Stargazing in Gauteng

I recently had the opportunity of enjoying an evening of stargazing, another great winter activity, if you dont mind braving the cold at the moment! But you are well rewarded with a delicious three course meal and if you so wish, a warm comfortable overnight stay in a luxury boutique hotel to compliment the evening.
The Stargazing events are themed (and occur once a month),with this particular evening celebrating the 40th anniversary of Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong's July 1969 moon landing.

Resident astronomer Vincent Nettman entertained and informed us about the wonders of the galaxy. Unfortunately the overcast weather did not allow us the opportunity gazing at the sky through the telescopes as this would of enabled us to view the moon's surface on which Armstrong historically declared that he had taken "one small step for man, on giant leap for mankind".

Your overnight stay is at the 4 star Maropeng Hotel situated in the Cradle of Humankind, next to the Maropeng Museum. It is between 30 minutes to an hours drive, depending on where you are travelling from in Gauteng, so makes a perfect weekend overnight stay or evening out for something a little different, family outing or a special occassion.

You can combine this overnight stay with day activities offered in The Cradle. For those of you who have not yet heard of this whole new world of discovery out there... The Cradle is a truely fascinating area and is also a world heritage site. The museum is a world class exhibition, focusing on the development of humans and our ancestors over the past few million years. The historical heritage is most intriguing and a topic to be enjoyed by all. The experience is interactive, educational with an element of excitement!
A short drive away is the Sterkfontein Caves adjacent to the Rhino and Lion Park. The tours at Sterkfontein caves start above ground and then take visitors deep into the caves This site has been credited with many of the famous discoveries including "Mrs Ples" and "Little Foot".

Please view our information and packages on Astronomy Evenings or out and about in the Cradle, for further information or ideas for your next Sensational Winter Escape!

African Chapter Tours invites you to join us at the Planetarium at Wits University on Thursday the 16th July at 18h45 - 22h45 . The evening takes a look at our southern skies at a beginners level as we star hop around the southern constellations. Adults R26,50 and Children R17. All Welcome. RSVP to info@africanchapter.co.za or for more information.