I come here quite often as an undergraduate in the field of astronomy and I always end up learning something new with each visit. The observatory has an incredibly rich history that it has preserved over the years so that it can be communicated to the public and admired in the present. There are visiting evenings twice a month wherein one can attend a talk by a professional in the field, receive a guided tour of the library and McLean telescope and also do some stargazing if the weather permits. Highly educational experience for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Excellent centre of learning about the the way nature works. Free lectures from eminent experts in their respective fields. Scientists demonstrate humility in being able to say the three important words: "I don't know." And you get to look through a telescope

The Observatory is open to the public every second Saturday. A worthwhile visit. Very interesting speakers give talks on many Astronomical topics. There is also a tour of the library, museum and telescopes after the public lecture.

What an interesting evening in a full house with the well experienced and traveled speaker. Even though the sky was cloudy, we still had a few brief glimpses at the moon and some stars through an outside telescope. The inside telescope is so big, u need to stand on an A-frame ladder to reach. The library is amazing and a must visit. The nearly extinct lethargic leopard toad who only comes out at night, also resides on the premises, so drive slowly.

What a amazing experience. Loved every minute learning new things and exploring the Library and Museum

Beautiful Historic location which is nicely maintained. Interesting talks by guest speakers from all over the world, entrance is free, event is the first and last Saturday of the month. After the talk there are guided tours of the site such as the library and the historic telecope. You can even do some star gazing, depending on the weather. If you have nothing planned on Saturday night feel free to attend.

Must visit for anyone who likes the universe and astronomy. It's a pleasure listening to real asteonmers. And the history of the place is amazing. Currently only open to public every 2nd and 4th Saturday. But due to the limit of 40 people. Tickets get sold out as soon as it opens on qticket (tickets are free). So keep an eye on their FB page as to when it opens.

Attended one of the Open Nights here - what an eye-opening experience. This place is full of history (from as early as the 1800s). Friendly staff, neat premises, lots of tokens of the history on display. Kid-friendly and ample secure parking on site.

A must visit place in Capetown...It is a 200 year old observatory and there is a 100 years old telescope which is still working, on Saturday night you can see star through telescope (check saao website to check nigh sky watch dates, it is generally occurs on 2nd and 4th Saturday)...

Their open day, every second Saturdays are great. We are so lucky that it's free and that the folks who facilitate it are so enthusiastic and knowledgeable. The place is an iconic landmark with incredible Cape Town history.

A remarkable historical place and research facility . Open lectures on Astronomy and Astrophysics are being held for the lay public on every second saturday of every month . I learned a lot in all the lectures i attended and the is Sky observing through telescopes for the public. Its a remarkable place.

Attended one of the Saturday talks here and the presentation by Dr. Jacinta Delhaize was really good! The massive main telescope that's used to show the public the night's sky wasn't working and hasn't been for a few months. There was a much smaller one set-up outside and we were thankful for the effort from the organisers. Unfortunately, it wasn't a clear enough night to marvel at the beauty of the sky. It's advisable to carry a torch or a smartphone with a good torch app because the walk from the auditorium to the telescope is barely lit. Arrive early - the auditorium was packed on our visit and people were standing in the doorway listening to the talk.

If your into astronomy and want to learn something something really cool, visit their open nights happening only 2 times a month on a saturday

Everyone is so helpful and accommodating Learned a lot about the world and how much I don't know about it too

Fascinating and rich with interesting history of astronomy in South Africa. Christian as the tour guide takes the experience to a whole new level with his wit and humor.

Go on their website and checkout the various talks they host on some Saturday evenings.. viewing of Saturn and the moon through their telescopes,l!

Just been for a lovely evening talk and star gazing. Great hosts very knowledgeable informative talk, question and answer was great interaction with visitors. Thanks very much Guys.

Enjoyed looking through binoculars to see some stars.

I would give it 6 stars if that would be possible enjoyed an excellent presentation about radioastronomy always worth going

Great

Amazing!

Beautiful peace in the city with intellectual convos. The main host (forget his name) has a great sense of humor too.

Great customer service

SAAO has great astronomy and astrophysics lectures every 2nd saturday evening. SAAO's open nights event is a great way of learning something new, getting to find out about history of astromony in Cape Town and doing some star gazing Cape Town's Astronomy Society. It's a Saturday evening we'll spent.

Everyone was courteous and very helpful to make my visit to the Observatory worth my while

A great night out of learning, jokes and star gazing

Absolutely wonderful! Seeing the planets is amazing, would definitely recommend for anyone who would like to know about our galaxy and enjoy star gazing

We thoroughly enjoyed the night tour (looking through a telescope) and the day tour (learning about how stars work and going inside SALT). Our guides, Patrick and Francois, we're both great. Thank you, SAAO.

Absolutely fantastic and extremely interesting experience. The lecturers we interesting, humorous and highly intelligent

I attended the tour on Friday and it was a fantastic experience. Thw host of the tour was very comical and brought to life the seemingly boring history of the Observatory. My favourite demonstration was the first telescope (that is currently not operating) which is situated inside the museum. I was shocked to experience the floor moving like an elevator by a pulley mechanism. I did attend the tour as a university student so the experience was tailored to my studies; hence I got the opportunity to receive talks from researchers who are part of SAAO. For environmental lovers, the view from the auditorium would leave one saddened by the construction of an Amazon building. However, the general area is pretty secluded and the grounds itself is a historical site so it shall remain intact for years to come. I highly recommend a tour at the facility, especially for space lovers who enjoy getting the history of the site as well as seeing real objects used in the past. Overall, the buildings were very well kept, and the scientists on site are very friendly.

Went to an open day talk and tour. Had a great time!

Wonderful facility! Great for public and school excursions

I enjoyed a lot in that place and I could saw the star though telescope.

We were at the Liesbeek River Park next to SAAO. We were doing our Geography field work

Friendly people

Amazing

Wonderful impact in science

I felt like a star

The stars by night. WOW!!

Loved it. So interesting

Great talks, loved the history tour!

Good experience and very educational.

Great working environment with an amazing history m knowledge

Wonderful open lectures, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and a wonderful place to visit! I hope to work with them someday.

Great guide they know their stuff and the grounds are well kept

I Love The Sky

Wonderful friendly staff

Attended ArchSoc meeting

Open evening included a 45 min talk on dying stars... Followed by some star and moon gazing... Interesting and thought provoking... Great overall evening.

Best place to think 🤔

I have been here a number of times , with and with any events or talks. Just a walk around the grounds and sometimes bumping into the resident astronomers was well worth the trip here

Great place to be for science purposes.

A unique, breathtaking views of the sky, stars, planets etc.

A very unique with a very rich heritage of our Astronomy.

Very interesting centre with lots of history & fascinating insight into astronomy...

Went with my astronomy class, and it was a beautiful experience

I would cherish an opportunity to see the night skies from the Observatory! Hope they have open evenings still?