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Stargazing Experiences with African & Indian Explorations

The International Year of Astronomy 2009 is a global celebration of astronomy and its contributions to society and culture and marks the 400th anniversary of the first use of an astronomical telescope by Galileo Galilei. Tour operator African & Indian Explorations is offering the following stargazing experiences:

 Namibia
Near the red dunes of Sossusvlei, lies Sossuvlei Mountain Lodge, the ultimate in luxury on the edge of the NamibRand Nature Reserve. The ten spacious stone and glass suites are beautifully appointed and located at the foot of the mountain; all have a star gazing window over the bed as well as a high-powered telescope.

The best thing about this lodge is without doubt their observatory. Situated on the hillside above the main lodge, they have built a rondavel without a roof, which has an adjoining covered inner sanctum where all the electronics and books are kept. The centrepiece of the show is a stubby, fully computerised, 300mm telescope, allegedly the most powerful outside the National Observatory and some guests have been known to wake up at 2am to see a particular star/planet. The telescope automatically trains itself on to a particular star, planet, or constellation at any given time and a resident astronomer is on hand to show guests the night skies.

African & Indian Explorations offer a stay at Sossuvlei Mountain Lodge from £210 per person per night on a Fully Inclusive Basis. Price does not include international flights and transfers.
For bookings and information visit www.africanexplorations.com or call 01993 822 443

Kenya
In the heart of the magnificent Laikipia Plateau in northern Kenya is where to find star gazing magic! Two sets of star beds operate from the Loisaba (place of the seven stars) property. Guests are either driven by car or ride camels to the River which they cross via a suspended rope walkway to the camp on the other side. Each set of starbeds is the same with 3 tree houses, 2 with double beds and 1 with twin beds. Each Star Bed is designed on a raised, handcrafted wooden platform that is partially covered with a thatched roof. Homemade ‘Mukokoteni’ beds can either be wheeled onto the open deck for a night under the stars, or left under the shelter of the roof.

Loisaba lies in the renowned Laikipia area of northern Kenya. Laikipia is home to game and cattle ranches and forms an overall wildlife sanctuary with one of the biggest elephant populations in Kenya, over 3,200 strong in this two million acres of wilderness with plains, valleys, acacia forest and wild olive forest.

African & Indian Explorations offer a stay at one of the Loisaba Star Beds from £355 per person per night on a Fully Inclusive Basis. Price does not include international flights and transfers.
For bookings and information visit www.africanexplorations.com or call 01993 822 443

Tanzania
Sand Rivers Selous is located in the heart of the Selous Game Reserve, a 45,000 km sq haven of wildlife, the largest game reserve in Africa. The camp is set on a wide curve of the mighty Rufiji River, home to hippos, crocs and a huge variety of birds, and mammals. Guests at Sand Rivers Selous, have the option to tear themselves away from the luxury of their rooms and head out into the surrounding wilderness for a one night fly-camping adventure. On arrival at the fly camp guests are shown to their own private sleeping net – a rectangular fully-enclosed mosquito net. Star gazing under the African sky while lying on your bed is an unforgettable experience. On a fly camp, the night is spent with your guide who hosts the entire safari around the camp fire under the canopy of millions of stars, surrounded by the sounds of unspoilt Africa.
Due to the nature of fly camping, it is only offered in the dry season which runs from June through to the end of October.

African & Indian Explorations offer a stay at Sand Rivers from £550 per person per night on a Fully Inclusive Basis. Price does not include international flights and transfers.
For bookings and information visit www.africanexplorations.com or call 01993 822 443