Stargazing.
Storytelling.
Southern Skies.
Welcome to Over the Moon Tours
Since 2012, Over The Moon Tours has been opening up the Southern African night skies to curious travellers. Back then, there weren’t many stargazing facilities around, so we created some ourselves.
Ever since, we’ve been training nature and culture tourist guides in the Western Cape, setting up stargazing spots, and creating unforgettable experiences under the stars for visitors from all over the world.
The South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), Sutherland.
What We Do
We don’t just show you the stars – we build the pathways to experience them.
Whether you’re a curious traveller, a nature guide or an event planner, Over The Moon Tours brings astronomy down to earth in ways that inspire wonder. Currently, our focus is on expanding astronomy training for nature and culture guides across the Western Cape.
Training tourist guides to craft memorable stargazing tours
Supplying telescopes to nature reserves and teaching local guides to use them
Creating the Planet Walk at Anysberg Nature Reserve
Producing information panels and brochures on astrotourism for CapeNature
Hosting Astronomy Gastronomy evenings at the 12 Apostles Hotel
Organising stargazing nights at Cellars Hohenort
Bringing the stars to cruise ship passengers
Leading tours to astronomical sites for the public and academic conference
delegates
About Us
Over the Moon Tours was founded in 2012 by Chris de Coning and Kechil Kirkham, both well known and trusted voices in the astronomy community. Together with their associates, they’ve been shaping the astrotourism landscape in South Africa.
Chris de Coning
Archivist and Director of the Historical Section of the Astronomical Society of Southern Africa and a professional tourist guide. Co-director of the Centre for Astronomical Heritage (cfah.org.za)
Kechil Kirkham
Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, SKA engineer since 2013 and project manager at the Inter‑University Institute of Data‑Intensive Astronomy (IDIA), and long‑time science communicator. She hosted Looking Up on Fine Music Radio for 20 years, concluding in 2025 after 1,000 episodes.
Explore More…
Here are some highlights from our journey so far.
What’s On…
News, events and more about what we’re up to at the moment
- Astronomy Unlocked
Astronomy Unlocked
Two nights of celestial fun aimed at the beginner and the curious.
Expert-led Talks – Enjoy fascinating lectures from our friendly astronomy lecturer who’ll guide you through the mysteries of the universe.
Hands-on Stargazing – Explore the cosmos through powerful telescopes and spot constellations, planets, and distant galaxies.
Night-Sky Magic: Learn to navigate the stars and constellations, and see the heavens like never before.
Discover how astronomers unlock the secrets of the night sky – and experience the wonder for yourself! This course is a perfect balance of science and wonder.• Dates: 19 and 26 October 2026
• Time: 6:15 pm – 9:00 pm
• Location: Bergvliet High School, Firgrove Road, Cape Town
• Price: R310 for both sessions• Contact Person: Kathy Miles
• Email: kmiles@bhs.org.za
• Phone: +27 21 713 7999 or +27 82 409 2195