The SAAO’s headquarters are in the Cape Town suburb of Observatory on the site of the former Royal Observatory. The historic building is recognised as a National Heritage Site, and houses administration facilities, offices, and the SAAO library.

You are welcome to visit the SAAO in Cape Town on SAAO Open Nights, on the second and fourth Saturday of every month at 20:00. Please book a tour below.

All Open Nights include a presentation on topics of astronomy or physics, and an introduction to the historic McClean telescope, the observatory museum, and the library. If the weather is clear, there will be a chance for stargazing using telescopes set up for the night.

Fee: R50 per person, children under 6 enter for free.

Tour fees go towards the SAAO’s education, public outreach, and socio-economic development programs. Tour bookings must be paid in advance – no payments will be accepted on-site.

This is a secure site and all other buildings are off-limits to the public.

For queries, please email cptbookings@saao.ac.za or call +27 21 447 0025.

Please read: SAAO Indemnity Agreement for Visitors