Kenya’s tourism scene is about to shoot for the stars - literally.

This Sunday, Samburu County will host Kenya’s first dedicated astro-tourism experience, timed to coincide perfectly with a rare celestial event: a total lunar eclipse, or “blood moon.”

The spectacle is expected to bathe the African skies in a deep red glow from 8:30pm for a total of 82 minutes on September 7, 2025.

This groundbreaking initiative marks a bold step in Kenya’s ambition to diversify its tourism offerings and attract a new breed of travelers; astronomy lovers, stargazers, and adventure seekers eager to experience the cosmos under some of the clearest skies on Earth.

Why Samburu?

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Astro-tourism is one of the world’s fastest-growing travel niches, and it dreamily blends stargazing with astronomy education, and astro-photography with outdoor adventure.

Only a few other places across the globe are better suited for this than Samburu.

Located in the heart of northern Kenya, Samburu boasts of:

• Minimal light pollution – delivering some of the darkest skies in Africa.

• Pristine equatorial views – consistent night-time clarity and equal day-night hours year-round.

• Dramatic landscapes – rugged hills and untouched savannah that make starlit nights unforgettable.

From spotting the Milky Way with the naked eye to capturing constellations and meteor showers through telescopes and cameras, Samburu offers the flawless stage for a stellar experience.

Astro-Tourism Package

Visitors to Samburu will not only watch the “blood moon” but also immerse themselves in carefully curated activities, including:

• Guided night-sky tours led by astronomers and trained local guides.

• Astrophotography expeditions capturing celestial wonders against Samburu’s landscapes.

• Workshops on space science, astronomy, and traditional star navigation.

• Starlit camps for an intimate, unforgettable night under the universe.

Adding a cultural twist, the initiative will incorporate indigenous Samburu knowledge of the stars, giving visitors an authentic lens into how communities have used astronomy for generations to guide seasons, rituals, and storytelling.

And because this is Samburu, nights spent gazing at stars can be paired with daytime wildlife safaris and nature walks, making it a holistic adventure unlike anywhere else.

Tourism & Communities

Tourism and Wildlife CS Rebecca Miano will headline the launch event at Sopa Lodge, Samburu National Reserve, joined by global visitors, local communities, and astronomy enthusiasts.

But beyond the spectacle, the project promises tangible benefits including:

• Tourism diversification – expanding beyond traditional safari circuits.

• Job creation – for local guides, artisans, and hospitality workers.

• Conservation support – through eco-tourism revenues.

• Cultural preservation – by valuing and showcasing Samburu’s ancestral knowledge.

This bold move places Kenya on the map as a high-value destination for eco-travelers and astronomy enthusiasts, while boosting the country’s profile in niche global markets.

Other Hotspots

While Samburu will be the epicenter of the Astro-tourism launch, Kenyans and foreigners can also catch the blood moon from other select venues across the country, including:

• Waterfront Mall, Karen (Nairobi)

• The Landing, Nanyuki

• Ileret Campus, Turkana Basin Institute

• Fort Place Grill, Kabete, Kiambu County

Each location offers unique settings for families, communities, and Astro-tourism enthusiasts to witness the lunar wonder.

Inviting the World

The Astro-tourism launch in Samburu is an open invitation to global travellers, astronomers, and curious explorers to witness Kenya’s skies like never before, right in the heart of Africa.