Astronomy and Wildlife in South Africa
South African astronomy has an illustrious history, benefitting from fabulous dark and clear skies. This expert-guided cultural and safari tour of South Africa includes star-gazing and takes in the history of the country’s astronomy and its current work at the famous South African Astronomical Observatory.
Led by a Professor of Space Science, with specialist local astronomy and wildlife guides, you also spend time in Cape Town, the famous Winelands and Kruger National Park, where we include stargazing and three game drives.
South Africa’s dark skies are some of the best in the world for astronomy. Winter is especially good, when cold dry air and cloudless skies provide clear views of star clusters, galaxies and southern constellations – even with the naked eye. This tour, organised in partnership with the Royal Astronomical Society, includes stargazing in some of South Africa’s best dark sky locations and visits to its most eminent astronomical institutions.
Your Tour Includes
TRAVEL
Return flights and transfers
Included travel insurance
VIP door-to-door travel service
ACCOMMODATION
Local astronomy expert
Local wildlife guides
Porterage at all hotels
EXPERIENCES
Tour Manager in South Africa
Host in the UK
FOOD & DRINK
Glass of wine with included dinners
25 meals: 11 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 8 dinners
Day 1 London
Arrive at the Radisson Blu Edwardian Vanderbilt Hotel in Kensington, London.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2 Royal Astronomical Society
Meals Included: Breakfast | Lunch
Day 3 Cape Town
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 4 Cape Town City Tour
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 5 Cape Point and Boulders Beach
Meals Included: Breakfast | Lunch
Day 6 Rogge Cloof
Meals Included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 7 South African Astronomical Observatory
Meals Included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 8 Prince Albert
Meals Included: Breakfast | Dinner
Day 9 Prince Albert to Franschhoek
Meals Included: Breakfast | Lunch
Day 10 Winelands and Tram Tour
Meals Included: Breakfast | Dinner
Day 11 Franschhoek to Kruger National Park
The following morning you return to Cape Town Airport for a short flight to Nelspruit, gateway to Kruger National Park.
Meals Included: Breakfast | Dinner
Day 12 Kruger National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 13 Early Morning Game Drive and Return to the UK
Your final day in South Africa starts with another early morning game drive in Kruger National Park, returning in time for breakfast.
Later you head to Nelspruit for a domestic flight to Johannesburg, followed by an onward overnight flight back to the UK.
Meals Included: Breakfast
