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A journey into the universe
Planetariums
Did you know?
The Johannesburg Planetarium originally bought the projector that had be used but the CIty of Hamburg in Germany since 1930 - the Zeiss factory modernised it for it's new home.
If you find yourself in Johannesburg or Cape Town and have always been fascinated by the celestial objects in our galaxy and beyond, then include a visit to the South African Planetariums in your itinerary for a chance to journey into deep space without lifting your feet off the ground.
There are two wonderful planetariums where you can enjoy this experience: at Cape Town's Iziko Planetarium on Queen Victoria Street, situated in the beautiful Company Gardens, and at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. Both planetariums are centrally located and are easy to find.
The planetariums in South Africa are Africa's biggest, and the Johannesburg planetarium is the second biggest in the Southern Hemisphere. Both offer mind-expanding shows to the public, as well as astronomy lessons. Educate yourself about star constellations, the movements of the planets, the wonders of the southern skies and the extraordinary deep sky objects that have been discovered in our universe.
Powerful projectors, which use the latest technology to create visualisations of the universe, ensure that your experience of the night sky is evocative and all-consuming. Each presentation is enhanced with quality sound and high-resolution imagery and there are a variety of shows on offer throughout the year.
If you're serious about or obsessed with astronomy, then venture further and make a point of visiting the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) in the Karoo. Situated just outside the Northern Cape village of Sutherland, SALT is the largest optical telescope in the southern hemisphere, so powerful that it can look back 13-billion years to the beginning of time as we know it.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
For more information contact the
Johannesburg Planetarium on
Tel: +27 (0) 11 717 1392
Iziko Planetarium on
Tel: +27 (0) 21 481 3800
How to get here
Both planetariums are centrally-located and easy to reach in both Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Around the area
In Cape Town, visit the Company's Gardens, the city's green retreat, the V&A Waterfront, Robben Island. In Johannesburg, go to the nearby Johannesburg Zoo, Mandela Bridge, Newtown and Johannesburg City centre.
Get around
Take a cab from Sandton or Johannesburg City Centre to the University of Witwatersrand. The Iziko Planetarium is within walking distance from Cape Town's city centre.
What will it cost
Entrance fee is R20 - R30.
Length of stay
The shows at the planetariums are typically one hour.
Where to stay
All types of acommodation are available in both Johannesburg and Cape Town.
What to eat
There are plenty of good restaurants near both the planetariums.