Stargazing in the NamibRand Nature Reserve

The NamibRand Nature Reserve, south of Sossusvlei, was designated Africa's first International Dark Sky Reserve in 2012. With virtually zero light pollution, the Milky Way blazes across the sky with a brilliance that's hard to imagine.

Where to Stargaze

Lodges like Sossusvlei Desert Lodge have their own observatory with a powerful telescope. Kwessi Dunes offers guided star-gazing sessions on their viewing deck. Even from your room, the night sky is extraordinary.

Best Time

The darkest skies occur during new moon phases in the dry season (May–September), when cloud cover is minimal. But honestly, any clear night in the NamibRand will take your breath away.

What You'll See

The Southern Cross, the Magellanic Clouds, Jupiter, Saturn, and on a good night, shooting stars every few minutes. Many guests say the night sky alone is worth the trip to Namibia.