Here, SAAO’s major telescopes operate in some of the world’s best conditions for astronomy, on a hilltop 1 800 metres above sea level, near the small town of Sutherland. The site was chosen for its year-round clear skies, semi-arid setting, and absence of light and other pollution.
If you’d like to visit and see what SAAO researchers do, we invite you to book a tour below. Please note that we can only accommodate you if you have booked a visit – no unscheduled tours are permitted.
Please email suthbookings@saao.ac.za or phone 076 900 0308 if you have any queries regarding bookings and tours for Sutherland.