PHOTO: JANIK ALHEIT

EXPLORE SUTHERLAND WITH GRANT HINDS AND AMBEL BARNARD

Reflect on the wonders of the universe with couple Grant Hinds and Ambel Barnard in Sutherland.

We traveled to the Northern Cape to visit Sutherland, a world-renowned astronomical centre perfect for stargazing with keen adventurers and well known gamers, Grant Hinds and Ambel Barnard.

PHOTO: JANIK ALHEIT

They had the pleasure of staying at Rogge Cloof Estate, which has a rich history dating back over 250 years and today has a strong focus on eco-living. 

Located in an area of extreme conditions and limited resources, eco-living was a natural progression and necessity. It’s isolated location and setting, surrounded by expansive plains with beautiful views of the sky, makes it the ideal place to enjoy the peace and tranquility of nature. 

Fossil field outings, a Salpeterkop volcano hike, and fat bike cycling are some of the activities on offer. There are also a large variety of wild animals in the area, including cheetahs, and Grant and Ambel had the rare opportunity to have an up close encounter with one being rehabilitated on the premises. 

“That was such an amazing experience. We were in the cage with a cheetah but it was there for rehabilitation. It’s not a petting zoo or about keeping the cheetah in an enclosure, but it’s about rehabilitating the cheetah in this natural environment,” comments Grant. 

PHOTOS: JANIK ALHEIT

The conditions for stargazing in the Sutherland area are emasculate. On hand to offer the couple a private tour of South Africa’s leading astronomy research institute and the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO), was Science Engagement Astronomer, Dr Daniel Cunnama. 

He explains that SAAO is home to about 20 telescopes on the plateau and one of the largest telescopes in the world, SALT.

“It’s really exciting to see and have first hand access to some of the world-class technology that South Africans produce, and the world-class astronomy that’s happening here in Sutherland. For the kids at school, if you are watching this, and you’re interested in maths and science, you can also be a part of what they’re doing here. This is literally changing what we know about astronomy and provides you with access to such advanced technology to change the world ahead of us,” marvels Grant. 

This is a place for making memories and new discoveries, and that’s certainly what Grant and Ambel did when he gifted her the certificate of a star that he had named after her.     

PHOTO: JANIK ALHEIT

Capturing the dramatic views of these night skies is an inspiration to photographers, but what keeps them coming back?

Photographer Janik Alheit explained, “Sutherland offers some of the darkest skies in Africa. Because of the elevation, it’s got very cold air at night and cold air means clean air, and clean air means that there’s nothing between you and the stars that can cause blurry or hazy photos. So up here in Sutherland we really get the most crisp star shots that you can get in South Africa.”. 

PHOTOS: JANIK ALHEIT

WATCH THE SEGMENT

CONNECT WITH ROGGECLOOF

CONNECT WITH THE SOUTH AFRICAN ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY

CONNECT WITH GRANT HINDS

CONNECT WITH AMBEL BARNARD