Overview
Developing Africa’s Next Generation of Professional Astronomy Guides & Stargazers
The Professional Safari Guide Astronomy Course is a two-week intensive training programme designed to equip safari guides, hospitality professionals, and aspiring astronomy educators with the knowledge and practical skills needed to deliver world-class stargazing experiences.
Combining astronomy, storytelling, and guest engagement, this course prepares participants to confidently interpret the night sky, operate telescopes, identify celestial objects, and create unforgettable astronomy experiences for visitors.
Graduates leave with professional certification, practical experience, a comprehensive course manual, and ongoing mentorship to support their journey as astronomy guides.
Itinerary
- Course introduction and objectives
- The role of a professional astronomy guide
- Understanding guest expectations and experiences
- Reading and understanding the night sky
- Identifying major stars and constellations
- Seasonal sky changes and navigation
- Indigenous and historical connections with the stars
- African astronomy traditions and storytelling
- Sharing cultural perspectives of the night sky
- Telescope setup and maintenance
- Practical telescope handling
- Observing planets, stars, and deep-sky objects
- Understanding galaxies, nebulae, and star clusters
- Identifying fascinating celestial targets
- Planning observation sessions
- Safe use of astronomy lasers
- Night-time guiding procedures
- Professional observation practices
- Creating memorable guest experiences
- Communicating astronomy clearly
- Managing different knowledge levels
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Pick-up or Drop-off service from and to Airport(in our own vehicle)
- Transportation to and from!!
- Food all along the trip(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a cup of coffee or tea) and accommodations during the trip in hotels with family environment
- Transportation, food, accommodation and insurance of Guide during the trip
- Down jacket, all-season sleeping bag, duffel bag and trekking map(in case if you don’t have your own. Down jacket, sleeping bag and duffel bag must be returned after completion of the trip)
- First Aid Medical Kit(Your guide will carry the Medical Kit but we also advise to bring yourself for your own use, as far as possible)
- All the required permits and paperwork
The Cost Excludes
- International Airfare
- Visa Charges
- Hotel Expenses(In Kathmandu, some packages do include hotel expenses)
- Your travel and medical insurance
- Personal Expenses such as shopping, bar bills, hot shower, telephone, laundry, titbits etc
- Food and accommodations in Kathmandu
- Services not mentioned or not promised by the agent/agency
- Emergency expenses such as expenses on chartered helicopter.
FAQs
General
The course is designed for safari guides, lodge staff, tourism professionals, educators, and anyone interested in becoming a professional astronomy guide.
The Professional Safari Guide Astronomy Course runs for two weeks of intensive training.
No. The course is suitable for beginners as well as experienced guides looking to expand their skills.
The course covers night sky interpretation, cultural astronomy, telescope operation, deep-sky objects, guest engagement, storytelling, and astronomy presentations.
Accommodation and meals are arranged separately and provided by the hosting lodge.
Participants receive practical training with astronomy equipment, including telescope operations and professional observation techniques.
