VISIT CAPE TOWN

Cape Town Open Nights

Cape Town Open Nights

The SAAO’s headquarters are in the Cape Town suburb of Observatory on the site of the former Royal Observatory. The historic building is recognised as a National Heritage Site, and houses administration facilities, offices, and the SAAO library.

You are welcome to visit the SAAO in Cape Town on SAAO Open Nights, on the second and fourth Saturday of every month at 20:00. Please book a tour below.

All Open Nights include a presentation on topics of astronomy or physics, and an introduction to the historic McClean telescope, the observatory museum, and the library. If the weather is clear, there will be a chance for stargazing using telescopes set up for the night.

Fee: R50 per person, children under 6 enter for free.

Tour fees go towards the SAAO’s education, public outreach, and socio-economic development programs. Tour bookings must be paid in advance – no payments will be accepted on-site.

This is a secure site and all other buildings are off-limits to the public.

For queries, please email cptbookings@saao.ac.za or call +27 21 447 0025.

Please read: SAAO Indemnity Agreement for Visitors

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NRF|SAAO Cape Town Private Night tour & Star gazing

September 18 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

The NRF|SAAO invites you for a Night tour & star gazing Our night tours begin at the Visitor Center, where guests are introduced to the rich history of Astronomy in our country. The tour includes a visit to our main building, one of Cape Town's…

NRF|SAAO Cape Town Private Night tour & Star gazing

September 20 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

The NRF|SAAO invites you for a Night tour & star gazing Our night tours begin at the Visitor Center, where guests are introduced to the rich history of Astronomy in our country. The tour includes a visit to our main building, one of Cape Town's…

Heritage Day 2025 Celebrational Tours and Stargazing

September 24

Heritage Day 2025 Celebrational Tours and Stargazing Join us this Heritage Day for a unique celebration under South African skies. We’re offering four free guided day tours and one special stargazing session at the South African Astronomical Observatory in Cape Town.   Day Tours Explore the Observatory’s historic main building, marvel at the Photoheliograph, discover the iconic McClean Telescope and enjoy a special treasure hunt. Weather permitting, guests will also enjoy sungazing experiences—available only during the first three day tours.   Stargazing Session As night falls, enjoy a presentation from an Astronomer after which we will look to the stars with the McClean Telescope and our powerful Dobsonian telescopes (weather permitting).   Important Information Tickets are free of charge. Guests may only enter the site 30 minutes prior to the start of their chosen event. Spaces are limited, so booking is essential! Booking for a day tour…

NRF|SAAO Cape Town Private Night tour & Star gazing

September 25 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

The NRF|SAAO invites you for a Night tour & star gazing Our night tours begin at the Visitor Center, where guests are introduced to the rich history of Astronomy in our country. The tour includes a visit to our main building, one of Cape Town's…

NRF|SAAO Cape Town Open Night

September 27 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Join us for Open Nights at the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) in Cape Town, held on the second and fourth Saturday of every month. Each evening begins with an engaging presentation on astronomy or a related field of science, followed by a guided tour…

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