Sutherland Planetarium
Sutherland Planetarium
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, 7:15 PM - 10:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
7:15 PM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
7:15 PM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
7:15 PM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
7:15 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
7:15 PM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
7:15 PM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
About
Sutherland Planetarium is located in the centre of Sutherland en route to the Southern African Large Telescope. It is the latest and only privately owned Digital Planetarium in South Africa. The planetarium is equipped with a Fulldome Pro DX4 system using a single revolutionary Fulldome Pro media server to power four Full HD projectors. The Projection dome is fitted with a Dolby Atmos 7.1 sound s
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
58 reviews
Excellent
36
Very good
16
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
3
laurenwhite2022
Pretoria, South Africa18 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Recommend doing it before going to SALT as it gives some background around telescopes. Saw a review about motion sickness. I am prone to motion sickness so sat towards the edge of the chairs and felt a little bit woozy but still worth going to.
Written 24 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lorenzo Schaffers
Grassy Park, South Africa65 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
We had a great experience. Thank you to Nico for his wealth of information. Star gazing to another level. Although it was vrek koud 4degrees during our session , they arrange a refreshing drink ,cushions and blankets. The star gazing session was relaxed and casual. An appeal to all travels is to download the stars app that Nico will give you.
Written 9 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I really enjoyed this group, we had allot of fun with the telescope and powerful green lasers. The app that we use to help visualize the hard to imagine constellations is called Skyview or Skyview lite (free version).
Written 3 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sarah V
Johannesburg48 contributions
Dec 2021
The process and service was good enough. But the content was juvenile.
I really think that people who have taken the time to drive all the way to Sutherland, whoes only attraction is the telescopes, know something about space and astronomy. At a planetarium we want to be wowed by special shots of nebula and galaxies, maybe even the twin star thing that Sutherland claims to be the first the see/figure out. We don't want to see a primary school level introduction to the our planets.
I would say this is not worth your time.
I really think that people who have taken the time to drive all the way to Sutherland, whoes only attraction is the telescopes, know something about space and astronomy. At a planetarium we want to be wowed by special shots of nebula and galaxies, maybe even the twin star thing that Sutherland claims to be the first the see/figure out. We don't want to see a primary school level introduction to the our planets.
I would say this is not worth your time.
Written 7 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Sarah
I’m sorry to hear that you did not find your planetarium film stimulating. We have approximately 40 films at the planetarium, the generic films we use is Rising star and From Earth to the Universe. Rising star features SALT, SAAO and SKA, the film does cover neutron stars and other observations made by our Southern African astronomical infrastructure. I’m really proud of this locally produced film, It’s one of my favorites and really a world class film. From earth to the universe is basically an astronomy 101, I believe this covers the basics that everyone needs to know about astronomy. I believe this film is suitable for the entire family.
If you want something different than our generic films, please discuss our film options with the operator. As I mentioned we do have a big variety of films that you can choose from.
Kind regards,
Nico
Written 13 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
rachelles@mariswe.com
28 contributions
Apr 2022 • Friends
When we arrived at the planetarium we were surprised at it's small size but don't let this fool you, we enjoyed a 3D film in the afternoon then we joined the star gazing in the evening. The guide was very knowledgeable and we were impressed. What a lovely experience, and staff were great.
Written 7 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewer
13 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
Star gazing a waste of time and over priced. Not much learned about astronomy. Looked at the moon, jewellery box, the Southern Cross, another constellation and Saturn.
I found the presenter boring and non-interactive with the audience. A waste of R130.00 per person. Rather go to Sterland.
I found the presenter boring and non-interactive with the audience. A waste of R130.00 per person. Rather go to Sterland.
Written 28 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We regret that you had a bad experience at the Sutherland Planetarium evening stargazing session. This is an unusual comment; we are usually praised on the enthusiasm displayed by our presenter. We will investigate and make sure this does not happen again.
Sutherland Planetarium did offer a full refund to the reviewer.
PS: I see smartphone astrophotography was not listed on the evening’s activities. This is a unique experience that Sutherland Planetarium offers.
Written 16 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Natalie B
Greater Johannesburg, South Africa7 contributions
Aug 2020
we went to sutherland to see the stars but alas the cloud cover didn't allow it. that did not stop aluciaane from making our visit special - we enjoyed the 3d show with popcorn and yummy hot chocolate... a good reason to go back. (ps can't complain about the cloud cover either as we were spoilt with a good bit of snow).
Written 3 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Planetarium shows combined with telescope stargazing make a very good combination. The Digital Planetarium makes use of exiting 3D effects that can illustrate the universe in a manner not possible with telescopes. The planetarium films illustrate close-ups of the universe and focuses on objects that will be observed during evening stargazing.
Written 3 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BackPacker800547
Bilston, UK1 576 contributions
Feb 2023
Well you can't miss the domes although the star gazing takes place in a round compound out the back. It was all very confusing as to what was going on.
We then gathered in two groups, a telescope between each group.
Some good things shown, although it lacked pace due to the numbers. Clear knowledge from the guide though.
They really need a couple more telescopes!
We then gathered in two groups, a telescope between each group.
Some good things shown, although it lacked pace due to the numbers. Clear knowledge from the guide though.
They really need a couple more telescopes!
Written 8 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi BackPacker800547
Thank you for your review.
Yes, we currently have two large telescopes at Sutherland Planetarium. As you might have noticed there is a third pier in between the two telescopes, that's where our third telescope will be mounted. Even with the third telescope in place our group numbers will always be capped to ensure quality over quantity.
Thanks for visiting Sutherland and attending stargazing at Sutherland Planetarium, I hope you had time to attend one of our Planetarium shows.
Kind regards,
Nico
Written 13 April 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Relax31639749262
6 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Did both the virtual tour and the star gazing afterwards. It was really fun and informative for everyone. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone keen to learn and see the night sky as never before. Just remember to check the weather and to not let a full moon spoil some of the fun.
Written 12 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reinhard M
9 contributions
Mar 2021 • Family
Absolutely awesome. Alosiaan is so friendly and service is excellent. Willem is so knowledgeable and has a magic touch with those telescopes. Best Stargazing in town. These images is taken with my mobile phone through their scope. Willem's magic. Jewel box.
Written 28 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Doug E
Knysna, South Africa107 contributions
Sept 2021
We did the show in the dome, not live Stargazing. This was a good experience and well worth the R80.00 entrance fee. This is something you should do if visiting Sutherland, especially since there is not much else to do. The facilities need some maintenance and this should be a priority, especially in view of international visitors. Happy yo recommend it.
Written 1 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Doug, Thanks for the review. Yes, you are right about the maintenance. We had a harsh winter that left some bad water damage in our dome roofs. Since your visit we fixed the projection roof, the coffee shop roof is scheduled to be repainted in November.
Written 7 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Visiting hours? Will it be open 20th and 21st of March? Cost? Do I need to book?
Written 4 February 2019
Hi, they will be open on 20 and 21 March. You can email them for a booking. Just Google their website.
Written 4 February 2019
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