There’s something humbling about looking up at a sky scattered with stars. For city dwellers, the sight of a true night sky—free from the orange haze of streetlights and smog—is a rare luxury. But South Africa, with its wide open spaces and low levels of light pollution, offers some of the most pristine stargazing conditions in the world. From desert plains and rugged mountains to remote coastlines, there are plenty of places to switch off and tune into the cosmos. For travellers and foodies alike, these remote retreats combine natural beauty, peaceful stays, and—where possible—delicious local flavours, all under a canopy of stars.

One of the most iconic destinations for stargazing in South Africa has to be the Karoo. This vast semi-desert is already famous for its clear skies, and the little town of Sutherland, home to the South African Astronomical Observatory, is a must-visit. A great place to stay is Sterland, a small guest farm just outside the town, offering basic but comfortable accommodation and guided stargazing sessions through powerful telescopes. You’ll need to rug up—nights here can get icy—but it’s worth it for the uninterrupted views of the Milky Way. Don’t leave without visiting the local pub, The Blue Moon, for a lamb potjie and some Karoo hospitality.

If you’re drawn to mountain landscapes, the Cederberg is another excellent escape. Only about three hours from Cape Town, it’s still remote enough to offer inky-black skies and unforgettable celestial views. Stay at Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve, where you can sleep in a cave-style suite built into the sandstone rocks or in one of their open-air “star suites” for a fully immersive stargazing experience. The reserve is also home to ancient San rock art, rugged hiking trails, and wildlife like klipspringers and rock agamas. Foodies will enjoy the lodge’s restaurant, which serves hearty South African dishes with a touch of finesse—think springbok carpaccio or rooibos crème brûlée.

In the Northern Cape, the remote region of Namaqualand offers more than just wildflower blooms in spring—it’s also one of the darkest and most isolated corners of the country. A standout retreat here is Naries Namakwa Retreat, perched on the edge of the Spektakelberg. The stone cottages are beautifully designed, with sweeping views across the plains that turn golden at sunset. After dinner in the on-site restaurant, featuring Namaqualand lamb or fresh farm veggies, you can step outside and be greeted by a sky so bright it almost feels unreal. It’s the kind of place where silence is part of the luxury, and where the night sky feels close enough to touch.

For those craving a coastal retreat with stargazing potential, the Wild Coast delivers in spades. Away from the lights of urban centres, places like Mdumbi and Coffee Bay offer beachfront tranquility and wide-open skies. Stay at Mdumbi Backpackers for an eco-conscious and community-run experience, or for more comfort, opt for the Ocean View Hotel in Coffee Bay. Here, after a plate of grilled prawns or a seafood curry, you can walk along the shoreline with stars reflected in the waves. There’s a wild romance to the Eastern Cape’s coast, especially when the moon is new and the stars take centre stage.

Finally, the Waterberg region in Limpopo offers a bushveld experience with the bonus of big skies. At Ant’s Nest or Marataba Mountain Lodge, guests can enjoy luxury safari-style lodges, sunset game drives, and dinners under the stars. The altitude and dry air help create crisp stargazing conditions, while the quiet of the bush adds to the magic. Meals here are a treat—grilled venison, fresh local produce, and expertly paired South African wines. The combination of starlit skies and nocturnal animal calls is unlike anything you’ll find in the city.

What all these places have in common is a deep sense of stillness, the kind that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and look up. Stargazing is about more than spotting constellations or planets—it’s a reminder of our place in something much bigger. And when paired with South Africa’s natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality, it becomes an experience that nourishes both the spirit and the senses. Whether you’re into luxury escapes or off-the-grid adventures, these five retreats offer something extraordinary: a chance to see the sky the way it’s meant to be seen.