During the day you can take a guided tour of the huge research telescopes, including the Southern African Large Telescope, but it's the two-hour night tours that are the real draw. After a short video, you head outside to take a sky safari, thanks to two 16in telescopes. Times vary depending on the time of year and bookings are essential. Dress very warmly, even in summer.
![Building of the SALT 11-meter telescope at the South African Astronomical Observatory near Sutherland.](https://lp-cms-production.imgix.net/2023-07/iStock-1051783944.jpg?w=1920&h=640&fit=crop&crop=faces%2Cedges&auto=format&q=75)
© GroblerduPreez/Getty Images/iStock
South African Astronomical Observatory
Top choice in Northern Cape