Namibia Stargazing Tours

The darkest and sparkliest skies you've ever seen

GALLERY
Who should go
WHERE TO EXPERIENCE IT
When to go
TOURS
Accommodations
What to expect

DISCOVER STARS AND OTHER CELESTIAL OBJECTS YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN BEFORE

With endless deserts and remote wilderness, Namibia is the perfect destination for those who want to escape the city lights and immerse themselves in the beauty of the night sky. Stargazing tours in Namibia will surely enchant you. Besides Chile, Namibia is one of the most popular locations for astronomical observations. Whether you are an experienced stargazer or simply fascinated by stars, Namibia offers you unprecedented glimpses into the universe thanks to its clear and dark night skies.

Who should go

All those who want to lose themselves in the endless universe

Namibia offers the perfect conditions for stargazing tours. Whether you’re a fully equipped astrophotographer, an amateur astronomer, or maybe just a passionate stargazer, Namibia will surely sweep you off your feet. Some accommodations have Astro Guides who can explain the wonders of the universe to you—an invaluable advantage, especially for beginners. If you are looking for a new challenge as a photographer, Namibia offers the best conditions for capturing distant galaxies. There is no better way to slow down: Here it’s just you and millions of stars in the midst of Namibia’s wild nature. While some stars may have burned out years ago, you are fully in the here and now.

Photographers
Serenity Seekers
Nature Lovers

WHERE TO EXPERIENCE IT

IN REMOTE PLACES FAR FAR AWAY FROM THE BIG CITY LIGHTS

Namibia is a sparsely populated country: some deserts are so far from any civilization that there is practically no light pollution here. Classified as an “International Dark Sky Reserve” (IDSR), the private NamibRand Nature Reserve in southwestern Namibia offers one of the best views of the Milky Way. Additionally, the Gamsberg is one of the best places for stargazing tours in the Southern Hemisphere.

EXPLORE DESTINATIONS

When to go

The Gamsberg in Namibia is known for having up to 220 astronomically useful nights a year with very little air pollution – here you find clear, starry nights in the truest sense of the word. To experience extra-terrestrial insights, you should avoid the rainy season from December to April. Thanks to low light and air pollution in the hardly populated country, however, you can experience an impressive starry sky all year round and also during the rainy season.

Dry Season

May to NovemberBest time for stargazing tours

In the dry winter months from May to November, conditions for stargazing tours in Namibia are ideal. During this time, skies are usually clear and air pollution is at its lowest, promising fantastic astronomical observations. If you are lucky enough, this is also the best time to catch a glimpse of the elusive Southern Lights (Aurora Australis). The winter months are also ideal for visiting Namibia’s national parks and deserts, as wildlife is more active and temperatures are milder during this time. You can stargaze in Namibia all year round, but you will typically find the best conditions during the winter months, which are considered the prime season for stargazing tours.

Green Season

December to AprilDependent on the day but still many clear nights

Travelling during the rainy season doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be able to stargaze in Namibia. While increased humidity and clouds can lead to reduced visibility, there are many areas in Namibia that experience very little rainfall, even during the rainy season. The Namib Desert, for example, usually has clear night skies even during this time. Between December and April, you can experience other natural wonders such as thunderstorms or lightning shows. If you are coming to Namibia during the rainy season and would like to do a stargazing tour, it is best to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly.

AN “OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD” EXPERIENCE

Namibia is the perfect destination for unparalleled insights into the universe, and stargazing tours are easy to integrate into your Namibia itinerary. After a captivating pink sunset, you experience a night sky like nowhere else.

Small Group Lodge Tour

Magnificent Namibia

Places Windhoek, Kalahari, Keetmanshoop, Fish River Canyon, Luderitz, Namib Desert, Swakopmund, Erongo Mountains, Damaraland, Etosha National Park, Waterberg Plateau

21 Days

from 88,000 NAD person sharing a double room

Private Self-Drive Trip

Namibia Highlights in Style

Places Windhoek, Okonjima, Onguma Reserve, Twyfelfontein, Erongo Mountains, Swakopmund, Namib Desert

15 Days

from 80,500 NAD person sharing a double room

Your personalised holiday in one of the most exciting countries in Africa

Tailor-Made Tours

Price on request (RQ)

Accommodations

NIGHT SAFARIS, ASTRO GUIDES, STARGAZING TOURS OR ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORIES

Some lodges in Namibia offer night safaris, where you not only experience the impressive night sky, but also nocturnal animals. Some lodges have Astro Guides who are familiar with the wonders of the cosmos. Other accommodations even have their own observatory, with state-of-the-art telescopes and other equipment. Located in an endless sea of sand, you can experience unforgettable views of Namibia’s starry sky from your glass suite in the andBeyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge. The lodge borders on the only “Dark Sky Reserve” in Africa. There is not only an observatory here, but also a skylight for stargazing from the bed. At accommodations like Agama Lodge, Elegant Desert Camp or Namib Dune Star Lodge, you have the option to book a night under the stars, sleeping under the open sky on your private terrace or roof. This is also the case when hiking the Tok Tokkie Trail – you will sleep in the middle of the Namib Desert under Namibia’s starry night sky.

Agama Lodge

Namib Dune Star Camp

&Beyond Sossusvlei Lodge

Tok Tokkie Trail

The Elegant Desert Eco Camp at sunset in Namibia

The Elegant Desert Camp

Highlights of the most beautiful night sky in the world

What to expect on stargazing tours in Namibia

Experiencing Namibia’s endless night sky is a unique experience—here it’s just you and the universe, in the deserted wilderness under the never-ending starry sky.

What is the best place for astrophotography in Namibia?

With one of the least light-polluted skies in the world, the Khomas/Gamsberg region about two hours from Windhoek is also one of the best places for astrophotography. Thanks to its remote location, there is very little light pollution here and the night skies are clear. At the Gamsberg mountain pass, you can capture impressive photos of the Milky Way and many other celestial objects.

While the Khomas Highland is arguably one of the best places for astrophotography in Namibia, there are many other areas in Namibia where you can capture stunning photos of the universe. Just keep in mind that for good astrophotography you need some experience as well as special equipment: You should have a camera with manual exposure, a tripod, a wide-angle lens and a remote shutter release to avoid movement during long exposure times.

One of the best places in the world to see the beautiful night sky - that's Namibia.

What is the best place for stargazing tours in Namibia?

One of the best areas for stargazing tours in Namibia is the Sossusvlei. This is also where the private NamibRand Nature Reserve is located, which was awarded Gold Status by the International Dark Sky Reserve (IDSR). Only landscapes with natural darkness and outstanding starry skies, which are still easily accessible, receive this sought-after title. Most lodges here offer stargazing infrastructure and many also have trained Astro Guides.

Another place in Namibia that is known for stargazing tours is the Gamsberg. Located west of Windhoek, the Khomas Highlands have the third-clearest night sky in the world. With a 2.5 km long and 800 m wide plateau, Namibia’s largest table mountain is still one of the world’s three best astronomical sites in the Southern Hemisphere. Here you find the International Amateur Observatory (IAS) as well as the Hakos Astro Guest Farm. The lodge itself has three observatories, freestanding telescopes, observation platforms and other equipment that is also rented out to guests. Guests who might be intimidated by the very professional facilities can go on stargazing tours.

What equipment do you need for stargazing tours in Namibia?

Even if stargazing is not the focus of your Namibia trip, there are a few useful items that can make your nightly observations even more impressive:

Binoculars: Experience stellar constellations and the moon even more intimately. Some accommodations have binoculars for guests to borrow.
Telescope: Some lodges have observatories with state-of-the-art telescopes for guests to use. With a telescope, you can discover stars even better and, above all, observe planets and galaxies up close.
A comfortable chair or blanket: It should be comfortable! Whether you sit or even lie down, it allows you to relax and fully enjoy the experience.
Warm clothes: Even in the dry winter months, temperatures can drop significantly at night. Wrap yourself up in warm clothes, so you can enjoy your stargazing tours.
A Star Map: A Star Map will help you get more out of your stargazing experience, even as a beginner. There are helpful free apps such as Google Sky Map: Point your smartphone at the sky and the app will help you identify stars, planets, and constellations.