Astro-tourism – a top 2025 travel trend
Looking ahead to 2025, it’s clear that astro-tourism will be one of the top travel trends of the year. Although it sounds like it might involve blasting off into space, it’s actually an experience you can enjoy right here on Earth.
Astro-tourism is part of the wider ‘noctourism’ trend – that is, making the most of the chance to enjoy out-of-this-world experiences during the hours of darkness. From speaking to our contacts in the travel industry – and our guests – it’s clear that people are looking to feel more connected to the natural world, and that’s ultimately what astro-tourism is all about.
Stargazing
Stargazing can be challenging if you live in a city – light pollution can make it almost impossible to observe constellations and planets. In Africa, however, that is not an issue – wilderness areas are almost entirely free of artificial light, so you can enjoy the night skies in all their glory.
If you travel here from the northern hemisphere, you can also expect to see different constellations to the ones you might be more familiar with, but, using a laser pointer, your guide can soon teach you all you need to know about recognizing all those twinkling points of light.
A stargazing activity is also the ideal way to get more insights into ancient skills like navigating by the stars, and into the cultures of Africa. Just like the ancient Greeks and Romans, African people have always seen shapes in the stars, and given them names to reflect the stories that they believe explain their presence and arrangement.
For example, the San of the Kalahari are said to regard the Southern Cross as the head of a giraffe, placed in the night sky to keep a watchful eye out for the coming of dawn (as the tallest animal, the giraffe would be able to see furthest over the horizon). There are also wonderfully evocative tales about star-crossed lovers and the scattered embers of fires.
Where to see stars in Africa
All African wilderness areas offer wonderful views of the night sky – especially during the dry season when clouds are rare. However, certain regions are particularly renowned for their stunning views of the Milky Way, comets and satellites. These include the deserts of Namibia – arguably the finest astro-tourism destination of all. Click here to view our Best of Namibia Itinerary– and the Northern Cape region of South Africa, which is home to globally important observatories.
Things that go roar in the night
Stars aren’t the only things to come out at night in Africa – many interesting species are nocturnal, and a lot of hunting activity tends to happen under cover of darkness. Guided night drives are an established safari activity, and a wonderful opportunity to witness species and behaviors that you may not see during the day. Using spotlights with red filters (so as not to impact animals’ night vision), your guide will be able to find creatures you’ve not seen before – and even some you may never have heard of.
Alternatively, join a scorpion walk and see how these arachnids glow a ghostly blue-white color when exposed to UV light.
Bush TV and tall tales
Then of course there’s perhaps the oldest safari tradition of them all – sitting round the campfire at night, sharing safari stories. It’s perhaps the very best way to get to know your fellow travelers, learn more about the animals and birds you’ve been seeing, and most of all, to enjoy that all important sense of connection.
To enjoy the best of African astro-tourism in 2025, contact Journey Beyond today.