star gazing
Lay back and enjoy the starlit show!
Escape to a world where the stars shine their brightest
As darkness gently drapes over the Masai Mara, the wilderness transforms into a celestial theatre. At Ilora Retreats, stargazing is a journey into the infinite. From our elevated Sky Deck, far from city lights, the Milky Way spills across the horizon, constellations glow with ancient stories, and shooting stars trace fleeting paths. Here, the only sound is the whisper of the savannah, and the only limit is your imagination.
Our one-hour astronomy experience begins with an engaging introduction to the wonders above, what galaxies, nebulae, constellations, and star clusters truly are, and how to spot them. Using advanced star-mapping apps, we project a live view of the night sky so you can follow along in real time. Between each chapter of this journey, our telescopes bring the far reaches of space within your grasp.
our telescopes
To make every stargazing moment truly unforgettable, Ilora Retreats is equipped with cutting-edge astronomy instruments designed for both deep-sky exploration and close-up planetary views.
Vaonis Vespera II: At Ilora Retreats, stargazing isn’t just looking up, it’s a journey into the infinite. Our state-of-the-art Vespera II smart telescope transforms the night sky into a living canvas, revealing nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters in stunning detail. With its 8.3 MP Sony IMX-585 sensor (up to 24 MP with CovalENS), precision autofocus, and intelligent tracking, you’ll watch the cosmos unfold live on your device as you sip a warm drink under the African sky. Compact, sleek, and whisper-quiet, Vespera II makes every guest feel like an astronomer, no experience needed, just a sense of wonder.
2000mm Refractor Telescopes: For those who love detail, our twin 2000mm refractor telescopes bring the Moon’s craters and Jupiter’s bands into crisp, breathtaking focus. Perfect for planetary and lunar observation, these powerful instruments let you witness celestial bodies in astonishing clarity. For photography enthusiasts, each telescope features an optional Nikon F-mount adapter, so you can capture what you see through your Nikon DSLR, or even your phone, and take a piece of the night sky home.
An experience to remember!!
From the Sky Deck’s sweeping views to the precision of our telescopes, stargazing at Ilora Retreats blends storytelling, technology, and the raw beauty of the African night sky. It’s an intimate encounter with the universe—one that will stay with you long after the stars fade.
