Desert stargazing: Top spots, tips, and more
What's the story
Africa's sprawling deserts promise the most pristine stargazing experiences for the adventurous. With hardly any light pollution and sprawling skies, these deserts give a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the celestial wonders. From Sahara to Namib, every desert has its own unique charm and astronomical sights. Here are some of these untouched places and what makes them ideal for stargazers craving an extraordinary experience.
Sahara Viewpoint
Sahara Desert: A celestial canvas
The Sahara Desert is one of the world's largest and leaves a wide canvas for stargazers. Its remoteness guarantees minimum light interference, giving a clear view of constellations and meteor showers. The dry climate also makes visibility better as atmospheric moisture can sometimes cover stars. Visitors are often left spellbound by the sheer number of stars visible to the naked eye.
Namib Experience
Namib Desert: Ancient skies await
The Namib Desert has ancient landscapes, but its skies are equally timeless. One of the oldest deserts on Earth, Namib makes for an ideal backdrop for celestial phenomena. Since the desert is far away from urban centers, artificial light is almost non-existent. This makes it the best place to view planets and distant galaxies with such clarity.
Kalahari adventure
Kalahari Desert: A stargazer's dreamland
The Kalahari Desert has a different kind of stargazing adventure to offer with its semi-arid surroundings and expanses of open land. The clear nights unveil a sky full of stars, where even faint celestial bodies become visible without telescopes. This desert also offers opportunities to learn about indigenous star lore from the local communities who have long navigated by these stars.
Libyan escape
Libyan Desert: Uninterrupted night views
In the Libyan Desert, stargazers can enjoy uninterrupted views thanks to its remoteness far from the reach of populated areas. The absence of clouds on most nights also guarantees consistent visibility throughout most of the year. This desert is especially preferred during meteor showers when shooting stars streak across its dark skies in spectacular displays.