Bright tourism prospects for Northern Cape’s dark skies

An artist’s impression of the Carnarvon Science Exploratorium. Source: Department of Tourism

The development of the Carnarvon Science Exploratorium (CSE) in the Northern Cape is expected to establish the region as a leader in astro-tourism, already attracting interest from tourism and hospitality stakeholders.

Co-funded by the Department of Tourism and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, the facility will leverage the area’s remote landscapes and renowned dark skies to attract visitors. “Dark skies are found in our most remote areas and we want to draw tourists to these places. We really want to see how this work can create jobs and impact rural communities,” said Laeticia Jacobs, Deputy Director for Tourism Integration at the Department of Tourism, in an exclusive interview with Tourism Update. She said the project aligns with the department’s wider astro-tourism strategy.

Currently in the design phase, the CSE is expected to break ground in 2025. It will house the Carnarvon Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Visitor Centre, showcasing projects such as KAT-7, MeerKAT, and the SKA astronomy projects, along with attractions related to the region’s natural and human history.

Investment and collaboration

The exploratorium is expected to drive further investment in infrastructure and tourism-related initiatives in the Northern Cape, Jacobs says. “While formal partnerships with local tourism businesses are still under discussion, there is already an increase in hospitality infrastructure investment in Carnarvon due to the SKA project.”

Public-private collaboration will be vital to the long-term success of the exploratorium. “We need government and private stakeholders to work together in developing comprehensive tourism packages. Initiatives like the Meerkat National Park, led by South African National Parks and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, will be key in building a cohesive tourism offering in the region.”

The 135 000 hectare Meerkat National Park, established in 2020, protects sensitive eco-regions such as the Nama Karoo biome, home to vulnerable species like quiver tree forests. In addition to hosting astronomy projects, the park contributes to both tourism and environmental conservation.

Leveraging the SKA

The centre aims to deliver an “authentic, compelling, educational, and entertaining experience that appeals to a broad audience with unique insights they cannot find elsewhere”, says Jacobs.

The scope of works, completed in 2022, for the 4.5 hectare CSE site at the entrance to the town of Carnarvon includes the following facilities:

Indigenous botanical garden representing the area’s rich and diverse Karoo flora.
Outdoor amphitheatre for stargazing events, cultural festivals and performances.
Planetarium space/auditorium for immersive multi-media/audio-visual presentations.
Shop, restaurant and tearoom.
Children’s playground with space exploration-themed apparatus.
Centre for community activities including education and training programmes, meetings, other gatherings and cultural events.

Additional visitor activities could include historical walking tours of Carnarvon, a star-gazing hiking trail, and guided visits to the Meerkat National Park and the SKA site.

Indigenous astronomy will also play a crucial role in the centre’s offerings, ensuring local knowledge is incorporated into the wider scientific narrative.

The CSE will also act as an interpretive hub, explaining the science behind the SKA project. “The exploratorium will interpret the science behind the SKA, encouraging young people to develop an interest in astronomy and educating the community on the importance of science, especially as we move towards the fourth industrial revolution,” Jacobs says.

The Twee Rivieren Interpretation Centre in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is a successful case study on local narratives interwoven with science and tourism, Jacobs said. “We’ve seen how the local Bushmen were part of the conceptual phase at the Twee Rivieren Centre. They were compensated for their contributions, telling their own story and interpreting the land. It’s beautiful to see how their narratives can be incorporated into science and tourism.”