Cape Town Tours
Cape Town Tours
The NRF|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.
OPEN NIGHTS
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.
NIGHT TOURS
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 oldest formal structures, as well as our Museum. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the McClean Telescope, a highlight of the tour. Weather permitting, the experience culminates with an unforgettable stargazing session using both the McClean and Dobsonian telescopes.
Please note that vehicles will only be allowed on site from 19:30.
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
