Dark Skies, Endless Wonder in Five of the World’s Best Stargazing Locations

Lose yourself in the infinite beauty of the universe 

In today’s world, wonder and awe are often sacrificed in the scrum of everyday life. But standing beneath a sky brimming with stars, the kind you can only see when you leave the day-to-day behind, remains an experience that still deserves that overused adjective “awesome.” 

With more light pollution continuing to invade the night sky, it is harder and harder to find places where the dark sky reigns, allowing us to observe stars, planets, and galaxies far far away. According to The new world atlas of artificial night sky brightness, “more than 80% of the world and more than 99% of the U.S. and European populations live under light-polluted skies. The Milky Way is hidden from more than one-third of humanity, including 60% of Europeans and nearly 80% of North Americans.”

Although light pollution creates a sky glow that can blot out the stars there are still places on Earth where you can lose yourself in the utter darkness and beauty of the night sky. 

Follow along below as we show you five of the best locations for these astonishing dark sky experiences around the world. Click the links provided to see our offerings in those destinations, but remember these are just suggested itineraries. Any trip can be customized to your specifications.

Five of the World’s Best Stargazing Destinations

• Atacama Desert, Chile: The Atacama Desert is one of the driest places on Earth, resulting in clear, cloudless skies ideal for stargazing. The area also has minimal light pollution. It's not surprising then that the region is home to several world-renowned observatories, including the ALMA Observatory and the Paranal Observatory, which are at the forefront of astronomical research.

What to Expect

• Stargazing: Experience some of the clearest and darkest skies in the world and guided stargazing tours where expert astronomers can help you identify constellations and celestial phenomena.
• Desert Treks: Explore the unique landscapes of the Atacama, including the Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon, pictured above), which offers spectacular sunsets and breathtaking night skies.
• Best Time: The Atacama Desert is suitable for stargazing year-round but the best time is from March to October when the skies are typically at their clearest and the weather is mild.
• Astronomical Events: Plan your visit around new moons to avoid moonlight interfering with your stargazing. The Atacama also hosts various stargazing festivals and events, which are usually scheduled during the peak season.
  
  
  

              Just you and the universe in Lapland. Photo by Taneli Lahtinen @Unsplash.

• Finnish Lapland: One third of Finland is located within the Arctic Circle, so it's not surprising that the entire country is a premier dark sky and stargazing destination. But Lapland is even more remote, with an incredibly low population density and minimal light pollution. Ivalo and Kilpisjärvi are two well-known Laplandish towns with excellent dark skies. In Lapland, both summer and winter provide great dark sky viewing opportunities.

What to Expect:

• Stargazing: The best stargazing conditions are during the long winter nights from September to March when you can see the Milky Way and possibly meteor showers.
• Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis): Between September and March (Aurora Borealis).
• Midnight Sun: From late May to late June.

Mt. John Observatory provides an extraordinary stargazing experience. Photo by Sebastian Knoll @ Unsplash.

Mt. John Observatory, Aoraki Mackenzie, New Zealand: The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is nestled in the heart of the Southern Alps and boasts some of the clearest skies in the world. Mt. John Observatory sits at the heart of this reserve, offering exceptional stargazing conditions thanks to the high altitude, low humidity, and minimal light pollution. The landscape around Mt. John is breathtaking, with alpine lakes and snow-capped mountains serving as a backdrop for daytime hiking and exploration. 

The reserve is one of the few places in the world that blends indigenous culture with astronomical exploration. Local guides offer a blend of astronomy and Maori mythology, explaining how the stars played a vital role in navigation and storytelling for New Zealand’s indigenous people.

What to Expect:

• Stargazing: Participate in guided stargazing tours led by expert astronomers who can help you identify constellations and celestial phenomena. The reserve is particularly known for its views of the Southern Cross, a constellation significant to Maori culture.
• Best Time: The best time for stargazing is from March to September when the skies are generally clearer and the weather is cooler.
• Astronomical Events: New moon phases are best for stargazing. The observatory offers guided tours year-round, but the peak season is during the Southern Hemisphere's winter months.

The otherworldly landscape of Deadvlei, Sossusvlei, Namibia. Photo by JP Desvigne @Unsplash.

Namib Desert, Namibia: One of the darkest places on Earth, Namibia offers many options for excellent stargazing. This is a sparsely populated country; some parts of the desert are so far from civilization that there is practically no light pollution here. That low light pollution level, coupled with dry, cloudless skies, creates the perfect conditions for viewing magical constellations and galaxies, including the Southern Cross, Orion’s Belt, and Omega Centauri. The excellent conditions have led to the country becoming a hub for astronomy and astrophysics research.

What to Expect

• Stargazing: Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Milky Way and see thousands of stars, planets, and even distant galaxies with the naked eye. Many lodges and campsites offer dedicated stargazing experiences with comfortable viewing areas and knowledgeable guides.
• Safaris: Go on daytime safaris to explore diverse landscapes, including towering sand dunes and rugged mountains. The safaris provide opportunities to see a variety of wildlife in their natural habitats.
• Best Time: The best time for stargazing is from May to October, when the skies are clear and the temperatures are mild.
• Astronomical Events: Plan your visit around new moons to maximize the stargazing experience. The reserve's clear skies make it an ideal location for viewing meteor showers and other celestial events.

The night sky in the Moroccan desert. Photo by Sergey Pesterev @Unsplash.

Erg Chebbi, Morocco: The Erg Chebbi dunes, near the edge of the Sahara, offer a surreal and magical setting for stargazing. The immense sand dunes stretch as far as the eye can see, creating an open, unobstructed view of the sky. 

What to expect:

• Stargazing: The clear desert skies and absence of light pollution make it easy to spot constellations, planets, and even the occasional comet. 
• Cultural Experience: Enjoy traditional Berber hospitality, which includes local cuisine, music, and storytelling under the stars. 
• Desert Adventures: Engage in various desert activities such as camel treks, dune boarding, or simply relaxing in a desert camp. The combination of adventure and stargazing makes for a memorable experience.
• Best Time: The best time for stargazing is from September to April when the weather is cooler and the skies are clearer.
• Astronomical Events: New moon phases are ideal for stargazing. The clear desert skies make it a great spot to see constellations, planets, and occasional comets.

Timing is Everything

• New Moons: Plan your trips around new moon phases to avoid moonlight interfering with your stargazing.
• Meteor Showers: Check the astronomical calendar for meteor showers, which can add an extra layer of excitement to your stargazing experience.
• Weather Conditions: Always check the local weather forecast before heading out, as clear skies are essential for optimal stargazing.

We would love to help you plan a perfect dark sky and stargazing trip. Contact us to get started.

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