As the sun dips below the horizon, an enchanting new form of travel is taking flight - one that elevates our connection with the universe and invites us to embrace the stories hidden within a star-studded sky.
Enter noctourism, a burgeoning movement appealing to those who seek deeper adventures beyond the constraints of daylight. This captivating experience offers travellers a way to rediscover the cosmos and revel in the extraordinary beauty that unfolds once darkness descends.
“Have you ever gazed up at a starry night sky and felt a sense of wonder?” asks Lynette Machiri, the customer experience leader at Flight Centre South Africa. In bustling cities like Johannesburg, where bright lights obliterate the splendour of the celestial realm, countless individuals may have forgotten this breathtaking sight.
Light pollution, as Machiri points out, has distanced many from the awe-inspiring panorama above us. Yet, with the rising interest in noctourism, a growing number of people are eager to reconnect with the universe, casting their eyes skyward once more.
What is noctourism?
Noctourism encompasses an expansive range of experiences under the veil of night. From meditative stargazing and thrilling night safaris to lunar festivals and exciting celestial events like meteor showers, noctourism beckons.
Importantly, Machiri highlights that noctourism and astro-tourism - often used interchangeably - are not synonymous. While astro-tourism centres on specific occurrences like stargazing through telescopes, noctourism embraces a broader spectrum of cultural encounters and wildlife adventures.
Consider moonlit hikes, canoe safaris after sunset or even nocturnal scuba diving as part of your travel itinerary. This newfound enthusiasm for after-dark experiences aligns perfectly with a broader desire among travellers to explore unique destinations without overwhelming local infrastructures, contributing economically to often struggling rural communities.
The economic benefits and dark sky initiatives
The rise of noctourism is reshaping the landscape for tourism infrastructures around the globe. Destinations are investing significantly in dark sky reserves, extending operating hours and curating multi-sensory night tours.
These initiatives not only reduce the strains of overtourism but also support local economies, creating additional income opportunities for residents.
The International Dark Sky Association (IDA) champions the worldwide dark sky initiative, advocating for the preservation of natural darkness and its far-reaching importance. As of 2024, over 200 areas across the globe have been certified as International Dark Sky destinations, underscoring the significance of preserving enchanting night skies free from artificial illumination.
In an interesting twist, technology is further bolstering this trend. AI-driven aurora alerts track the mesmerising Northern and Southern Lights, while augmented reality applications like Stellarium assist stargazers in identifying celestial wonders with ease. Drones are also emerging as a sustainable solution to traditional fireworks displays, providing captivating light shows without disturbing local wildlife.
Noctourism in Africa
Africa is uniquely positioned to become a leader in noctourism, bolstered by South Africa’s recently launched National Astro-Tourism Strategy. This initiative, announced on World Tourism Day in 2024, is a collaborative effort between the Department of Tourism and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, designed to harness the continent's unblemished night skies for economic revitalisation and to ignite scientific interest.
Machiri emphasises Africa's vast potential for nocturnal delights, highlighting various attractions across the continent:
Namibia
Stargazing at Sossusvlei and the NamibRand Nature Reserve, Africa’s first International Dark Sky Reserve, offers unique opportunities to experience the desert’s nocturnal wildlife.
Botswana
The Makgadikgadi Salt Pan sleepouts from April to October present a surreal stargazing experience amid endless shimmering plains.
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
With its stunning landscapes, the area around this majestic waterfall provides an ideal backdrop for stargazing.
Lake Malawi, Malawi
The Lake of Stars Malawi Arts Festival showcases the natural beauty and diverse wildlife along the serene shores of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Zanzibar, Tanzania:
Among various nocturnal escapades, consider bioluminescent plankton tours in this stunning archipelago.
Kasanka National Park, Zambia
Home to extraordinary wildlife events and excellent stargazing opportunities, especially during the annual bat migration.
South Africa
Experience starry nights at the South African Astronomical Observatory in Sutherland or enjoy turtle nesting tours in Kosi Bay.
As the allure of noctourism continues to rise, it calls on adventurers to embrace the darkness, journey through the cosmos, and rediscover the striking beauty of a star-strewn sky.
With Africa's splendid offerings, the continent is well on its way to establishing itself as a premier nocturnal tourism destination.