Safaris and Stargazing in Tanzania

Imagine we are gathered about a campfire on the dusty edge of the Serengeti. After a long day scanning the savannah for creatures with jaws, claws, tusks and no respect for anything that looks like lunch, the flames are comforting.

Our beverages are ready and cold, the conversation heated. Normally on a safari, this is the moment at which the day starts to wind down; when sun-struck townies brag gently about the “big five” animals they’ve captured on film before comparing tans and telephoto lenses.

Surely stars, unlike elephants, giraffes and elegantly beaded Maasai warriors, can be seen any winter evening from the campsite/lodges.

“Astro-Safari” – a new take on the traditional African fauna-fest that includes stargazing, is skeptical. Yes, I could see that peering at stars through telescopes would be –it is – a – very good exercise for the neck muscles. But it isn’t the whole point of going to Africa to look around at the constant struggle for survival played out by hyenas and gazelles, say, rather than up at constellations that have scarcely changed since our ancestors first struggled upright and grunted?

Stargazing tips

For the best stargazing during your safari, please remember these tips:

1. Stargazing is at its best during the new moon period, as this is when the sky is darkest and the most stars are visible.
2. Stargazing is easiest when there is little or no cloud cover, so please talk to us so that we can advise you accordingly. 
3. To enhance the stargazing experience on your safari, take your iPad or laptop with you and we will advise you accordingly during your tour on how identify the constellations that change throughout the year. The guides at Sabaya Tours have great information about the stars. Guests relax on comfortable cushions on top of the large granite rock or best-chosen site, while guides point out the constellations using a green laser pointer. This is the highest point in the region so the location offers 360-degree views of the Serengeti as the sun sets, followed by uninterrupted views of the night sky.

Identify the constellations

Once you have followed the tips above, the next thing is to identify which constellations will be visible during a Tanzania safari and do a little reading on the story behind these constellations – as knowing the tales makes spotting them that little bit easier.

Those constellations which are easiest to see in this part of the world include:

Scorpio and Orion – Orion was a great hunter and very boastful of his abilities. One day he boasted that if he wanted to, he could kill all the animals on Earth. This upset Gaea, the earth goddess, and she sent the scorpion to sting and kill Orion. Both Orion and the scorpion were put in the night sky as a reminder but it is said Orion was afraid of the scorpion and fled away from it which is why they are always 180° apart in the night sky.

Cygnus the Swan – It is said the God Zeus took the form of the swan to seduce the goddess Nemesis. As he was successful, he placed the form of the swan in the stars.

Canis Major – A magical dog that was destined never to give up a chase. He was eventually owned by Cephalus, a hero, who set the dog against the Teumussian fox (Canis Minor), a giant fox that was ravaging the countryside. The fox also had a destiny, never to get caught. To resolve the conflicting fates of the two animals, Zeus placed them in the night sky where they can continue their chase for all eternity. Canis Major is also known as Orion’s hunting dog, chasing the hare, Lepus.

Taurus the Bull – He heads up the chase in the night sky. Orion is hunting him with his dog Canis Major.

These are spread out over the full calendar year but you’re bound to be able to see at least one of them during your stargazing experience.

** Photo by Greg Rakozy on Unsplash