10/09/2026
Clarens Stargazing Tours • Powered by Kåho invites you to The Clarens Full Moon: three unforgettable evenings of astronomy, wonder, and storytelling. Experience the magic of the night sky through cinematic visuals, guided full moon observations, and captivating stories that reveal the beauty, science, and mythology of the cosmos.
Reflection of Knowledge brings together leading voices in science, astronomy, and astrotourism to explore how the night sky has shaped our understanding of who we are and our place in the universe.
This engaging evening of ideas and discussion explores the beauty of Clarens’ dark skies, our perception of time and light, the growing opportunities of astrotourism, and the importance of preserving the region’s exceptional night sky.
The conversation also considers the potential for Clarens to achieve Dark Sky accreditation and what this could mean for the town’s future.
An exciting programme featuring a 90-minute panel discussion, followed by an interactive audience Q&A, with:
Prof. Matthiam Johan Hendrik (Matie) Hoffman�Prof. Matie Hoffman is a physicist, astronomer and science communicator who has been associated with the University of the Free State since 1985. He played a key role in revitalising Boyden Observatory as a centre for research, education and public engagement, and founded the Boyden Observatory Science Centre in 2003. He later led the establishment of the Naval Hill Planetarium, the first digital planetarium in sub-Saharan Africa, and managed it until 2023. Over several decades, he has been actively involved in astronomy education, public outreach and science communication through lectures, radio and publications. He currently continues his work at UFS on special projects related to Boyden Observatory and the Naval Hill Planetarium.
Dr Laeticia Jacobs�Dr Laeticia Jacobs is Director of Strategy Development at South Africa’s Department of Tourism, with almost 20 years of experience in the tourism sector. Her career spans tourism research, product development, infrastructure projects and national maintenance programmes. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Stellenbosch University and a PhD in Tourism Management from the University of Pretoria. Her doctoral research explored astro-tourism as a catalyst for rural route development, establishing her as a leading South African expert in the field. She has played a pivotal role in the development and implementation of South Africa’s National Astro-Tourism Strategy and has published research on tourism, destination branding and sector development.
Thembela Mantungwa�Thembela Mantungwa is a science communication and stakeholder engagement professional at the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO). With expertise in corporate and strategic communication, she works to strengthen relationships between astronomical research institutions and wider society. Her work includes public outreach, community engagement and making complex scientific ideas accessible to diverse audiences. She is particularly interested in communicating how astronomy can contribute to education, innovation and development. Through her work, she helps connect scientific research with communities and the broader public.
🎟 Book your tickets now�R150 per person�📍 Protea Hotel Clarens�📅 24 September�🕒 15:00–17:00
Please note: Tickets are selling quickly, so make sure to book early to secure your spot.
See you there! ✨
