Stars, Stories, and SANParks: Astro-Tourism training connects science, culture, and conservation

Nestled within the serene stillness of the Meerkat National Park, the Jas Kloof camp recently hosted an extraordinary astro-tourism training programme, where the vast skies of the Karoo met the bright minds of aspiring astronomy guides. Organised as a collaboration between NRF-SARAO, NRF-SAASTA, NRF-SAAO, SANParks, and the Northern Cape Department of Tourism and Economic Development, the training created an inspirational fusion of science, culture, and opportunity for communities across the region.

The camp, generously hosted by Hendrik Malgas, Manager of the Meerkat National Park, and the dedicated SANParks team, offered more than just logistical support; it also provided a perfectly kept and thoughtfully welcoming space that embraced participants from Loxton, Victoria West, Nossob, Mata Mata, Twee Rivieren, Andriesvale, and staff from Kalahari National Park. Thanks to Hendrik’s exceptional stewardship, Jas Kloof—once a farm and now a camp—stands as a testament to how well-managed natural spaces can nurture both people and purpose. Against this backdrop of golden hills and starlit nights, a diverse and eclectic group gathered, comprised of young and old, experienced and eager individuals, each bringing their own stories and aspirations.

The training was not just a technical skills development session; it was a deeply connective experience. Dr Anton Binneman (NRF-SARAO) brought a vast wealth of astronomical knowledge, complemented by the dynamic energy of Marion West, whose infectious enthusiasm created a space for curiosity to thrive. Johan van Schalkwyk from the Northern Cape Department of Tourism and Economic Development provided insights into the economic value chain of astro-tourism which helped participants envision the broader impact of their roles. Lindie Muller (NRF-SAASTA) provided both practical and theoretical support for monitoring and evaluation, while also embedding M&E principles into the training itself. Technical skill transfer was led with flair and precision by Julio Saulse and Patrick van Wyk (NRF-SAAO), whose ability to demystify telescope operation added confidence and capability to the team.

By day, the group immersed themselves in learning, from setting up telescopes to developing business models, and from mapping the solar system with their own footsteps to designing immersive, visitor-ready experiences. The crisp Karoo air carried the sounds of shared insight, experimentation, and discovery. By night, the silence gave way to awe: the Milky Way unfurled in breathtaking detail, constellations were traced with a green laser, and lightning flickered along the far horizon.

The final night of assessments transformed into something unforgettable. Each candidate group delivered a guided sky tour, blending Greek mythology, Komani San star stories, and celestial science, taking the audience on a journey across the night sky. These presentations were more than storytelling, they were crafted experiences that wove together astronomy, biodiversity, indigenous knowledge, and tourism. From tasting edible Karoo plants to drawing connections between scorpions underfoot and the constellation Scorpius overhead, the guides-in-training brought science engagement to life, grounding the cosmos in the richness of the local environment. Each product offering reflected individual flair while honouring a shared purpose: to inspire wonder, support sustainable livelihoods, and connect people to both the stars above and the ecosystems around them. In that moment, the practical training, SANParks’ conservation ethos, and the broader mission of inclusive tourism came together to reaffirm that science is not only something to be understood but something to be felt, experienced, and shared.

Importantly, this training reached beyond a single community; it was a cross-regional collaboration that showcased the power of inclusive development. Participants of varied ages, backgrounds, languages, and experiences were united by the cosmos and by their shared potential to spark community-based economic growth through science engagement.

True to the spirit of partnership, NRF-SARAO and NRF-SAASTA ensured that every participant was well-fed, warm, and cared for, creating an environment that nurtured both learning and a sense of belonging.

As the team departed, there was no doubt that the seeds of astro-tourism had been firmly planted, not just as a product offering, but as a growing constellation of people, stories, and opportunities linked by passion, place, and possibility.