After a day spent spotting game in the bush, what better way to wrap up the day than watching the stars come out across the vast African skies? Let’s take a look at the best places to sleep under the stars in East Africa.
Time is a relative thing in the heart of East Africa. With animals that have danced the same dances for millennia and landscapes that wait on sun and rain and nothing else, moments here do not pass with the relentless ticking of seconds. They dissolve, particularly at night when the southern hemisphere’s stars grace the sky.
The region has known countless generations of stargazers, who have used the constellations to determine seasonal cycles, plant crops or simply look up and wonder. Here are our top spots to enjoy the ancient pastime of stargazing when you’re on an East African safari.
1. Serengeti, Tanzania
The dark skies and unblemished plains of the Serengeti allow the naked eye to see circumpolar constellations that are unique to the southern hemisphere. These constellations circle the south celestial pole, without ever dipping below the horizon as their northern counterparts do. That’s why they never disappear from view. Other constellations are seasonal and are only visible at certain times of the year.
The South Pole points to the galactic centre of the Milky Way, meaning that stargazers in the Serengeti will see more bright stars and constellations than in the northern hemisphere. These include the Southern Cross, which is the third-brightest star in the night sky, and Alpha Centauri, the star system closest to us.
Where to Stay
Sayari Camp is located in the northern Serengeti, one of Tanzania’s most popular safari destinations. At Sayari, you can enjoy classic game drives and immersive walking safaris, a relaxing day in the Asilia Spa, a hot air balloon ride, or simply soak up the surroundings from the cool swimming pool or the comfort of your private deck.
2. Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with plenty of areas where the high altitude lends itself to stargazing. The air is less dense at higher altitudes, so visibility is excellent. And of course, there’s no interference from urban light pollution.
Where to Stay
The domed tents of The Highlands are located to the north of the Ngorongoro Crater at a high altitude. Like all Asilia camps, The Highlands has Wi-Fi so you can use your go-to stargazing app to spot some constellations. Enjoy a fascinating game drive across the floor of the Ngorongoro crater, then unwind with a barrel sauna session at the spa before you spend the evening stargazing.
3. Masai Mara, Kenya
The Masai Mara’s location near the equator allows you to potentially see all 88 constellations, from Ursa Minor in the north to the Southern Cross in the south. The dark skies and surrounding plains of the Masai Mara provide excellent viewing conditions.
Where to Stay
Rekero Camp is based in the heart of the Masai Mara with views overlooking the Talek River. Activities include game drives, big cat conservation talks and hot air balloon safaris. The camp is undergoing a refurbishment and will reopen in June 2024.
4. Follow the Great Wildebeest Migration
Some Asilia camps move around the Serengeti, tracking the herds of Africa’s Great Migration across the plains. This journey takes you far away from the light pollution of the cities, in a region where the dark skies offer incredible conditions for stargazing. Some urban areas only allow you to see around 500 stars at a time. On a good night with no cloud cover, you could see as many as 15,000 stars over the Serengeti.
The Serengeti is particularly good for stargazing during the dry season, when the plains’ unobstructed view of the night sky is enhanced by lower humidity. This makes for better visibility.
Where to Stay
Ubuntu Migration Camp is in the south from mid-November to mid-March, and in the north from mid-June to October.
Olakira Migration Camp features special mesh-covered stargazing tents to add something extra special to your evenings.
Night Drives and Fly Camping
If you’re looking to experience the hidden beauty of East Africa after the sun goes down, then a night-time game drive is the perfect adventure to add to your itinerary. You’ll get to see the nocturnal wildlife out and about, and your guide will point out the various stars and constellations above you.
Fly camping is another fun adventure that should give you some amazing stargazing opportunities. Spend the afternoon enjoying a walking safari as you and your guide trek to the fly campsite. This is a small, intimate temporary mobile camp some distance away from your main camp, in the middle of the bush. Here, you can sit in silence and watch the stars come out one by one, feeling a deep connection to the wild nature surrounding you.
Honeymoons and Romantic Getaways
There are few things more romantic than gazing up at the glittering night sky with your partner, searching for shooting stars to wish on. Make sure stargazing is on your list of activities when you book a honeymoon safari with Asilia.
Stargazing Apps for Your Safari
All our camps have Wi-Fi which makes stargazing that much easier, with the help of some informative and entertaining apps.
Here are a few apps you can download before joining us on safari:
• StarWalk 2
• StarChart
• Night Sky
• Sky Tonight
• SkySafari 7
• SkyView
Stargazing on safari is a truly unforgettable experience. When you book your East African getaway, be sure to visit at least one of these amazing stargazing locations, and include a night drive or fly camping expedition in your itinerary as well.
Asilia has a special offer to make your safari budget go further; book any Asilia properties for 7+ consecutive nights, and get all inter-camp travel free.
