Visitor center opens at Cape Town observatory
The visitor center is expected to attract over 18,000 visitors annually and features interactive exhibits, historical telescopes and multilingual storytelling, including indigenous celestial narratives in isiXhosa and Khoekhoegowab languages. Visitors can participate in evening tours where they can view celestial objects through telescopes and learn about astronomy.
• Related: South Africa tourism's sky-high ambitions
"The SAAO Visitor Centre marks a major milestone in the implementation of the National Astro-Tourism Strategy," said tourism minister Patricia de Lille, who along with science minister Blade Nzimande officially opened the center. "The facility stands as a testament to how science and tourism can collaborate to unlock new frontiers in experiential and educational travel."
• Personal Quest: Revisiting -- and rediscovering -- South Africa
The center serves as a flagship initiative under South Africa's broader astro-tourism strategy, which aims to leverage the country's clear skies and rich astronomical heritage. The launch positions Cape Town as a new urban astronomy destination alongside the existing Twee Rivieren Interpretation Centre in the Kgalagadi, a large conservation area type of museum showcases and honors the knowledge and stories of the people of the Southern Kalahari..
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Nomzamo vs X gossip: Shaka iLembe actor discredits Mashatile mansion link
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3 days ago
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Visitor center opens at Cape Town observatory
The South African Astronomical Observatory Visitor Centre has opened in Cape Town, marking a significant milestone in the country's National Astro-Tourism Strategy. The visitor center is expected to attract over 18,000 visitors annually and features interactive exhibits, historical telescopes and multilingual storytelling, including indigenous celestial narratives in isiXhosa and Khoekhoegowab languages. Visitors can participate in evening tours where they can view celestial objects through telescopes and learn about astronomy. • Related: South Africa tourism's sky-high ambitions "The SAAO Visitor Centre marks a major milestone in the implementation of the National Astro-Tourism Strategy," said tourism minister Patricia de Lille, who along with science minister Blade Nzimande officially opened the center. "The facility stands as a testament to how science and tourism can collaborate to unlock new frontiers in experiential and educational travel." • Personal Quest: Revisiting -- and rediscovering -- South Africa The center serves as a flagship initiative under South Africa's broader astro-tourism strategy, which aims to leverage the country's clear skies and rich astronomical heritage. The launch positions Cape Town as a new urban astronomy destination alongside the existing Twee Rivieren Interpretation Centre in the Kgalagadi, a large conservation area type of museum showcases and honors the knowledge and stories of the people of the Southern Kalahari..
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I'm a Solo Traveler, and I'm Eyeing These 13 Amazon Deals on Personal Safety Devices—From $9
I started solo traveling just after college when I put over 10,000 miles on a rental car driving around South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia to update a Lonely Planet guidebook. The start of my first trip was intimidating. I worried about getting tired of talking to myself and feeling awkward about dining alone. But once on the road, I realized how much I loved traveling solo. Doing so offers the freedom to read a book at dinner, skip must-see attractions I care little about, spend a day drinking poolside, and listen to the same song on repeat for hours on end if I feel like it. It's an empowering experience. But as a female solo traveler, I know that being alone comes with a few inherent risks. This is why I always pack some essential safety items before I hit the road–and right now, many of my favorites are discounted. What I pack depends on where I'm going and how I'm getting there. I love digital trackers like Apple AirTags and use them for everything I want to keep an eye on while traveling. I throw one in my checked luggage to be able to locate it if it gets lost. And I place one on my Poppy's collar just to be safe. I'll even throw one in my vehicle when I park at the airport so that I can at least know where it is located if it gets stolen. If you have an iPhone, AirTags are the way to go–and a four-pack is currently $80 at Amazon. Every tagged device's location will appear in your Find My app. Although I've worn money belts as theft security in really dodgy places before, I mostly use mine as a hands-free way to carry my phone, ID, and credit cards when going on a hike or heading to the resort pool. I like Aikelida's travel wallet for this purpose. I like that it has RFID-blocking capabilities. It has two main zipper pockets and two stash pockets inside the larger main pockets. A concealed stretchy mesh pocket on the back makes it very easy to separate and locate items. Amazon shoppers who bought this money belt to wear under clothing also praised it, with one reviewer saying: 'This was so lightweight and comfortable to wear I forgot I had it on.' If you've heard horror stories about shady Airbnb hosts installing hidden cameras in the intimate parts of their homes, traveling with a hidden camera detector can put your mind at ease. This anti-spy camera detector by Huynl is lightweight, portable, and can detect RF signals in frequencies of 100MHz to 8GHz. It has a built-in rechargeable battery that can work continuously for 25 hours and only takes two hours to charge fully. It is also on sale for $47 thanks to an amazing double discount deal. An anti-theft crossbody bag is another must-pack for me, and this one by Travelon is on sale in four different colors. Lightweight but durable, this small messenger bag has RFID-blocking technology to protect thieves from accessing your credit card numbers and personal details through a quick skim (i.e., scan) of your bag on a busy street or bus. It is also slash-proof and cut-proof to help keep you safe from pickpockets. It even has locking hardware that lets you strap it to something at a restaurant or bar. You can't fly with pepper spray or mace, but the TSA has no issues with personal safety alarms, which I find comforting as a solo female traveler. The She's Birdie Personal Safety Alarm lives permanently in my travel suitcase. I like how easy it is to use. If you feel like you are in a dangerous situation, you simply pull the pin on the alarm, and a loud, flashing siren quickly draws attention to the problem. Just slide the pin back into the alarm's body to turn the alarm off. 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But I also love them for active adventures where I want to take pictures but don't want to drop my phone while scampering up rocks to see a waterfall. The Casetify Rope Phone Strap is compatible with most phone cases and has a two-layer adjustable rope strap to make carrying it anywhere a breeze. Charging your phone via a USB outlet in a public place seems innocent. But what many people don't know is that most USB cables can transmit data, making it easy for someone to hack into your phone and steal stored info like credit cards on file and passwords. It's called 'juice jacking.' Luckily, there is a cheap and easy fix with a data-blocking device like this one from PortaPow. Simply plug your USB cord into the device and then plug the device into the outlet the next time you are charging at an airport or train station. I'm not a big fan of wearing money belts, but I'm all about the bra wallet when I need to stash cash or credit cards in areas where pickpockets operate–it also works great if I don't feel like carrying a purse to a concert and am not wearing clothes with pockets. This comfy, discreet undercover wallet comes in two sizes to fit multiple bra sizes. To use, you just snap the adjustable elastic straps over your bra strap and tuck the pouch inside. It is big enough to hold numerous credit cards, IDs, and even a car key. It also blocks RFID, and the lining of the wallet's interior pocket is moisture resistant. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
