South African Astronomical Observatory, which offers a wealth of information about how you can visit and book stargazing activities.
Cederberg is another region to try; here you will find the Cederberg Astronomical Observatory. They offer public evening viewings that include a look through their telescopes to give you a close-up of the night sky. There are various accommodation options in the area too. Some of the places include Sanddrif, which is approximately five minutes from the observatory, Kromrivier, which is 15 minutes away, and Driehoek, which is 20 minutes away.
While there are many more places in the Cape where you can stargaze to your heart’s content, the above are well-known to get started. If you’re looking for spots in the city, Table Mountain and Lion’s Head are often recommended. If you’re not in Cape Town and travelling to Jozi, you can also find a few stargazing spots there.
