Stars over the Kasteelberg

An hour from Cape Town is far enough to leave most of the light pollution behind. On a clear, moonless night the Milky Way is easy to see from the village.

The southern sky has its own landmarks. Look for the Southern Cross and the two bright Pointers beside it, and in summer the Magellanic Clouds, two small galaxies that look like smudges of mist.

Turn off the terrace lights, give your eyes twenty minutes to adjust, and use a free star-map app on your phone in red-light mode.

Winter nights are clearest after a cold front passes. Bring a blanket and something warm to drink.