Kenya has officially launched Astro-Tourism as part of its national tourism portfolio, with the inaugural launch taking place on September 7, 2025, in Samburu County, Kenya. The event coincided with a total lunar eclipse, providing a symbolic highlight for unveiling the country’s latest effort to diversify its tourism offerings. The launch was officiated by the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Honourable Rebecca Miano, who emphasised that this pioneering initiative seeks to position Kenya on the global astro-tourism map, aligning the country with a fast-growing niche that is also gaining momentum across Africa.
The sky is the ultimate art gallery above us, and Kenya’s celestial canopy is a masterpiece waiting to be explored,” stated the Tourism Cabinet Secretary, Rebecca Miano.
The newly launched product at Samburu Sopa Lodge within the Samburu National Reserve featured activities such as guided stargazing, astrophotography, a planetarium experience, cultural storytelling, and night-sky interpretation incorporating indigenous knowledge. The event drew participation from key sector stakeholders, including county government leaders, senior officials from the Kenya Space Agency and the Ministry of Tourism, as well as representatives from Leo Sky Africa, a NewSpace company engaged in astro-tourism experiences.
Kenya’s First Astro-Tourism Planetarium
Alongside the main launch event, Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano inaugurated a new planetarium at Samburu Sopa Lodge. Constructed in the traditional Manyatta architectural style, it is the first of its kind globally and offers visitors an immersive guided tour of the universe. The facility adds a distinctive dimension to Kenya’s astro-tourism portfolio while also serving as an educational resource. Beyond its tourism value, the facility is expected to host school groups from across the country, providing astronomy education and inspiring the next generation to engage with science and space.
These offerings, together with the planetarium, will form part of the planned Samburu Astro-Village, envisioned as a hub for Kenya’s astro-tourism experiences.
Kenya’s Strategic Positioning for Astro-Tourism
Astro-tourism responds to the growing international demand for experiences that connect science, culture, and the environment. Kenya is well-positioned to serve this market through;
- Equatorial Advantage: Kenya’s position along the equator allows for the observation of both northern and southern hemisphere celestial objects, providing a more comprehensive view of the night sky.
- Dark Skies and Minimal Light Pollution: Large areas of the country benefit from dark, clear skies with minimal light pollution, creating ideal conditions for viewing astronomical phenomena such as the Milky Way, an experience now inaccessible in much of the world.
- Cultural Astronomy Context: Kenya’s longstanding cultural connection to the cosmos enriches the experience, blending modern skywatching with indigenous traditions and narratives.
These factors create an optimal setting for stargazing and astrophotography, while enhancing the allure of Kenya’s landscapes after dark. This cultural and environmental advantage also complements the country’s strategic ambitions in astronomy. The Kenya Space Agency is advancing plans to establish observatories across the country, including optical and radio telescopes, as part of efforts to position Kenya within the global astronomical research community..
Continental Astro-Tourism Initiatives
Kenya’s astro-tourism initiative follows South Africa’s launch of its National Astro-Tourism Strategy in September 2024. South Africa has sought to leverage flagship scientific assets, including the Square Kilometre Array and the South African Large Telescope (SALT), to anchor its astro-tourism offering. The strategy is framed around three pillars: Indigenous Celestial Narratives and Human Capacity Development; Infrastructure Development; and Inclusive Tourism Growth and Partnership.
Other countries in the region, such as Namibia and Botswana, have also explored astro-tourism as a niche offering. Namibia’s NamibRand Nature Reserve, for example, holds an International Dark Sky designation, underscoring the growing recognition of Africa’s natural advantage in hosting world-class night-sky experiences.