Are you already an accomplished amateur astronomer?
We invite you to pursue your hobby extensively in Rooisand’s own well-equipped observatory!
Our state-of-the-art telescope/astrograph combination is, to date, the largest available for public viewing, while the Gamsberg surrounds offers ideal star gazing conditions!
The observatory is situated approximately 2,5km away from the guest house on a lonely hill. Adjacent to it, the Mountain Chalet offers peace and quiet during the day for you to recharge for your nightly observation activities undisturbed. The Chalet is fully equipped and furnished for a maximum of 4 self-caterers (2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, living/dining area, sun terrace and balcony), however, you may, of course, opt to enjoy additional meals at the farm restaurant.
An inventory list of the observatory is available here and for only N $ 2,500 per night (today about USD 138.20 oder GBP 108.86) you can book the entire observatory exclusively for your own use.
What you need to bring:
For visual observations, you need to bring your own preferred oculars (1 ¼ inch and/or 2 inches) and special filters.
For photographic observations, we recommend that you bring your own laptop, a guiding camera with updated software and drivers and, of course, your camera/s. The observatory inventory includes a SBIG-ST-i, but a spare camera, with which you are familiar, is recommended.
A Vixen 125mm Binocular Telescope on a Baader Tripod can also be hired for additional visual observations.
Kindly note that we will require verification of your experience and technical expertise with equipment equal or similar to ours held at the observatory.
Detailed information and descriptive images can be found here.
For further questions kindly use our contact form.
Or explore the possibilities of our partnership with Deep Sky Safaris – offering a vast range of equipment for rent during your stay at Rooisand.