Riemvasmaak – Stargazing in a Canyon Oasis

If you're chasing stars in places where few others go, Riemvasmaak is your destination. Tucked into a remote corner of South Africa’s Northern Cape, this 75,000-hectare mountain desert wilderness is as dramatic as it is serene—a raw and powerful landscape made for skywatchers and solitude seekers alike.

This community-run project is one of the province’s hidden gems. Its chalet and campsite are nestled deep in a canyon of 550-million-year-old red rock cliffs, carved by time and silence. Two natural volcanic springs—one hot, one cold—create an unexpected oasis where birdsong bounces between the walls, and evenings settle into cool, crisp stillness.

By day, the journey in is already an adventure. The gravel track weaves through rugged terrain where outcrops glitter with semi-precious stones like rose quartz. But at night, Riemvasmaak truly transforms. With no light pollution for miles, moonless nights turn jet-black, and the Milky Way spills across the sky in a breathtaking arc. Constellations are bold, planets gleam, and shooting stars feel close enough to touch.

Move a few steps away from the soft glow of your fire and let your eyes adjust. Or better yet, slip into the hot spring after dark, let your body unwind, and look up—because here, stargazing becomes a full-body, soul-soothing experience.

At Riemvasmaak, the stars don’t just shine—they surround you.