Once In A Lifetime Journey
  • Destinations
    • Africa
      • Djibouti
      • Kenya
      • Madagascar
      • Malawi
      • Namibia
      • Rwanda
      • Somaliland
      • South Africa
      • Sudan
      • Tanzania
      • Uganda
    • Europe
      • Albania
      • Andorra
      • Azerbaijan
      • Denmark
      • France
      • Germany
      • Iceland
      • Italy
      • Kosovo
      • Lithuania
      • Macedonia
      • Malta
      • Monaco
      • Montenegro
      • Russia
      • Spain
      • Switzerland
      • United Kingdom
    • North & Central America
      • American Samoa
      • El Salvador
      • Guam
      • Guatemala
      • Hawaii
      • Honduras
      • Mexico
      • United States
    • South America
      • Argentina
      • Brazil
      • Chile
      • Peru
    • Middle East
      • Oman
      • Saudi Arabia
      • Sudan
      • United Arab Emirates
    • Pacific
      • American Samoa
      • Australia
      • Cook Islands
      • Fiji
      • French Polynesia
      • Guam
      • Hawaii
      • Kiribati
      • Micronesia
      • Nauru
      • New Zealand
      • Palau
      • Samoa
      • Solomon Islands
      • Tonga
      • Tuvalu
      • Vanuatu
    • Southeast Asia
      • Brunei
      • Cambodia
      • Indonesia
      • Laos
      • Malaysia
      • Myanmar
      • Philippines
      • Singapore
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
    • Central & North Asia
      • Bhutan
      • Bangladesh
      • China
      • Hong Kong
      • India
      • Japan
      • Macau
      • Maldives
      • Mongolia
      • Nepal
      • North Korea
      • Pakistan
      • South Korea
      • Sri Lanka
      • Tibet
  • Inspiration
    • Inspiration

      Why Gambling Tourism Is Doing So Well In…

      February 19, 2023

      Inspiration

      Why NYC is a sports fan’s dream destination

      February 18, 2023

      Inspiration

      Countries with The Fastest Internet for Digital Nomads

      January 25, 2023

      Inspiration

      The 5 Most Luxurious Places to Stay in…

      January 24, 2023

      Inspiration

      Traveling to Finland in 2022

      December 1, 2022

  • Reviews
    • Hotels & Resorts
    • Train, Planes & helicopters
    • Food & Drinks
    • Spa & Wellness
    • Tour & Activities
  • Resources
  • Wine Tourism
    • Australia
    • Indonesia
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Thailand
    • US
    • South Africa
  • Solo female travel
  • Countries visited: 115
  • Currently in : Singapore 🇸🇬
  • Partner with us
  • SOLO FEMALE TRAVELERS COMMUNITY

Once In A Lifetime Journey

Once In A Lifetime Journey
  • Destinations
    • Africa
      • Djibouti
      • Kenya
      • Madagascar
      • Malawi
      • Namibia
      • Rwanda
      • Somaliland
      • South Africa
      • Sudan
      • Tanzania
      • Uganda
    • Europe
      • Albania
      • Andorra
      • Azerbaijan
      • Denmark
      • France
      • Germany
      • Iceland
      • Italy
      • Kosovo
      • Lithuania
      • Macedonia
      • Malta
      • Monaco
      • Montenegro
      • Russia
      • Spain
      • Switzerland
      • United Kingdom
    • North & Central America
      • American Samoa
      • El Salvador
      • Guam
      • Guatemala
      • Hawaii
      • Honduras
      • Mexico
      • United States
    • South America
      • Argentina
      • Brazil
      • Chile
      • Peru
    • Middle East
      • Oman
      • Saudi Arabia
      • Sudan
      • United Arab Emirates
    • Pacific
      • American Samoa
      • Australia
      • Cook Islands
      • Fiji
      • French Polynesia
      • Guam
      • Hawaii
      • Kiribati
      • Micronesia
      • Nauru
      • New Zealand
      • Palau
      • Samoa
      • Solomon Islands
      • Tonga
      • Tuvalu
      • Vanuatu
    • Southeast Asia
      • Brunei
      • Cambodia
      • Indonesia
      • Laos
      • Malaysia
      • Myanmar
      • Philippines
      • Singapore
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam
    • Central & North Asia
      • Bhutan
      • Bangladesh
      • China
      • Hong Kong
      • India
      • Japan
      • Macau
      • Maldives
      • Mongolia
      • Nepal
      • North Korea
      • Pakistan
      • South Korea
      • Sri Lanka
      • Tibet
  • Inspiration
    • Inspiration

      Why Gambling Tourism Is Doing So Well In…

      February 19, 2023

      Inspiration

      Why NYC is a sports fan’s dream destination

      February 18, 2023

      Inspiration

      Countries with The Fastest Internet for Digital Nomads

      January 25, 2023

      Inspiration

      The 5 Most Luxurious Places to Stay in…

      January 24, 2023

      Inspiration

      Traveling to Finland in 2022

      December 1, 2022

  • Reviews
    • Hotels & Resorts
    • Train, Planes & helicopters
    • Food & Drinks
    • Spa & Wellness
    • Tour & Activities
  • Resources
  • Wine Tourism
    • Australia
    • Indonesia
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Thailand
    • US
    • South Africa
  • Solo female travel

Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclaimer policy here. Never leave without travel insurance.

Dark Sky Reserves – 3 star-studded resorts from around the world

by Mar July 30, 2016
Written by Mar
Dark Sky Reserves feature

Editor’s note: This post was first published in 2014 and was updated in 2016 to reflect our stay at &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge

Dark Sky Reserves main

Dark Sky Reserves are officially awarded areas where night visibility and light pollution are perfect for that star gazing experience.

There are only 3 Gold Rated Dark Sky Reserves in the world, two of which are in the Southern Hemisphere in Namibia and New Zealand and one in the Northern Hemisphere in Ireland.

We propose the best places to stay for that social night under a blanket of stars.

1. Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve

Located in the Mackenzie basin, in New Zealand’s South Island, this reserve is one of the most photographed. This is an absolutely breath-taking place. Lake Tekapo on one side, Mount Cook on the other and the vastness of nature everywhere.

Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve
Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve – from www.garak.wimp.com/

Facilities for stargazing are top-notch Mt John Observatory was built by the lake after three years of site scouting. The University of Canterbury manages the Observatory which staffed with professional astronomers.

Mt. Cook
Mt. Cook – from www.switchbacktravel.com

If Lake Tekapo was not beautiful enough the reserve also includes Mt. Cook.

There are 4 licensed suppliers of astro-tourism: Earth and Sky, Tekapo Starlight, Star Gazing Tours and Hillary Alpine Center and Planetarium.

Lake Tekapo Lodge
Lake Tekapo Lodge – from www.cdn.audleytravel.com

Where to stay: The world’s most southern planetarium and dome are located by the Heritage Lodge. For a more exclusive and personal experience head to Lake Tekapo Lodge which was named the Best property in Oceania and Asia in 2013 by Booking.com guests and has a 98% rating on TripAdvisor.

2. NamibRand Nature Reserve

Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
Sossusvlei Desert Lodge

This is one of the largest private reserves in Southern Africa and one of the most stunning. Located on the Southern West part of Namibia the reserve encompasses 4 types of habitats found in the Namib area. The magical dark orange dunes and sandy plains so famous of this part of the world; mountains; gravel plains and sand and gravel interfaces.

The NamibRand is an outstanding part of the world with breath-taking landscapes.

There are only 7 concessionaries able to provide services in this exclusive part of Africa and only 3 provide accommodation. Given the limited level of development you are guaranteed very dark skies.

The best place to observe the sky is with the expert guides and the help of the state of the art observatory at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge which has a powerful telescope to see the farthest stars. Resident astronomers will share all their knowledge with guests.

Sossusvlei
Sossusvlei

Aside from glorious star gazing the reserve also offers the possibility to participate in several cultural experiences and wildlife safaris where you will be able to spot giraffes, zebras, Oryx and springbok. There are also predators such as leopards, foxes, hyenas and jackals. Do not miss a hot air balloon morning trip to understand the vastness and emptiness of this fine place.

Where to stay: Sossusvlei Desert Lodge is the ultimate in African luxury. Manages by &Beyond with properties across the continent, the lodge offers the right mix of modern comforts and the beauty of the African landscapes. Built to seamlessly blend into the surroundings the lodge uses the same colours that make the Namib Desert so popular. Sandy tones, earthy colours and local materials. Rattan, bone, stone, wool, wood and marvel decorate the rooms which have large windows looking onto the plains. At night, the starred sky will be your only companion.

3. Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve

Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve
Kerry International Dark Sky Reserve – from www.travelandleisure.com

This is the only Gold Dark Sky Reserve in the Northern Hemisphere in a small isthmus on the Western South most part of Ireland.

What makes this reserve unique is that it contains common life. That is, the reserve has inhabitants who go about their daily life. You can enjoy a drink at a local pub or a round of golf. Caherciveen is the capital of the Reserve and a good place to start.

Locals have achieved the highest tier in darkness thanks to their consciousness in using lighting for what is required: to light their path and not to light the sky.

Come in the summer to see not only thousands of stars but also the Milky Way.

Kerry Dark Sky Reserve
Kerry Dark Sky Reserve – from www.kerrydarksky.com

Aside from great stargazing opportunities the reserve is rich in cultural heritage. You will be able to visit lighthouses, islands, forts, monasteries, standing pre-historical rocks, memorials, churches and even a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From The Glen you can make the trip to Skellig Island or visit the Puffin Reserve. For surfers there are also great opportunities to get wet. The wealth of historical landmarks is unique.

Where to stay: Tourism is relatively under developed in this area and although there are a few campsites and B&B to stay there aren’t any high-end luxury options. Your best bet is cosy Darrynane Hotel.

Namibia at night
Namibia at night from www.info-namibia.com

  • Check if you need a visa, get help processing it at iVisa.
  • Never ever leave without travel insurance. Get affordable coverage from World Nomads or long term insurance from Safety Wing.
  • I find all of my flights on KAYAK. Check their Deals section too.
  • Search for all your transportation between destinations on the trusted travel booking platform Bookaway.
  • I book all my day trips and tours via GetYourGuide, they are the best and their tours are refundable up to 24h in advance.
  • Get USD35 off your first booking with Airbnb.
  • Compare hotels EVERYWHERE at HotelsCombined and book with Booking.com.
  • Compare car rental prices at Rentalcars.com
AfricaAstronomyDark Sky ReserveEuropeIrelandLake TekapoNamibiaNew Zealand
0
FacebookTwitterPinterest

You may also like

Why you should visit Djibouti – the country...

Who are the Big Five animals of Africa?

Where to stay in the Faroe Islands

What to pack for a safari – expert...

Travel in Albania: Best things to do &...

Travel guide and things to do in Somaliland

Tourism in Zanzibar, from the slave trade to...

Top-3 UNESCO countries: China, Spain and Italy –...

Top wineries near Barcelona to visit in 2020...

Top three African luxury resorts not accessible by...

Popular Posts

  • 1

    Maldives vs Bora Bora, where will YOU have the best vacation?

    June 30, 2020
  • 2

    All the hipster, fun and cool things to do in New York

    June 30, 2020
  • 3

    Original and fabulous gifts for travelers for any occasion

    December 3, 2017
  • 4

    The world’s least visited countries – Unknown and rare destinations

    June 22, 2020
  • 5

    300+ Instagram bio quotes and captions to rock your feed

    December 14, 2019
  • 6

    100+ Great Things to do in Seoul

    August 18, 2020

Recent Posts

  • Safety in South Korea

    February 20, 2023
  • Why Gambling Tourism Is Doing So Well In The UK

    February 19, 2023
  • Fantastic facts about Barcelona

    February 18, 2023
  • Why NYC is a sports fan’s dream destination

    February 18, 2023
  • Winter in Korea – where to go, festivals, ski resorts

    February 18, 2023
  • Countries with The Fastest Internet for Digital Nomads

    January 25, 2023

follow US on instagram

Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest Linkedin

About

  • ABOUT ONCE IN A LIFE TIME JOURNEY
  • ABOUT THE TEAM
  • WHERE WE HAVE BEEN
  • PRESS
  • PRIVACY POLICY

Reach Out

  • CONTACT US
  • PARTNER

Quick Links

  • SITEMAP
  • BOOKS
  • INCOME
  • DIGITAL MARKETING
  • DISCLAIMER

Copyright © 2019 . All Rights Reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program