Best stargazing getaways close to Cape Town

For the ultimate in stargazing, you have to trek about four hours from Cape Town to the Northern Cape's Sutherland. - but it's worth it. Known as the epicentre of South Africa's scientific astonomy endeavours thanks to its incredibly dark skies, Sutherland is where you will find the he South African Astronomical Observatory and the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT). 

Stay at the Cape Country Routes accredited Rogge Cloof in the eco-conscious Rogge Cloof Private Nature Reserve and it's eco-Village, ‘star plains’ that span over 20 000 hectares. You'll discover "stars so bright and close" from the comfort of the lodge. Their stargazing tours (weather dependent) include a tutorial from the lead guide and observations of the stars through its onsite 10" Meade telescope.

From Kommetjie and Misty Cliffs to Scarborough and Cape Point, this quieter stretch of coastline has far less light pollution than the city and offers sweeping ocean horizons that are ideal for night sky viewing.

For those wanting to stay overnight, accommodation inside Table Mountain National Park is available through South African National Parks, providing a rare chance to experience the Cape Peninsula after dark. With limited development and vast natural surroundings, it’s one of the most secluded stargazing settings close to Cape Town.

Staying slightly closer to the city, Tintswalo Atlantic, is perfectly positioned between towering mountains and the dark Atlantic Ocean along the dramatic Chapman’s Peak Drive.

With minimal surrounding developments and expansive sea views, this lodge offers excellent night skies when the weather is clear. Take Cunnama's advise and download the astronomy app of your choice, sit on your private deck while the waves crash below, and take in the skies from this uniquely Cape Town luxury stay. 

With its glass rooftop, sleeping under the stars, without actually sleeping under the stars, is what it's all about in this remote cabin. Just one of the quaint options from Little Acre Luxury Pods, this pod sleeps two and is located on the Waverley Hill Organic Wines & Olive Estate. Along with stargazing nights, your days will be filled with gorgeous mountain views. 

De Hoop Nature Reserve, one of the Western Cape’s largest, most beautiful and unspoiled nature reserves, offers exceptionally dark skies that are excellent for stargazing.With minimal light pollution, clear nights give you unprecedented displays of the constellations, bright planets and the moon.

De Hoop Collection, located in the heart of the Reserve, has a range of stay options and activities. Group stays can request a stargazing tour (entirely weather dependent) to learn more about Canis major, the Southern Cross and interesting ‘sky’ facts. Your day activities can include whale-watching, guided marine walks, bird walks, guided vulture experience, nature drives, eco-boat cruises and the 'Origins of Early Southern Sapiens Behaviour’ exhibition, amongst many others. 

Located in the rugged Cederberg mountains, Bushmans Kloof is far enough from city lights to reveal dazzling views of the Milky Way. The reserve’s remote valleys and sandstone formations create an ideal setting for astronomy enthusiasts and photographers alike. They also have local experts to guide you through the constellations as they share "skylore, cultural traditions, and spirituality around nature." 

Tucked high in the Houwhoek Mountains above Botrivier, Kolkol Mountain Lodge is a secluded retreat surrounded by fynbos-covered slopes and sweeping valley views. The lodge’s position on the mountainside places it well above much of the region’s light pollution, creating clearer, darker skies than you might expect just over an hour from Cape Town.

These cabins are designed to maximise the natural setting, with private decks that face the mountains and valleys below. One of the lodge’s signature features is its private wood-fired hot tubs. These warm outdoor baths make it easy to settle in after sunset and watch the stars emerge overhead while enjoying the surrounding stillness that lends itself perfectly to slow evenings under the night sky.

Love retreats offering a hot tub? Check out these 13 best hot tub getaways near Cape Town.

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