Stargazing Spots in Cape Town

4 stargazing spots in cape town

The sky is at its best on crisp, clear winter nights when there’s no humidity in the air. So now, with the turning of seasons and earlier sunsets, you have a good chance to explore the marvel of the Southern Hemisphere night sky. Remember:

- When the moon is full, there’s so much light that it washes out everything else. Pick moonless nights or be out before the moon rise.

- Google Sky Map is basically Google Maps, but for space. Its data is pulled from a wide range of sources, including the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, the Hubble Space Telescope and NASA’s Chandra satellite.

Signal Hill

Although located in the heart of the city. Its elevated position above city buildings and light pollution, the lack of street lights and passing traffic, makes this location a great spot to explore and soak in the night sky. The many viral night images taken form Signal Hill in recent years are the best evident to support this spot.

Llandudno, a seaside suburb of Cape Town is located in a secluded bay on the slop of the Atlantic Seaboard, off the road to Hout Bay. There are no street lights, shops or commercial activities, making it another accessible stargazing area.

If you are looking to combine the star gazing with an elegant evening outing, the 12 Apostles hotel, mid-way between Camps Bay and Hout Bay is just what you are looking for.

Beneath towering mountains and above the ocean, with no other civilised structure for kilometers around, this 5-Star hotel is a one of a kind experience. Drinks on the terrace or full candle light dinners are regular to their menu.

If, by any chance, you are in the Cape Winelands overnight, the Afrikaans Taalmonument above Paarl is a known stargazing location among locals. It is a much known spot and when circumstances allow, the local Orion Observation Group hosts a tutored night, sharing their knowledge and telescopes.