Online Reporter
Simbarashe Murima, [email protected]
The interior of Southern African countries offers tourists a distinctive experience by embodying a unique montage of cultural heritage, landscapes, undulating highlands, and uplands contiguous with flora and fauna.
In contrast, visitors have an unparalleled chance to take in the region’s shrouded stars, which are most visible from April to October.
Thus, Noctourism, also known as Dark Sky tourism, is a slowly expanding type of tourism that pushes astronomy enthusiasts to the countryside or isolated rural locations with little to no artificial light influence in search of the best and most breathtaking stargazing experiences that align with the dark sky attraction and human connection.
Stargazing is a nocturnal activity that requires open skies free from artificial light. For example, city lights produce pollution that obscures the visibility of the stars, planets, and moon.
Nonetheless, even though it may appear to be underrated or misunderstood in some parts of Southern Africa’s tourism circles, noctourism has a potential niche market in the region.
Hence, with proper marketing and promotion, noctourism will have major positive social, economic, and environmental effects, contributing to sustainable rural tourism development.
For instance, stargazing in Zimbabwe offers a unique experience due to its immaculate skies and low light pollution. A mild atmosphere and open areas enable spending a night under the stars of Nyanga National Park and Matobo Hills, a splendid site.
Likewise, the finest place to see stars in South Africa is Sutherland, a little settlement in the Upper Karoo, known as the “Star Gazing Capital,” which is idyllic for astronomy and stargazing activities.
In the west of the region, Namibia has some of the world’s top places, such as the Namib Desert, Sossusvlei, and Damaraland (Kunene region), to view stars and partake in other interests like astrophotography.
Moreover, located in the south-eastern part of the region, Mozambique is home to Gorongosa National Park, which is one of the best places to observe stars.
Traversing across the region, we discover Mulanje Mountain, in Malawi, as one of the perfect places for starwatching.
Similarly, Botswana, well-known for its abundant wildlife and breathtaking scenery, offers amazing stargazing spots in the Okavango Delta and the Kalahari Desert.
Furthermore, Mutinondo Wilderness and Kasanka National Park in Zambia undrapes some of the most stupefying locations for stargazing, particularly for tourists looking for a fusion of tranquillity, adventure, and wildlife.
However, because of its high height and low levels of light pollution, the Huambo Plateau in Angola, the second-largest Portuguese-speaking (Lusophone) nation, provides an exciting stargazing experience.
Lesotho, Africa’s “Kingdom in the Sky”, is home to the Katse Dam, and the Mafeteng Observatory is a premier spot for stargazing that offers astronomy enthusiasts a remarkable experience supported by geographically favourable celestial events.
Lastly, we discover Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland)’s best-hidden haven for stargazing, which comprises Mantenga Cultural Village and Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, which render the opportunity to take a glimpse of the “water kings,” the hippos and crocodiles.
It’s intriguing to learn that stargazing is one of the most captivating methods to connect with nature.
It not only makes you a better person, but it also reduces stress, allows for escape, and improves mental health.
The integration of astronomy with tourism seeks to attract high-value travellers who are in search of immersive stargazing and astronomical experiences.
Simbarashe Murima (PhDc) writes in his capacity as an education, tourism and hospitality expert in Namibia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. For feedback, contact 0781480742
