As darkness settles and the night sky becomes alive with stars, the evening brings another world of wonders to see and experience. Noctourism is all about marvelling at the magical moments that are only available when you go out in nature, and the moon is your leading light.
Unsplash/Nathan Anderson
Whether you venture out with a group or are looking to try a solo outdoor activity at night, you’ll be able to experience nature in a whole different way. Are you wondering which evening activities will have you excited to become a night owl? Take a look at a few nocturnal experiences to add to the list.
Stargazing & identification
One of the most popular after-dark activities, stargazing is a wonderful way to look up at the blanket of darkness and witness the sparkling treasure trove above. While it can be difficult to identify and navigate your way through the Milky Way from the city (as air pollution obstructs our vision of stars), this is the perfect opportunity to camp away from the hustle and bustle.
There are a few amazing stargazing spots in South Africa to consider in order to fully immerse yourself in this after-dark adventure.
Twilight safari
While the day might bring a wide array of wildlife sightings, the night also has a variety of animals to marvel at. With the gentle chirps of crickets and the landscape blanketed with a sense of tranquillity, this is a sign for nocturnal animals to come out and enjoy the landscape.
From night drives in the Kariega wilderness to iconic Kruger National Park, there are a variety of locations that offer this exciting nighttime experience. Creatures you might encounter include leopards and hyenas, as they usually search the plains for food at night.
Night markets
Not all nocturnal activities need to take place in nature. As South Africa is known for hosting an exciting nightlife experience, you’ll have no problem spending time at local spots at night to see what the evening brings.
Night markets are a wonderful way to marvel at how a city can come alive in the dark with live music and local food stalls to enjoy. Popular night markets include the Oranjezicht City Farm Market, which comes alive on Wednesday evenings from November to March.
Overnight mountain camping
Spending the night in the mountains can be a fun adventure, but for safety reasons, it is best experienced in a group setting. Spending the night in the mountains can also be a fun way to see these picturesque peaks in a different light. To make your overnight stay comfortable, you’ll need a few key items to pack to drift off into sleep in style.
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