Dark-Sky Tourism: The Travel Niche That’s Reconnecting Us to the Universe
There are few experiences as profoundly humbling as standing beneath a canopy of stars, untouched by artificial light. The Milky Way unfurls across the sky in a brilliant celestial river, reminding us of our place in the vast cosmos. This is the essence of dark-sky tourism – a growing movement that is about so much more than stargazing.
For Eleanor Muller, Marketing Manager at Transfrontier Parks Destination, dark-sky tourism is deeply intertwined with conservation and the protection of our planet’s natural nocturnal environment.
“Dark sky tourism comes out of the dark sky movement, which is at its core a sustainability movement. It is about us as humans managing the use of artificial light at night so that we don’t lose the night sky.”
What Sets Dark-Sky Tourism Apart?
Unlike astro-tourism, which prioritises scientific observations using telescopes and organised astronomy sessions with subject-matter experts, dark-sky tourism is about experiential travel. It emphasises immersion rather than education.
As Muller explains, some travellers want a dive deep into the astrophysics of planetary movements, and for them, astro-tourism has huge appeal. But for others, it is about the feeling – that moment of standing beneath billions of stars and contemplating the vastness of space. “At !Xaus Lodge we like to say that by day you see the world, but at night you see the universe!”
Why Does Dark-Sky Tourism Matter?
In an age where cities glow so brightly that millions of people have never seen the Milky Way, dark-sky tourism presents a critical opportunity to address environmental challenges while protecting star lore and cultural heritage:
Human well-being. Light pollution interferes with our natural circadian rhythms, increasing sleep disorders, stress levels, and even mental health concerns. A true dark-sky experience brings the gift of deep rest and mental clarity.
The preservation of ecosystems. Many animals – from the humble dung beetle to migratory birds and sea turtles – rely on natural darkness to survive and navigate. Artificial light disrupts their instinctual behaviours, with significant consequences for biodiversity.
Cultural storytelling. Indigenous communities have passed down celestial stories for generations. Dark-sky tourism provides opportunities to preserve and share this heritage with the world.
Sustainable travel. Many dark-sky destinations are in remote or rural locations, meaning they can benefit from an economic boost through eco-conscious, low-impact tourism.
Creating Meaningful Dark-Sky Experiences for Visitors
Africa has some of the darkest skies on Earth, making it a perfect destination for dark-sky experiences. For lodges or tourism providers hoping to tap into the dark-sky movement, Muller suggests starting small and keeping it simple:
"Lodges often schedule stargazing experiences at the end of a demanding day. Guests who woke early for sunrise drives, spent hours on safari, or participated in various activities find themselves offered drinks followed by a hearty boma dinner. By the time they're invited to observe the night sky, most guests are simply longing for sleep," says Muller.
Rather, says Muller, if you have guests who are particularly interested in the night sky, be very gentle and respectful of just how much energy they have. Instead of tacking a dark-sky experience onto the end of a long, exhausting day, ensure that guests can get the most out of the experience.
Of course, you also have to surrender to nature.
“Promising clear skies is just like committing to your guests that they will see wild animals when on safari,” says Muller. “But you can never be sure. An operator needs to understand how important a dark-sky experience is to the guests, and to manage their expectations. Understand the lunar cycle, and if your guests want to see the very most of the Milky Way, please do not send them at full moon.”
Lodges need to consider the perfect guide, the perfect spot and the perfect timing, because nature will have her way!
Managing Light Pollution
As Muller explains, managing your light is also incredibly important. As an example, at !Xaus Lodge in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, every external light is properly shaded to direct illumination downward only where needed, preventing light escaping upward.
“We carefully select bulbs with a colour temperature of 3000 Kelvin or lower,” says Muller. “This means they provide ‘warm’ lighting rather than harsh brightness. Lights are also turned off when not required, conserving energy. For optimal outdoor lighting, fixtures should be positioned low – ideally at knee or hip level – rather than using tall, obtrusive lights that have become standard without purpose.”
Dark Sky Certification
Some of South Africa's most established private reserves are already working to align themselves with dark-sky tourism best practices. Among them, Lapalala Wilderness Nature Reserve in Limpopo, which is in the process of securing Dark Sky Park certification from DarkSky International. If successful, Lapalala will become Southern Africa's first officially certified Dark Sky Park, giving it a status currently held by only 195 locations globally.
“It is a serious undertaking,” explains Bronwyn Maree, Biodiversity Centre curator for the Lapalala Wilderness School. “It can take up to 10 years to reach 100% compliance, although you have to be 67% compliant when you submit to be certified. Luckily, you work with a Dark Sky mentor throughout the process.”
To achieve Dark Sky certification, lodges, reserves or parks need to (among others):
- document sky glow and sky quality measurements (SQM),
- reduce bright of harmful light, including upgrading light fittings or covering spotlights with a red filter,
- motivate for essential lighting, for example, the light required for security and safety,
- raise awareness about the dark-sky movement in their surrounding communities, and
- prioritise education.
But for Maree, it’s worth it.
"Imagine lying in a sky bed at one of the Lepogo Lodges on Lapalala Wilderness Nature Reserve or being a school-going learner on a bed roll at the sleep-out camp at Lapalala Wilderness School beneath an uninterrupted sky, hearing the calls of distant hyenas and night birds, realizing just how bright the Milky Way is when there's no artificial light for miles," said Maree. "For city travellers, this is often their first experience of true darkness. And we want to protect this experience for generations to come.”
The Future of Dark-Sky Tourism
As more destinations recognise the value of protecting and celebrating our night skies, dark-sky tourism is poised to grow.
Governments, conservationists, and the tourism industry must work together to:
- Implement sustainable lighting policies to combat unnecessary artificial light.
- Develop eco-friendly tourism offerings that highlight both conservation and cultural heritage.
- Educate travellers about the importance of experiencing and preserving the night sky for future generations.
“Before modern technology, Africa’s Indigenous peoples used their knowledge of the sky for agriculture, navigation, and natural disaster management. It’s important that this knowledge is acknowledged and celebrated – especially for tourists looking for an authentic experience.”
- Dr. Laeticia Jacobs, South Africa’s Department of Tourism
When Did You Last Look Up?
Dr Laeticia Jacobs, Deputy Director at South Africa’s Department of Tourism, believes that South Africa is perfectly positioned to deliver a worldclass astrotourism experience, while boosting economic transformation, enhancing the livelihoods of our local communities, and sharing our indigenous celestial stories with the rest of the world.
Muller and Maree agree.
“Dark-sky tourism allows us to step away from the noise of modern life and to experience true solitude and perspective,” says Maree.
“For some travellers, the draw is deep contemplation. Others are captivated by how nighttime landscapes transform and how the familiar becomes mysterious under a moonlit sky,” says Muller.
The future for dark-sky tourism is bright. No actually, it’s very, very dark! By embracing this illuminating niche, destinations across Africa can transform travel, inspire wonder in visitors, and contribute to sustainability – simply by dimming the lights and looking up.