Africa and Latin America are two of the best places for stargazing in the world.
Beneath a blanket of celestial white lights, areas like Sossusvlei or the Sacred Valley envelop you in the calming silence of night, inviting you to doze off to the soothing tones of nature under the flickering stars.
Seeing the night sky without light pollution blocking your view is something you'll always remember. Galaxies and nebulas dance graciously, meteors shoot through space at a lightening pace, and distant planets shine bright like a diamond. It all comes to life before your eyes, a performance unlike any other.
Discover our list of where to sleep under the stars, including the following:
Best Places for Stargazing in Africa
1. Sossusvlei, Namibia
2. South Luangwa, Zambia
3. Kruger National Park, South Africa
4. Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana
5. Laikipia, Kenya
Best Places for Stargazing in Latin America
1. Sacred Valley, Peru
2. Tayrona National Park, Colombia
3. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
4. Chilean Patagonia, Chile
5. Atacama Desert, Chile
Best Places for Stargazing in Africa
1. Sossusvlei, Namibia
Sossusvlei stargazing is spectacular – one of Namibia's most renowned experiences.
Due to little light pollution, the Namibia night sky illuminates every evening with bright stars forming beautiful constellations in the vast Milky Way. Enormous, towering dunes contrast with the barren wilderness, creating the perfect backdrop for your astrophotography. Here, it's just you and nature.
While in the salt pans, stay at Kwessi Dunes Lodge in the remote NamibRand Nature Reserve, where you’ll be surrounded by a variety of resident nocturnal creatures, from polecats to Cape fox and aardwolf. NamibRand Nature Reserve also shares borders with Namib-Naukluft National Park and the Nubib Mountains. It’s the perfect place for rest and relaxation on a wildlife-rich holiday.
- Plan your next trip to Sossusvlei with our Guide to Visiting Namibia
2. South Luangwa, Zambia
In the southern end of Zambia's Great Rift Valley, South Luangwa presents you with a sandbox of striking landscapes to explore, including ox-bow lagoons and open grassy plains. Following an eventful game drive during the day, return to your new camp set up for the night and discover why it's a prime stargazing location.
An experience unlike any other, Luwi Bush Camp immerses you deeply in South Luangwa National Park’s remote wilderness. The team sets up camp on a dry riverbed with cosy bed roll and tent, so you can spot celestial wonders and fall asleep listening to enchanting wildlife, all under the canopy of the peaceful African sky. Seeing shooting stars without light pollution blocking your view is beyond magical.
3. Kruger National Park, South Africa
When you think of Kruger National Park in South Africa, you hear the roar of the mighty lion, picture a unit of gentle elephants travelling with their calves and smell the fresh air typical of an early morning safari. But the iconic game reserve is also a magnificent stargazing spot with phenomenal cosmic views.
Spend a night under the stars in a Ngala Safari Lodge or Ngala Tented Camp at &Beyond Ngala Private Game Reserve. The former are set on the banks of the Mapone River in the north while the latter are on raised decks linked to the main guest areas by wooden walkways. Experience the romance of the African night sky as you drift off underneath the impressive light show performing before your very eyes.
- Alongside Kruger National Park, explore the Best Family Holiday Destinations in South Africa
4. Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana
By visiting the moon-like landscape of the Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana, you'll be treated to breathtaking sunsets leading to twilight, lighting up the night sky in Africa with stunning star patterns.
Camping under the stars at Leroo La Tau is an incredibly enriching experience. After an adventurous day filled with wildlife viewing across the salt pans, you get to unwind with a romantic evening of stargazing. Listen to the calming sounds of nature and enjoy the solitude of being in the middle of nowhere, away from civilisation. Up above, you can see various constellations such as the Scorpius, which is made up of over ten stars with planets, including Antares – a red supergiant that's the 16th brightest star in our sky.
5. Laikipia, Kenya
An area of sweeping plains and rugged gorges in Kenya, the Laikipia Plateau is a place where thorny acacias and wild palms mingle with candelabra trees and gigantic rocky kopjes. Mirroring these spectacular sights, the Africa night sky presents the perfect conditions for stargazing in the darkness.
Pitch up your stargazing tent at Loisaba Tented Camp & Star Beds. As you're perched high on the edge of a 500ft escarpment, you overlook the Loisaba conservancy and snow-capped Mount Kenya. From your innovative 'Star Bed', not only will you get a great view of these surroundings, but you also get to wonder at the universe all night long. Each wooden double bed frame can be wheeled out onto the private veranda, offering you the chance to stargaze, enjoying the sounds of the abundant wildlife in the process.
"Africa is brimming with wonderful stargazing hotspots, where you can see the brightest stars in our galaxy. Every single one of these experiences is unique in their own way, so speak with our Travel Specialists to add them to your tailor-made itinerary." – Candice Buchan, Head of Rainbow
Best Places for Stargazing in Latin America
1. Sacred Valley, Peru
Stargazing in the Sacred Valley is perhaps the most unique experience on our list. This ancient Incan region in Peru follows the Urubamba River between Cuzco and Machu Picchu, unlike other stargazing spots which feel more open and desolate. You can even see the stars from high up in the mountains.
At SkyLodge Adventure Suites, waking up to sweeping 360° views of the Sacred Valley is incredibly exhilarating. You spend the night in one of three transparent egg-shaped stargazing pods that cling to the side of the canyon, securely suspended 400 metres above. From here, you have crystal-clear views of the starry night sky and everything you need to enjoy a surprisingly comfy sleep in such an extraordinary spot. In the morning, zip-line through the Sacred Valley to return to solid ground.
“Latin America has some of the most amazing stargazing opportunities, as there are huge, remote places with no light pollution and cloudless skies. I love all these experiences, which I can add to your tailor-made itinerary.” – Jack Brooker, Latin America Product Manager
2. Tayrona National Park, Colombia
There are countless locations to go camping in Colombia. But for an excellent combination between nature, history, indigenous culture and adventure, look no further than Tayrona National Park.
The Eco Habs feature the only stargazing cabins set right in the heart of Tayrona National Park, perched on forest-clad hills with magnificent views over the Caribbean coast. At night, you can rest in your cabin’s comfy hammock and stare up into a sea of stars, surrounded by a verdant jungle and its wonderful wildlife. Then drift off in the warm Caribbean Sea air and enjoy a perfect night’s sleep before setting off on an adventure once again, choosing from a variety of activities including birdwatching and hiking.
3. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
Experience a stargazing session with panoramic views of the starry sky at Salar de Uyuni. The Bolivian salt flats at night are picture-perfect, reflecting the ethereal beauty of space and creating a romantic moment to last forever. You can even embark on tours of Salar de Uyuni before stopping to set up camp.
Set up camp wherever you’d like on the Salar de Uyuni salt flats and gaze up at the mesmerising night sky. Airstream Campers are the country’s only accommodation of its type; accompanied by a personal chauffer guide, you can freely move around the remote location of the flats, stopping for hikes in the day or to observe distant dwarf galaxies by night – plus, the pink-tinged sunrise is unbelievable.
- Learn more about Salar de Uyuni - The World's Largest Salt Flat
4. Chilean Patagonia, Chile
Chile is one of the best places for stargazing. It's home to over 70% of the world’s large telescopes and boasts an astonishing 300 days of clear skies a year. Additionally, there are many regions recognised for their phenomenal stargazing views, one being the Chilean Patagonia with its stunning ice fields and blue lakes.
At Patagonia Camp, you'll experience these cloudless nights from the comfort of your Mongolian-style yurt, which is built on wooden stilts and designed so you can gaze up towards the heavens. Alternatively, you can take your Chile stargazing trip out towards the bone-dry desert, the ideal spot to catch a glimpse of meteor showers or other space-like phenomena in our solar system.
5. Atacama Desert, Chile
Atacama Desert is one of the best places to see the Milky Way.
With lunar landscapes home to wind-sculpted canyons, salt lakes and active volcanoes, a stargazing trip here almost feels like you're on another planet. In the evening, you're surrounded by millions of star clusters in the Chile night sky, engulfing your vision with its dazzling portrayal of a celestial ballet performance.
During your visit here, stay at Hotel Nayara Alto Atacama and enjoy an Atacama Desert stargazing tour with one of the highly trained, knowledgeable, bilingual guides. The stargazing hotel is located in the beautiful Catarpe Valle, and has its own star gazing deck with specialist guides on site. At almost any time of year, you can look out towards the picturesque Atacama Desert night sky from here and get lost in its glowing embrace.
- Discover more of the Atacama Desert on the Ultimate Stargazing Adventure
Seeing Stars?
Speak with our Travel Specialists to find out more about the best places for stargazing in Africa and Latin America. They’ll create a unique itinerary, just for you.
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