There’s a transformative travel trend bringing stargazing and the night back into focus: noctourism.
Noctourism (nocturnal tourism) offers unique perspectives and enriching encounters that daylight alone cannot provide. But it isn’t just about seeing the stars. According to Lynette Machiri, Customer Experience Leader Flight Centre South Africa, it’s about reconnecting with the cosmos and our place in the universe.
“Have you ever gazed up at a starry night sky and felt a sense of wonder?” Machiri asks. “If you live in a bright light city like Johannesburg, chances are you haven’t seen a completely dark sky in years. Light pollution has robbed many of us of this incredible spectacle, and that’s why noctourism is well on the rise.”
Here’s a deep dive into this growing movement and how dark sky experiences are shaping tourism:
What is noctourism?
More and more travellers are interested in after-dark experiences like star bathing (also known as mindful stargazing) and night safaris or special events like a solar eclipse or meteor shower.
“You may find noctourism used interchangeably with the term ‘astro-tourism’, but it’s not quite the same,” says Machiri.
Astro-tourism travellers are heading somewhere to look up at the sky, typically through a telescope or at an observatory. Noctourism includes this but diverges into other nighttime experiences such as cultural festivals, open-air sleep-outs, and nocturnal wildlife sightseeing (game drives and bush walks).
“In the realm of noctourism, think moonlit hikes, canoe and riverboat safaris after sunset, and even nighttime scuba diving,” Machiri adds.
The benefits of noctourism
The rise in noctourism further reflects a growing shift in how travellers want to experience unique places in the world without adding pressure to local environments and infrastructures. It leans into the trend of travellers wanting more time-efficient experiences by maximising both their days and nights in new destinations.
“Noctourism doesn’t just provide awe-inspiring trips for travellers where they can avoid the heat and crowds. It offers a boost to local economies, particularly in rural areas,” Machiri adds. “Many of the best stargazing and after dark adventuring spots are found in remote locations that may struggle economically.”
She highlights how global destinations are rethinking their tourism infrastructure for nighttime exploration: “There’s been an increased investment in dark sky reserves, extended attraction hours and multi-sensory night tours. These shifting efforts help ease overtourism pressure, while providing additional earning opportunities for local tourism stakeholders.”
It’s important to note that the rise of noctourism and astro-tourism is closely connected to the dark sky movement. This global initiative is backed by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA), which aims to preserve natural darkness and advocate for the importance of darker nights.
Their Dark Sky Programme allows local communities formal protection of their sites, sanctuaries and nightscape regions. As of 2024, there were more than 200 certified International Dark Sky destinations worldwide.
Although noctourism provides an opportunity to escape the constant glow of our screens, Machiri further notes how tech advancements are driving an interest in noctourism.
“AI-powered aurora alerts help visitors track the Northern and Southern Lights. Augmented reality (AR) apps such as Stellarium enhance how travellers experience the night by allowing everyday stargazers to point their phones at the sky and instantly identify constellations, and planets.”
Across the globe, drone light shows are replacing traditional fireworks, offering sustainable spectacles without distressing animals or harming the environment. According to recent data, the drone light show market size was projected at USD 0.27 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 2.63 billion by 2033.
Noctourism in Africa
South Africa’s National Astro-Tourism Strategy is currently gaining momentum. Launched on World Tourism Day 2024, it involves a collaboration between the Department of Tourism and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation and aims to harness the country’s quality night skies to uplift local economies and promote scientific curiosity.
Rosemary Anderson, national chairperson of the Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (FEDHASA), highlights that this initiative could significantly enhance the tourism and hospitality sectors by leveraging the country’s astronomical assets and clear night skies:
“This new hospitality and tourism opportunity will enable our industry to collaborate with the local communities and integrate indigenous celestial narratives to offer culturally rich experiences. These include a smorgasbord of accommodation options that are in harmony with the environment and rich culinary experiences that embrace and celebrate the indigenous environment and other opportunities to make this a ‘not to be missed’ experience when visiting South Africa.”
Machiri further emphasises how Africa has incredible untapped potential for after-dark experiences: “More safari camps and lodges, particularly in South Africa, are launching experiences to capitalise on sightings of shy and elusive nocturnal animals you can’t see during the day. Oh, and let’s not forget about neighbouring Namibia, which boasts one of the least light-polluted skies in the world. Once you’ve seen gazed up at its star-spangled heavens, you’ll never look at the night the same way again.”
She cites several examples of authentic African noctourism adventures currently gaining interest. These include:
Namibia
- Stargazing at Soussousvlei and NamibRand Nature Reserve (Africa’s first International Dark Sky Reserve)
- Hakos Astro Farm (features three observatories)
Botswana
- Makgadikgadi Salt Pan sleepouts (clearest nights are April to October)
Zimbabwe
- Victoria Falls lunar rainbow tours
Malawi
- Lake of Stars Malawi Arts Festival on the shores of Lake Malawi
Tanzania
- Bioluminescent plankton tours in Zanzibar
Zambia
- Annual Kasinga bat migration (10 million converge in Kasanka National Park)
South Africa
- South African Astronomical Observatory in Sutherlands (operates four major telescopes)
- Turtle nesting and hatching tours in Kosi Bay
FLIGHT CENTRE TRAVEL GROUP SOUTH AFRICA
Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) SA is part of Flight Centre Travel Group, an Australia-based international travel company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, with a market cap of AU$3.13 billion and a current share price of AU$14.08 as of 19 March 2025. FCTG with three leading brands: Flight Centre, Corporate Traveller and FCM, of which Corporate Traveller and FCM are proud level 1 BBBEE Contributors. FCTG SA is wholly owned and has been recognised as one of Deloitte’s Best Companies to Work for in South Africa for over a decade.