The Klein Karoo’s dark skies could become one of Calitzdorp’s greatest tourism assets if the community works together to develop sustainable astrotourism offerings while protecting the area’s natural night environment.
This was the message shared during an astrotourism information afternoon held at Tuinateljee on Saturday, where residents, tourism operators and business owners gathered to learn more about the opportunities presented by astronomy tourism.
Science Engagement Astronomer Dr Daniel Cunnama of the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) explained why South Africa, and particularly the Karoo, has become one of the world’s leading destinations for astronomy. He said the region’s clear, dry atmosphere, low levels of light pollution and expansive landscapes make it ideal for both astronomical research and stargazing experiences.
He added that Calitzdorp’s combination of exceptionally dark skies and the Klein Karoo landscape places it in a strong position to develop astrotourism as a sustainable tourism offering.
Cunnama introduced attendees to the concept of astrotourism, describing it as far more than telescope viewing. He explained that astrotourism is travel centred on experiencing the night sky through activities such as guided stargazing, observatory visits, astrophotography, cultural storytelling and learning about astronomy, while encouraging the conservation of dark skies.
He also highlighted the economic opportunities astrotourism presents for local tourism stakeholders, saying successful destinations rely on collaboration rather than individual attractions.
Tourism specialist Dianna Martin, chief journey designer at The Journey Expert and a member of the planning committee for South Africa’s National Astrotourism Strategy and Marketing Initiative, outlined how destinations around the world are using their night skies to create memorable visitor experiences while boosting local economies.
She explained that Calitzdorp is uniquely positioned to benefit from the trend because of its dark skies and natural surroundings. Martin highlighted opportunities for accommodation establishments, tour guides, restaurants, photographers and other local businesses to develop unique night-time experiences, while encouraging the community to work together to build a thriving astrotourism offering.
She also shared lessons from destinations that have successfully established themselves as dark-sky tourism attractions.
The afternoon also featured the introduction of the Lights in the Karoo documentary project by Tanné Roos and Simone Gray. The project aims to tell the story of the Karoo’s remarkable night skies while encouraging scientific collaboration and community participation.
The afternoon also showcased what astrotourism can look like in practice. Oudtshoorn’s Leonardo Oosthuizen of Night Sky Tours introduced his guided stargazing experiences in the Klein Karoo, where visitors can explore the Southern Hemisphere’s spectacular night sky through telescope observations, constellation tours and astrophotography demonstrations.
He explained that the tours combine modern astronomy with the stories behind the stars, in-cluding indigenous sky knowledge, giving visitors a deeper appreciation of the region’s dark skies and the universe above.
The event also coincided with South Africa’s inaugural National Science Month, the first year that the country’s long-running National Science Week has been expanded into a month-long celebration of science, technology and innovation throughout July.
During an open discussion, residents were invited to share unusual night-sky observations and ideas for developing Calitzdorp’s astrotourism offering.
Cunnama encouraged people to approach unexplained sightings with curiosity while seeking scientific explanations wherever possible. He also explained how observations should be recorded, including the time, direction, duration, weather conditions and any photographs or videos, to assist with accurate analysis.
Organisers concluded the event by encouraging residents, businesses and tourism operators to become part of a growing astrotourism network that could strengthen Calitzdorp’s tourism offering while celebrating one of the Klein Karoo’s most remarkable natural resources – its dark skies. (MALISSA SPIES)