There are few places on the planet where light interference and pollution levels are as minimal as in the Namib Desert, meaning the night sky is a brilliant, unobstructed patchwork of stars and satellites. And you don't have to take our word for this - the Namibrand has been declared Africa's First Dark Sky Reserve (Gold Tier). This is awarded to areas with night-time environments that have little to no impact from light pollution and artificial light. The Namibrand's nearest neighbouring communities are small and lie some 60 miles distant, so the reserve's sky is one of the darkest yet measured!

Sossusvlei Desert Lodge has its own specially designed observatory with a powerful telescope for getting a closer look at the night's treasures. Resident astronomers are on hand each night to give a presentation on the constellations that you can pick out in the southern hemisphere, making for a perfectly relaxing end to the day, especially if you have indulged yourself and plundered the lodge's impressive wine cellar.