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Heavens above
South African skies
South African skies, a spectacle of beauty.
© South African Tourism
Did you know?
The last time the Southern Cross, the southern hemisphere's most famous constellation, was visible in Jerusalem was around 30 AD. It is no longer visible at latitudes north of 25 degrees.
There are a thousand different ways to enjoy looking at the skies over South Africa. As the sun rises from the eastern horizon you might find yourself sitting on a chair overlooking the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a World Heritage site in KwaZulu-Natal, with a hippo for company.
Or maybe you've spent 2 days hiking to the top of the Amphitheatre in the world-renowned Drakensberg, and you're warming yourself around a fire, drinking hot coffee, as one of the most spectacular dawns on the planet is revealed to you.
As the day takes shape, a storm brews over Johannesburg. Giant rain clouds gather in all their dark and menacing glory. You're sitting 10 floors up in Skye Bar in Sandton, sipping a margarita as fork lightning bisects the Highveld and thunder rattles the glass windows.
And as the sun slinks slowly over the western horizon announcing the end of another spectacular day in Africa you head up to the top of Lion's Head in Cape Town at full moon to watch the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean, while simultaneously observing moonrise. It's quite a walk and a gentle sea breeze cools your body as the last strands of sunlight disappear.
The stars are out in all their heavenly magnificence as you hike through the bush on a night safari in the Kruger National Park. Your guide tells you to lie back in the long grass and look at the African sky. The Milky Way is crystal clear tonight and the Southern Cross points your way back home. In the distance a lion roars and you feel the vibration through the earth.
Wherever you find yourself in this beautiful country, close your eyes and dream of the heavens. There is a lot to look forward to. It's only a few hours to sunrise.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Sutherland Tourism - Karoo Hoogland Tourism
Tel: +27 (0)23 571-1265
Email: hooglandtourism@telkomsa.net
Cape Tourism
Tel: +27 (0)21 405-4500
Email: info@tourismcapetown.co.za
Kruger Park
Tel: +27 (0)21 468-7255
Email: enquiry@krugerpark.com
What to pack
Champagne and orange juice for sun up, a smooth Cabernet for sundown and someone warm for the night sky.
Where to stay
Watch the sun rise in Kosi Bay, watch it set from Signal Hill and look at the stars in Sutherland or anywhere in the Karoo.