High in the Cederberg Mountains, 240km north of Cape Town, on the farm Dwarsrivier lies the Cederberg Astronomical Observatory (19 deg 15' E 32 deg 30' S). Privately owned and a non-profit organization it is run by seven partners. The observatory has been in existence since the early eighties. Originally an undeveloped plot of land with little more than unpolluted dark skies and magnificent mountain views to recommend it, the observatory has developed over the years into an amateur astronomer's paradise. Basic but comfortable accommodation has been erected, complete with ablutions and cooking facilities for the astronomers on duty. A dome houses a 16" telescope and a shed with a roll-off roof shelters another. Piers with power provide polar-aligned mounts for portable telescopes and there are a couple of home-made Newtonian telescopes available for general use.

The partners' interests vary from astrophotography and CCD work to measurements of variable stars and occultations. A few hours are set aside each Saturday night for the general public to visit. A slideshow is given offering a basic introduction to the wonders of the night sky and is followed by viewing through a telescope or two.

The Cederberg Observatory has given many hours of enjoyment to many people. Anyone wishing to know more can contact the observatory through the contact form or contact any of the partners.