The hamada around Smara lies far from large towns, stays dry for most of the year and opens to the horizon in every direction, which makes its night sky very dark. At Blackstone, nights are part of the programme, with the Milky Way to the naked eye, planets and the Moon through a telescope, and a warm place to watch from.
When to come
Plan your stay around the new Moon. For about a week each month, a bright Moon washes out the faint Milky Way. October to April brings clear, cool nights. Summer nights are warm but can be hazy with dust.
What you will see
From spring to early autumn, the bright centre of the Milky Way rises over the plateau. In winter, Orion and the winter Milky Way take over. Planets, star clusters and the Moon’s craters are shown through the camp telescope.
For astrophotographers
- Open horizons and stable, stony ground for tripods
- Red light only during sky sessions
- Power at camp to charge batteries between nights
- Wind can be strong on the plateau, so bring weights for your tripod
Tell us about your equipment and we will choose the best spot for your nights.
Questions travellers ask
Is there light pollution at the camp?
Very little. The camp uses low, warm lights that we switch off for sky sessions, and the glow of Smara stays low on the horizon in its direction only.
Do I need my own telescope?
No. A telescope is available at camp for sky sessions. Bring your own if you want to photograph deep-sky objects.
Is it cold at night?
From October to April nights are cool to cold. We provide blankets and hot drinks, and recommend a warm layer and a hat.