Sutherland Stargazing Jan '25

ABOUT

SAAO Tours

We are closed on public holidays and Sundays.

Stargazing activities are on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday and do not include access to SALT.

People per tour: 15

Fee: R120,00 per person

Children 6 – 11: R60

Children under 6: Free

Stargazing allows visitors to view interesting objects in the night sky, through two dedicated visitor telescopes. Note that visitors cannot visit any of the research telescopes at night. Astronomy is a light-sensitive science and no lights are allowed on the plateau in the evenings, making it impossible to see anything at all.

The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes but may be canceled due to inclement weather conditions.

Due to intermittant technical challenges experienced with our electronic telescopes, manual telescopes will be used for stargazing when required.

Tour fees go towards the SAAO’s education, public outreach, and socio-economic development programs. Tour bookings must be paid in advance – no payments will be accepted on-site.

Tour guides will meet you at the Visitor Centre at your scheduled time. If you arrive early please wait at the Visitor Centre for your guide. This is a secure site and all other buildings are off-limits to the public.

For queries, please contact +27 23 571 2436 during office hours or email [email protected]

PLEASE DO NOT DRIVE UP THE ROAD LEADING TO THE DOMES. This is a “NO LIGHTS” research area where local and international astronomers are at work. The visitors’ telescopes are located opposite the Visitor Centre and not up on the hill.

DIRECTIONS