The beauty of the Karoo lies not just in its expansive landscapes but also in its incredible night skies. With little light pollution, the stars are vividly visible, making it one of the best places for observing constellations and deep-space wonders.
Picture: Getaway gallery
Karoo roads and stargazing
Driving through the Karoo’s gravel roads, the mind naturally drifts, finding peace in the vastness of the passing veld. The isolation and quietness of the region make it feel timeless. There’s a special quality to this environment, where the vast, open plains below are mirrored by the immense, starry skies above.
The region’s remoteness makes it an ideal location for large-scale astronomical projects like the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) and the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT). These are among the world’s most advanced observatories, taking advantage of the Karoo’s clear, unpolluted skies to study the universe.
Campsites and Night Skies
Several campsites scattered across the Karoo offer the perfect opportunity to take in these breathtaking views. At night, the Milky Way becomes visible, with thousands of stars sparkling overhead. A favourite constellation for many stargazers, Scorpius, rises in the southern sky, with the red giant Antares at its heart, reminding onlookers of the incredible scale of the universe.
Places like Kambro and Middelwater campsites offer remote, peaceful spots where travellers can immerse themselves in nature by day and marvel at the night sky after sunset.
Astronomical wonders
The Karoo has become a significant hub for astronomical research. The SKA radio telescope, currently under construction, will be the largest of its kind, spanning across Africa and Australia to provide unprecedented insights into the universe. The SALT telescope, located near Sutherland, is one of the largest optical telescopes in the world, drawing scientists and enthusiasts alike to explore the mysteries of space.
Despite the technological advancements of modern telescopes, nothing compares to the simple wonder of looking up at the night sky with the naked eye. The sheer number of stars visible in the Karoo is awe-inspiring, offering an experience that cannot be replicated in city environments.
Route highlights and campsites
- Day 1: Kambro to Middelwater (260 km, 4.5 hours)
Start the journey from Kambro Accommodation and Farm Stall, which offers camping facilities and local produce for the road ahead. Travel south to Britstown, turning onto gravel roads to reach the remote Middelwater Campsite, where towering trees provide shade during the day, and the stars take centre stage at night. - Day 2: Middelwater to Sutherland (300 km, 5 hours)
Head towards Sutherland, home of the SALT telescope. A tour of the observatory offers insights into the work being done to explore the southern skies. Camping is available at Sterland Caravan Park, where stargazing sessions are held regularly. - Day 3: Sutherland to Die Mond (170 km, 4 hours)
The final stretch of the trip takes travellers through the stunning Ouberg Pass and into the Tankwa Karoo National Park. Die Mond Campsite, situated on the banks of the Grootrivier, offers an opportunity to cool off after days of exploring dusty dirt roads.
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