Noctourism – what is it and why is it the new travel trend?
What happens once the sun sets?
Sunrises and sunny days are great, but what if your soul only comes alive at night?
Nocturnal tourism, or Noctourism as the cool kids say, is the newest travel trend. Switching off the lights has never been this much fun. Noctourism is focussed on travels and celebrations of all things after dark. Midnight feasts, night swimming, dark safaris, star gazing and full-moon festivals are all part of this exciting new way to see the world.
Noctourism is intentional.
Sorry hey, but having a braai during loadshedding doesn’t count as noctourism.
Its about planning and then doing something specifically designed to make use of the elements of the night. Whether it is the cover of darkness, natural night lights like stars, the moon and auroras, cooler temperature, less people around…noctourism is about using these things to create a unique and exciting experience.
How do you become a noctourist?
Afraid of the dark? Take it slow at first…
Any kid can tell you that there are two basic types of animals in the world. “Nocturnal” (active during the night) and “Diurnal” (active during the day).
But – did you know there is a third kind of creature?
“Crepuscular” means animals that are most active in the in-between times of dawn and dusk.
If being completely nocturnal sounds like a bit of a stretch to you, becoming crepuscular might just be the nudge you need. Popular crepuscular activities include getting up super early, and hiking, walking or simply being in nature before sunrise. A bonus is you get to see some spectacular sunrises and feel superior about being an early riser. When you are traveling in a foreign city, hitting the streets just as the streetlights go on offers you a different experience of the city life from the normal mid-day vibes. Plan to explore the city while the sun sets and end your evening with a candlelight dinner.
If you are ready for the full noctourism experience, here are some options of night time activities”
Star gazing.
For the ultimate in star gazing, you need to get to a space with very little to no light pollution. Luckily for us, South Africa boasts our very own dark sky reserve in the !Ae!Hai Kalahari Heritage Park.
Other notable places that offer pristine stargazing experiences include:
NamibRand Nature Reserve (Namibia):
This reserve, located in the southwestern Namib, is one of the darkest places on Earth and is an official International Dark Sky Reserve, making it a prime destination for stargazing.
The Cederberg region
This region has very little light pollution with mostly cloudless skies, especially in summer, making it a great place for stargazing. It is just a couple of hours from Cape Town, making it an accessible tourism destination,
Tankwa Karoo National Park and Sutherland
Located in the arid Karoo region, this park is known for its striking landscapes and vast open skies, with clear skies and minimal light pollution, making it an excellent stargazing location. Just a short drive from here you will find Sutherland, a northern cape town that is home to the South African Large Telescope (SALT) and is known for its exceptionally clear skies and minimal light pollution, making it a top destination for stargazing.
Nighttime Safari’s and game drives (Where the lions don’t sleep tonight)
Many of our most breathtaking predators are nocturnal. Most of our big cats, hyenas and wild dogs prefer hunting and moving around under cover of darkness. Temperatures are cooler and their prey are more vulnerable. This is why a nighttime game drive can be such a thrilling experience. Most nature reserves and wildlife parks know this and offer exciting noctourism activities from game drives to guided walks, to spending a night under the stars. You get to pick your adventure!
Urban Noctourism ideas:
Lunar festivals, night markets, nightlife city tours, after hours museum or gallery showings.
On the more adventurous side:
Swimming or kayaking in designated areas with bioluminescent plankton and viewing the northern lights Why it’s a growing trend:
A bit of magic, and a lot of moonlight:
The idea of a nighttime excursion is an exciting and enticing thing. It can feel more intimate, more romantic and more magical.
Why does noctourism make sense?
Museums and art galleries usually have reduced prices for late night tickets. Never mind skipping the crowds, traffic and heat of most summer holiday destinations. It also gives you a chance to see a different side of places – it offers a fresh take on local and international travel.
Top Tip: Noctourism should not be attempted lightly. Do not take this as your motivation to go hike up Table Mountain in the dark or jump into the Atlantic ocean in search of bioluminescence.
- Don’t stop somewhere next to the N1 and wander into the fields to go star gazing.
- Don’t do an unguided walking tour of Jo’burg CBD.
- Don’t sneak out of your campsite in the Kruger to look for lions. Use your commons sense, né?
If you do it safely and intentionally, Noctourism can open your eyes to a whole new world experience.
Some of the most beautiful and renowned noctourism destinations around the world include:
Tromsø, Norway: A popular base for people embarking on Arctic trips to view the Northern Lights and go whale watching.
Piedmont, Italy: Known for its white truffles, this region allows foraging after dark with the Italian Truffle Hunting Association.
Before you start your Noctourism journey, you can do more research here”
The rise of Noctourism (Vogue)
What is Noctourism (The National)
Unforgettable Nighttime travel experiences
If you do it safely and intentionally, Noctourism can open your eyes to a whole new world experience.
