Discover the Celestial Wonders of the African Night Sky

While chasing the Big Five on a Kenyan safari is a thrill, the African night sky offers its own breathtaking “Big Five” that will leave you starstruck. Far from city lights, in remote regions like Maasai Mara, Samburu, Laikipia, and Diani Beach, the cosmos unveils a dazzling display visible to the naked eye. Here’s Adventure Expeditions guide to the celestial wonders and how to experience them on an unforgettable star safari.

The Big Five of the African Sky

1. Southern Pleiades (The Southern Seven): This cluster of over 70 stars, the fifth brightest in the sky, sparkles like a celestial jewel, captivating stargazers.
2. Omega Centauri: The Milky Way’s largest and brightest globular cluster, this dense ball of stars is a mesmerizing sight in the African night.
3. Eta Carinae Nebula: A glowing cloud of gas and dust surrounding the brilliant star Eta Carinae, creating a radiant cosmic masterpiece.
4. The Coalsack Nebula: A striking dark patch in the Milky Way, this nebula absorbs light, forming a mysterious silhouette against the starry backdrop.
5. The Milky Way: Our galaxy stretches across the sky in a luminous band, a breathtaking river of stars that feels close enough to touch.

Sleep Under the Stars

Imagine drifting off under this celestial canopy in a star bed—an open-air platform designed for immersive stargazing. At Loisaba Tented Camp in Laikipia, you’ll fall asleep surrounded by the African wilderness and a sky ablaze with stars. Alternatively, the Kilele Penthouse in Diani Beach offers a luxurious perch to soak in the cosmic spectacle. At Samburu Intrepids, local guides share the secrets of the stars, weaving cultural and scientific stories that bring the sky to life. There are also several other camps which offer star gazing activities to enhance your trip.

Star Safaris with the Travelling Telescope

Elevate your safari with a Star Safari, led by Kenyan astronomer Susan Murabana and her husband, filmmaker Daniel Chu Owen, through their inspiring Travelling Telescope project. Founded in 2014, this initiative brings the wonders of the universe to remote Kenyan schools and eco-friendly camps throughout Kenya, sparking curiosity in children and travelers alike. Using a Unistellar deep-sky telescope and an inflatable planetarium, Susan unveils the Moon, planets, constellations, star clouds, and galaxies, with highlights like Saturn’s rings and Jupiter’s moons stealing the show.

Susan’s passion for astronomy began in 2008 during a solar eclipse trip to Zambia with the Cosmos Foundation, an international nonprofit dedicated to advancing science education in developing countries. That life-changing experience inspired her to pursue an online master’s in astronomy, quit her job, and co-found the Travelling Telescope with Daniel. Their mission? To ignite a love for science and discovery in young Kenyans and visitors to the country.

Why a Star Safari?

A Star Safari seamlessly blends with the safari experience, connecting the natural wonders of Kenya’s landscapes with the mysteries of the cosmos and the ancient storytelling and wisdom of the local tribes. In regions like Samburu and Maasai Mara, where light pollution is minimal, the night sky shines with unparalleled clarity. Susan believes astronomy is an extension of the natural world, offering a profound way to deepen your connection to the universe.

The Travelling Telescope’s work with Kenyan schoolchildren is funded through Star Safaris, partnering with eco-conscious camps across Kenya. These experiences not only create unforgettable memories but also support science education for Kenyan youth, fostering curiosity and discovery.

Plan Your Celestial Adventure

Add a Star Safari or star bed experience to your Kenyan journey with Adventure Expeditions for a transformative adventure that bridges Earth and sky. Contact us to arrange a stargazing experience or to book a stay at one of Kenya’s star bed locations. Let the African night sky inspire your next great adventure.