Losing yourself in the vast night sky is an incredible and worthwhile experience that is part of any luxury African safari.
So many of nature’s wonders become submerged in the hustle and bustle of everyday urban life. One way to notice this is how different the sky looks when you spend time immersed in the wilderness, where bright city lights are replaced by millions of brightly twinkling stars.
As many of Africa’s safari destinations are found within the southern hemisphere, there are many constellations to be seen on a safari here that will be different from the northern hemisphere. And different times of the year will bring about distinct perspectives of these constellations.
Here are some stargazing experiences that will leave you starry-eyed on your next African safari:
Usher in the night
© Ker & Downey
At the end of each day on safari, during that magical time that happens as day turns into night, your guide will tempt you with a refreshing drink or two (gin and tonic is a superb choice) and snacks as you bid farewell to the day and welcome in the night.
© Wilderness Safaris
Your sundowner might be in a romantic bush setting just at the edge of camp or around a firepit where you recount the highlights of the day. No matter how you choose to spend it, sundowner time is a revered moment of the day on an African safari.
Dine al fresco
© Ker & Downey
With the stars making their entrance across the clear night sky and the nocturnal sounds of the bush filling the air in the distance (or perhaps thrillingly close), a freshly prepared meal and elegant wine selection beckons.
© Natural Selection
With nature’s very own candles dazzling the sky above and the hurricane lamps dancing around you, it might feel like time is standing still while you share these moments with good company, whether it be a large group or just the two of you on a private dinner.
Sleep beneath the stars
© Natural Selection
The full stargazing experience is ended off perfectly on a sleep-out deck in the middle of the bush yet high enough off the ground and close enough to camp to feel safe. Some constellations that you might see while on an African safari are the Southern Cross, Orion the Hunter, Scorpius, Leo and Pegasus.
© Natural Selection
This is one of the most unforgettable ways to spend a night and is a favourite for honeymooners wanting to celebrate their new life together in a unique way. It is a singular wilderness experience that is quietly exhilarating and intimate all rolled into one.
Contact us for a luxury African safari which includes sitting under a mesmerizing night sky while also getting the opportunity to possibly catch a glimpse of elusive African nocturnal wildlife.
Images courtesy of Ker & Downey, Natural Selection and Wilderness Safaris.
