EXPLORE SOUTH AFRICAN SKIES

Join Professor John Zarnecki, the world-renowned space scientist, on a southern hemisphere journey of discovery – part of Saga’s collection of expert-led trips

he largest single optical telescope in the southern hemisphere lies high in the Great Karoo, South Africa. With an 11m-wide mirror, the South African

Large Telescope (SALT) at the Southern

Africa Observatory is powerful enough to detect a candle on the moon, and stars one billion times dimmer than the faintest visible to the unaided eye.

Dark skies and a long tradition of astronomical research – the South African Astronomical Observatory in Cape Town celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2020 – make the country a thrilling destination for astrotourism. But how can you get a real insight into the southern hemisphere skies, and be sure that you’ll see the rest of what South Africa o ers as well? e answer is to be found on a new trip from the award-winning tour operator Saga, accompanied by one of the world’s leading space scientists.

SOUTH AFRICA BY NIGHT AND DAY

Saga’s Astronomy in South Africa tour is part of a new collection of Cultural Odyssey Tours, all of them combining spectacular locations with deep insight from specialist experts. Devised in partnership with the UK’s Royal Astronomical Society, the trip explores South Africa in the company of Professor John Zarnecki, a space scientist and key player in the ambitious Cassini-Huygens mission to Saturn. It begins with a lecture and tour of the Society’s London HQ before travelling to Cape Town and then on to Sutherland and Prince Albert in the Karoo wilderness, with a daytime visit to the SALT.

BEYOND ASTRONOMY

ere’s plenty of time to sample the best of South Africa below sky level too, with time in the Franschoek winelands and in a tented safari lodge in the Kruger National Park, with a chance to view the Big Five.

As with all the tours in this collection, the holiday includes some exceptional places to stay and the chance to sample high-end local gastronomy – so it’s not just about feeding the mind.

If you love the idea of learning about other places and cultures, there are plenty of other trips in the collection to tantalise you, too. ey take you to

stunning destinations and provide a deep dive into history, art, literature, ballet and music. All are accompanied by experts in their eld – academics, authors and specialist guides.

Perhaps you would enjoy a tour of the Hermitage in St Petersburg with an eminent art historian?

e chance to roam Shakespeare’s Italy with an actress who specialises in the First Folio? Maybe you’d prefer to soak up the spirit of Andalucia with a amenco scholar, or travel with an award-winning writer into Ottoman and Byzantine Istanbul.

ese specialists have been chosen for their expertise and their passion – there will be no dusty lectures here. On some tours, they’ll accompany you for exclusive behind-the-scenes visits and private performances, giving a fascinating perspective on new discoveries as well as cities you may already love.

OUTSTANDING SERVICE FROM YOUR DOOR

As you’d expect from a company with 70 years’ experience organising award-winning holidays for the over 50s, Saga takes care of you every step of the way. Each trip includes the services of a tour manager or cruise host. Getting to the airport is stress-free, thanks to a chau eured VIP car service. And the trip prices include ights, transfers and porterage, as well as extras such as travel insurance to cover Covid cancellation. ese ABTA- and ATOL-protected trips o er peace of mind and the knowledge that Saga has thought of everything – so you don’t have to. All you need to do is pack your suitcase and bring your curiosity with you for the journey of a lifetime.

‘You’ll enjoy a real insight into the southern hemisphere skies and see the rest of what South Africa, has to offer, too.’

Meet a Cultural Odyssey expert Professor John Zarnecki accompanies this tour. Emeritus Professor at the Open University, John is a distinguished space scientist who has contributed to high-profile missions such as the Giotto probe that visited Halley’s Comet, and the Hubble Telescope. T

Whether it’s stargazing with the naked eye in the wilderness, or with the aid of a telescope, you’ll view the sky’s wonders alongside expert astronomers when you’re on an Astronomy in South Africa Cultural Odyssey Tour. But, as fascinating as they are, this tour is not only about the stars: along the way you’ll also visit historic towns, sample wine in Franschoek (the food capital of South Africa) and experience the wildlife in Kruger National Park, too.