Gugulesizwe: a haven for big skies
Escape to Gugulesizwe for a Magical Experience
Are you looking for a break from the daily grind? Gugulesizwe is the perfect retreat. In February and March, the weather can be warm and humid, but the rain brings the area to life. Witness the seasonal pans and the vast array of frog species and insects that come out at night. At Gugulesizwe, we believe that rain is a life-giving force that should never be taken for granted.
Stargazing in the Dark Skies of Gugulesizwe
Experience more than just wildlife encounters at Gugulesizwe. On clear nights, gaze up at the awe-inspiring constellations. With hardly any light or air pollution, this is an ideal spot for stargazing.
The Constellations Above
Directly overhead from early evening, the constellation Orion is one of the most recognizable constellations in the heavens. Scan around this part of the sky with binoculars and see the great Orion Nebula, Omega Centauri, and other deep-sky objects. To the west of Orion, find the constellation of Pleiades and Taurus, with Mars, the red planet, nestled in this sector. We use the amazing website Stellarium to browse our night sky. Simply tap the location button and locate “manguzi on the map” and see what we’re seeing!
Witness the breathtaking beauty of the Orion Nebula, located in the constellation Orion, from the dark skies of Gugulesizwe.
Understanding the Red Giant Stars
Don’t confuse Mars with the red giant stars, such as Aldebaran in Taurus or Betelgeuse in Orion. Red giant stars are those that are running out of their life-sustaining fuel, hydrogen, and as the hydrogen fuel depletes, the star expands until it comes to its fiery end.
Orion: The Main Constellation in Summer
Orion is the primary constellation in the summer months, but as the days get shorter and the nights get longer, it will slowly move towards the western horizon. Scorpio takes its place as the main constellation for winter.
Experience the Magic of Gugulesizwe
Whenever you decide to visit us, Big Skies lives up to its name. The sunrise and sunset are truly magical and should not be missed. So why wait? Come experience the magic of Gugulesizwe for yourself. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a stargazer, or just looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, there’s something here for everyone.
