Kenya launches first astro-tourism offering in Samburu

During the launch at Sopa Lodge within Samburu National Reserve, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano revealed that the pioneer project aims to place Kenya on the global astro-tourism map, tapping into a fast-growing niche that has already gained traction in world destinations such as Chile and Namibia.

Astro-tourism blends stargazing, astronomy education, and cultural experiences under pristine night skies. With minimal light pollution, Samburu County offers some of the darkest skies in Africa, creating ideal conditions for observing constellations, meteor showers, and planetary movements.

In the planetarium that was constructed in a manyatta shape, visitors will enjoy guided night sky tours, astrophotography expeditions, starlit camps, and even workshops.

"Astro-tourism is about the space. We have just launched a planetarium that reflects nature, culture, and modernity," CS Miano said.

"This is a product that is very unique and will attract tourists and offer them to see the Earth gallery; that is the sky."

Also Read: Sunday’s ‘blood moon’ to last 82 minutes as Kenya starts new tourism offering

According to the CS, the Ministry chose to set the planetarium in Samburu County because it holds minimal light pollution, clear equatorial skies, and unique landscapes.

Ms Miano said the experience will integrate the indigenous astronomical knowledge of Samburu communities to offer a unique cultural dimension. At the same time, tourists will be able to pair their celestial adventures with daytime safaris and nature walks.

"We encourage tourists to come and witness this planetarium and experience what it has to offer. Samburu’s skies present one of the clearest views of the stars, making it ideal for an authentic astro-tourism experience,” the CS noted.

Globally, astro-tourism has been gaining traction, with destinations such as Chile in South America and Namibia in Africa becoming hotspots for star-chasers. Kenya’s entry into the sector is expected to carve out a unique space by blending cosmic exploration with African landscapes [found in Samburu] and local heritage.

Kimani wa Nyoike, founder of Leo Sky Africa and an expert astronomer, revealed that they will guide and support the trained astronomers in delivering immersive and insightful stargazing experiences at Sopa Lodge in Samburu County.  

Kimani said that inside the planetarium, a projector is connected to a Central Processing Unit that contains space data. He revealed that the planetarium is the first in Kenya to offer such a unique experience.

"This is the first planetarium around and it is special to set it here in Sopa Lodge because Samburu offers some of the most pristine night skies in the world,” Mr Kimani said.

Also Read: Explainer: All you need to know about the blood moon

Kenya Wildlife Services Director Erastus Kanga revealed that during the lunar eclipse, routine hunting is always disrupted because "the night sky is like a silent conductor for the rhythms of wildlife." He further explained that on bright full-moon nights, lions and hyenas often hunt less because their prey can see them more easily.

"We call this the ‘lunar phobia effect’—prey animals freeze or reduce movement under moonlight to avoid being spotted," Mr Kanga said.

"In the oceans, tides driven by the moon’s pull trigger feeding frenzies: crabs, fish, even seabirds know exactly when the buffet opens. During solar eclipses, it’s even more dramatic—day-active animals suddenly stop feeding, while nocturnal creatures stir as if night has arrived. It shows just how finely tuned animal survival is to the heavens above," he added.

The CS will lead participants, including international visitors, to watch the lunar eclipse this evening at Sopa Lodge in Samburu National Reserve. Beyond Samburu, several viewing events for the "blood moon" were held at The Waterfront in Karen, Nairobi, The Landing in Nanyuki, the Ileret Campus of Turkana Basin Institute, and Fort Place Grill in Kiambu County.

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