There are transformative travel trends that bring the stargaze and night back to focus: Noctarism.
Dawn (night sightseeing) offers a unique perspective and offers a rich encounter that cannot be provided by sunlight alone. But it's not just about looking at the stars. According to Lynette Machiri, customer experience leader flight centre South Africa, it's a reconnection between the universe and our place in space.
“Have you ever seen the starry night sky? Machili asks. “If you live in a city of bright light like Johannesburg, you could have taken this incredible sight of bright pollution.
This dives deeply into this growing movement and the experience of dark sky shaping tourism.
What is Noctorism?
More and more travelers are interested in post-dark experiences such as starbusting (also known as mindful star gauging) and night safaris, such as special events such as solar eclipse and meteor showers.
“You might find nocturism, which is used interchangeably with the term “astrotourism,” but that's not exactly the same,” says Machili.
Astrotourism travelers usually head somewhere to look up at the sky, through telescopes or observatory. Nocturists include this, but unlike other nighttime experiences, such as cultural festivals, outdoor sleep, and nocturne wildlife sightseeing (game drives and bushwalks).
“Think about dawn hiking, post-sunset canoeing, riverboat safari, and even scuba diving at night,” adds Machili.
The Benefits of Dawn
The rise in nocturists further reflects the growing change in the way travelers want to experience unique places around the world without adding pressure to the local environment or infrastructure. By maximizing both day and night with new destinations, we are leaning towards the trends of travelers looking for a more time-consuming experience.
“We don't just provide a trip that will encourage travelers who can avoid the heat and crowds, especially in rural areas,” adds Machili. “It's in a remote area where you can struggle financially after seeing the best starry sky and after dark adventure spots.”
She emphasizes that global destinations are rethinking tourism infrastructure for nighttime exploration.
It is important to note that dawn and the rise of astrotourism are closely related to the movement of the dark sky. This global initiative is supported by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA). It aims to maintain natural darkness and defend the importance of dark nights.
Their Dark Sky program allows local communities to formally protect their sites, sanctuaries and Nightscape areas. As of 2024, there were over 200 accredited international dark sky destinations around the world.
Dawn offers an opportunity to escape the constant glow of our screens, but Machili further points out that advances in technology are concerned with nocturism.
“Ai-powered Aurora Alerts help visitors track Northern and Southern lights.
Around the world, drone light shows replace traditional fireworks, offering sustainable glasses without causing animals to torment or harm the environment. Recent data shows the market size for drone light show is projected to be US$2.27 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach US$2.63 billion by 2033.
African nocturism
South Africa's national Astrotourism strategy is currently gaining momentum. The story, launched on World Tourism Day 2024, is accompanied by collaboration between the Tourism Bureau and the Bureau of Science and Technology Innovation, aims to leverage the country's quality night sky to boost the local economy and promote scientific curiosity.
Rosemary Anderson, national chairman of the Federal Hospitality Association of South Africa (FEDHASA), emphasizes that the initiative can significantly strengthen the tourism and hospitality sector by leveraging the country's astronomical assets and clear night sky.
“This new hospitality and tourism opportunity allows our industry to work with the local community and integrate the heavenly stories of Indigenous peoples to provide a culturally enriched experience.
Machili further highlights the incredible potential for Africa for its post-dark experience. Look at the night again in the same way. ”
She cites some examples of authentic African nighttime adventures that are currently attracting attention. These include:
Namibia
Stargazing at Soussousvlei and Namibrand Nature Reserve (the first international dark sky reserve in Africa) at Hakos Astro Farm (featuring three observatory observatory)
Botswana
Makgadikgadi Salt Pan Sleepouts (Sunny nights are from April to October)
Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls Lunar Rainbow Tour
Malawi
Star Malawi Art Festival on the Coast of Lake Malawi
Tanzania
Bioluminescent Plankton Tour in Zanzibar
Zambia
The annual Kasingabat travel (10 million convergences in Kashanka National Park)
South Africa
Sutherland's South African Astronomical Engineer (which operates four major telescopes) Turtle nesting and hatching tour
Flight Centre Travel Group South Africa
Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) SA is part of Flight Centre Travel Group, an Australia-based international travel agency listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, and as of March 19, 2025, it has a market capitalization of $3.13 billion and current stock price of $14.08. FCTG SA is entirely owned and has been recognized as one of Deloitte's best companies to work in South Africa for over a decade.
