Dark Sky outings take place once a month, depending on the weather. All members of Cape Centre, together with your family and guests, are welcome.

You do not have to own your own telescope to enjoy an evening of stargazing with us, but if you do, come early (before dark), so that you can set up your equipment. We suggest that newcomers scroll down to read the hints at the bottom of this page to help you prepare for your night out under the stars.

Our site for these excursions is in the Paardeberg area (near Paarl) and within more or less an hour's drive from Cape Town.

The GPS coordinates are: 33 degrees 34' 26.1" S; 18 degrees 51' 15.9" E. The skies are nice and dark (relatively speaking) and we will also have access to ablution facilities.

Directions to Dark Sky site:

Directions on Google Maps

The GPS for the farm turning is 33° 34’ 24.4” S 18° 52’ 37.0” E.

If travelling on the N7 from Cape Town, turn onto the R304 to Malmesbury and at 18km (Klipheuwel) the road becomes the R302. Travel 8.9km from this point and turn right (road to Wellington) and travel 9.1km then turn left on Voor Paardeberg road. From here it is 11.2km to the farm turn off (left) which is opposite a clump of trees. The turn will be marked with the Cape Centre signs plus a white flag.

If travelling from Durbanville take the Wellington road out of Durbanville (R302) and remain on this road through Klipheuwel and then turn left at the R302/R304 junction. Follow route as above.

If you pass the turnoff and arrive at a T-junction (R45 Malmesbury/Wellington), just turn around and travel back for about 1km. There will be a clump of trees on your left. The farm road is opposite (to the right). This is first road on the right since leaving the R45.

Alternate Directions:

Travel along the N1 and turn left into the Wellington turnoff (R44).

Turn left at the Malmesbury turnoff (R45). You can see the lights of Wellington.

Travel about 10km and turn left at the Agter-Paardeberg sign.

After about 1km there will be a clump of trees on your left. The farm road is opposite (to the right). It is first road on the right since leaving the R45.

Once on the farm road:

It is a smallish road with a bit of an incline. You will pass a dam to your left. Towards the top of the hill the main part of the road curves right. Continue on this road. Shortly after the road curves left and you'll see a modern farmhouse in front of you.

The house is built on a "platform". This is where we stargaze. The house will be on your left and we use the parking area to the right as our viewing spot. Please do not park in the road leading to the back of the house.

Dark sky site map (PDF; 287 Kb)

Hints for newcomers to our Dark Sky gatherings

• Ensure that you have the cell phone number of at least one other person going to the outing. In case you get lost, we can direct you .
• Look carefully for the dirt road to the farm on the LEFT side of the road (coming from CT direction) and for signs of red flashlights if you get there after dark. Ideally get there BEFORE dark.
• DIM your headlights when you enter the gate and switch off the cabin light of your vehicle if you get there after dark.
• ALWAYS bring along warm clothes (including a cap) and/or a blanket – it gets cold and windy sometimes - even in the heart of summer. Ideally wear sturdy shoes.
• For your own comfort, bring something to drink, a snack, a comfortable folding chair and insect repellent.
• You do not have to have your own telescope to enjoy the evening with us - but bring your binoculars if you have some.
• Pack your camera. You never know when it may come in handy. (Do not use the flash after dark.)
• If you are bringing your laptop computer along with planetarium software, test its "night vision mode" before you leave home. Once your eyes are dark adapted, staring at a bright white screen will ruin it - and that of anyone else looking at the screen. Remember to bring the electric cable for your laptop, with an extension lead if needed.
• Bring star charts and an observing list and a notebook. You don’t need sophisticated equipment to enjoy the evening, but preparing in advance enhances the experience.
• Don’t forget to bring a flashlight – but please be considerate and use only DIM RED light flashlights (convert a cheap one with nail polish or cellophane if necessary). Avoid shining flashlights directly into people’s eyes.
• Be careful of tripping over cables, chairs, & astronomical equipment – use a (red) flashlight if in doubt, but once your eyes are derk adapted, this should not be a problem.
• In case of minor mishaps in the dark, a mini first aid kit with plasters, headache tablets and eye drops might be useful.
• If you simply HAVE to smoke (ideally don’t), please bring an ash tray and be extremely careful - or smoke in your car. We cannot afford being responsible for starting a fire on the farm! DO NOT SMOKE WHEN IT IS WINDY, please, and don’t be offended if someone asks you to put out your cigarette.
• In case you were worried about the kids: children are welcome! However, perhaps bring along an extra blanket in case these young enthusiasts tire earlier than their parents...