KanStra Travel - South Africa - Northern Cape

The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) in Sutherland lies in a remote area in the southwestern Karoo. Due to the remoteness (no light pollution), the altitude of nearly 1800m and the clear sky it is an ideal location for observatories. The Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) is now the biggest attraction, it is the largest single optical telescope in the southern hemisphere and its inauguration had been in November 2005.


The village of Sutherland in the distance	Inside one of the observatories	The observatories	SALT

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	There are very interesting guided tours (booking essential) that include a visit to several observatories. The highlight however is a visit to SALT (Southern African Large Telescope). The road is tarred all the way from the N1 to Sutherland and then to SAAO. Accomodation is available in Sutherland.
	more information: SAAO		date visited: August 2005