Imagine this: After an exhilarating day exploring the reserve and sighting the big 5 animals, you settle down beside a crackling campfire, serenaded by the nocturnal symphony of the Karoo wilderness. As the last rays of the sunset surrender to dusk, a breathtaking spectacle unfolds above—a million glittering diamonds splashed across a vast, remote canvas. This is the magic of Aquila Private Game Reserve and Spa’s Karoo Stargazing Experience, complete with a family-friendly marshmallow braai, offered exclusively to overnight guests.
Karoo Stargazing: Your Celestial Guide
The remoteness of the Karoo offers unparalleled conditions for stargazing. Removed from Cape Town’s city lights, the night sky here explodes with a clarity that will leave you breathless. With minimal light pollution, you’ll be able to see the Milky Way in all its glory, a swirling band of stars stretching across South Africa’s heavens.
Our stargazing guide will be on hand to help you navigate the celestial wonders above. Learn to identify the Southern Cross (a constellation unique to the southern hemisphere) and spot the dazzling Crux stars that form its core. Gaze upon the form of the Sagittarius constellation, home to the centre of our Milky Way galaxy. And, if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a shooting star streaking across the inky blackness.
But the wonders don’t stop at stars. The Karoo skies are a haven for planet-gazers as well. Look out for Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, shining brightly with its moons dancing around it. On clear nights, you might even be able to see Saturn’s iconic rings, a breathtaking sight that will transport you to another world.
Experience Aquila at Night
Aquila Private Game Reserve and Spa is Karoo wildlife haven that transforms after dark. Nestled within the vast and stunning Karoo Mountain valley, the reserve’s vibrant orange and pink sunsets will leave you humming to the rhythm of the ‘circle of life’ as the magic of Africa’s night sky unfolds around you.
The Karoo Stargazing Experience offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature and experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the universe. As you marvel at the universe’s vastness, Aquila adds another layer of fun to the evening. Every night, after dinner, our safari lodge hosts a locally-beloved marshmallow braai (barbecue). Guests are invited to roast marshmallows to gooey perfection, share their safari stories under the starlit sky, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
