There is very few humble experience than standing under a canopy of stars that is not exposed to artificial light. The Milky Way spreads across the glorious Milky Way sky, reminding us of our place in the vast universe. This is the essence of dark ski tourism. This is a much more growing movement than the Stargaze.
For Eleanor Muller, Marketing Manager at Transfrontier Parks Destination, Dark-Sky tourism is deeply entwined with the protection and protection of the planet's natural nighttime environment.
“Dark Sky Tourism comes from the movement of dark skys. This is a sustainability movement at its heart. It's about us as humans who manage the use of artificial light at night so that we don't lose the night sky.”
What sets the dark tourism apart?
Unlike astrotourism, which prioritizes scientific observation using telescopic abilities and prioritizes organized astronomical sessions with subject experts, dark ski tourism is about experiential travel. It emphasizes immersion rather than education.
As Muller explains, some travelers want to dive deeper into the astrophysics of planetary movement, and astrotourism is a huge attraction to them. But for others, it's about emotions – the moment you stand under billions of stars, thinking about the vastness of space. “! With Xaus Lodge, we want to say that we see the world during the day, but at night we see the universe!”
Why is dark tourism important?
With cities shining so brightly, in an age where millions of people have never seen the Milky Way, dark tourism presents an important opportunity to address environmental challenges while preserving star lore and cultural heritage.
Human happiness. Light contamination interferes with our natural circadian rhythm, preventing increased sleep disorders, stress levels, and even mental health concerns. A true dark skiing experience brings a gift of deep rest and spiritual clarity.
Conservation of ecosystems. From humble dung beetles to migratory birds and sea turtles, many animals rely on natural darkness to survive and navigate. Artificial light disrupts instinctive behaviors that have great consequences for biodiversity.
Cultural storytelling. Indigenous communities have told heavenly stories for generations. Dark Ski Tourism offers an opportunity to maintain and share this heritage with the world.
Sustainable travel. Many dark destinations are located in far away or in the countryside. This means you can benefit from economic boosts through environmentally friendly and shocking tourism.
Create meaningful dark ski experiences for visitors
Africa has some of the darkest skies on the planet, making it a great destination for a dark experience. For lodges or tourism providers who want to take advantage of the dark ski movement, Muller suggests starting small and keeping it simple.
“The lodge often schedules a Stargays experience at the end of a tough day, and guests who wake up early for a sunrise drive, spend hours on safaris, or take part in a variety of activities will serve drinks and then serve Boma dinner.
Rather, Muller is to be very kind and respectful of how much energy they have if you have guests who are particularly interested in the night sky. Instead of tackling a dark skiing experience at the end of a long and exhausting day, guests can make the most of the experience.
Of course, you must also surrender to nature.
“A promising sunny weather is like committing to guests to see wildlife on a safari,” Muller says. “But you can never be sure. Operators need to understand how important the dark skiing experience is for guests and manage their expectations. Understand the moon cycle. If guests want to see most of the Milky Way, they should not send it to the full moon.”
The lodge must consider the perfect guide, the perfect location and the perfect timing.
Light pollution control
As Muller explains, it's also very important to manage your light. For example, from Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park! With the Xaus Lodge, all external light is properly covered and properly covered to direct the light down only when necessary, preventing the light from escaping upwards.
“Check out light bulbs with color temperatures below 3,000 Kelvin,” says Muller. “This means they provide 'warm' lighting rather than harsh brightness. The lights will also turn off when you don't need to save energy. For optimal outdoor lighting, fixtures should be placed low at the knee or hip level rather than using tall, inconspicuous light that has become a standard of purposeless standard. ”
Dark Sky Certified
Some of South Africa's most established private lands are working to match themselves with already dark tourism best practices. Among them is Lapara La Wilderness Nature Reserve in Limpopo, which is in the process of ensuring Dark Ski Park certification from Dark Ski International. If successful, Laparalla will become South Africa's first officially recognized dark sky park, giving it the status currently held in just 195 locations in the world.
“It's a serious effort,” explains Bronwyn Marie, curator of the Center for Biodiversity at Laparalla Wilderness School. “It can take up to 10 years to reach 100% compliance, but if you submit to get certified you must comply with 67%. Luckily, you're working with a mentor in the dark sky throughout the process.”
A lodge, reserve or park is required (among other things) to achieve Dark Sky certification.
Document Sky Glow and Sky Quality Measurement (SQM), bright light fixtures upgrades, covering spotlights with red filters, and intrinsic lighting motivation, raising awareness of dark skiing movements in the surrounding community, prioritizing education, and more.
But it's worth it for Marie.
“Imagine lying in a skybed at one of the Repogo lodges in the Wilderness Nature Reserve in Laparara, or being a learner going to school in a bedroll at the sleep-out camp at Laparara Wilderness School under the distant sky. “For city travelers, this is often the first experience of true darkness, and we want to protect this experience for future generations.”
The future of dark skeeper tourism
Dark tourism is poised to grow as more destinations recognize the value of protecting and celebrating our night sky.
Governments, conservatories and the tourism industry need to cooperate in:
We implement sustainable lighting policies to combat unnecessary artificial light. We develop environmentally friendly tourism products that emphasize both conservation and cultural heritage. Educate travelers about the importance of experiencing and preserving the night sky for future generations.
“Before modern technology, indigenous peoples in Africa used their knowledge of the skies for agriculture, voyage and natural disaster management. It is important that this knowledge be recognized and praised, especially for tourists looking for authentic experiences.”
Dr. Leticia Jacobs, Tourism Bureau, South Africa
When was the last time you searched?
Dr. Laetyia Jacobs, deputy director of the South African Tourism Authority, believes that South Africa is fully set up to provide world-class space sales experiences, boost economic transformation, promote livelihoods for local communities, and share stories of the rest of the world and the indigenous celestial bodies.
Muller and Marie agree.
“Dark tourism allows us to move away from the noise of modern life and experience true loneliness and perspective,” says Marie.
“For some travelers, the draw is a deep contemplation. Others are fascinated by how nighttime landscapes change and how familiar things become mysterious under the moonlight sky,” says Muller.
The future of dark ski tourism is bright. No, it's actually very dark! By embracing this fantastic niche, African destinations can change travel, wonder to visitors, and contribute to sustainability simply by dimming the lights and looking up.
A practical guide to using Dark-Sky Tourism.pdf
