Ben Coley

For over 20 years Ben has worked as a FGASA guide, trainer and assessor, sharing his passion for the African wilderness with guests and students alike. During this journey he recognised that astronomy was a missing piece of the safari experience. The night sky is a vital part of human storytelling, and Ben believed it should be celebrated alongside the wildlife of Africa. From this vision, Celestial Events SA was created.

Based in Hoedspruit, Ben introduces guests to the wonders of the universe through Night Sky Safaris at lodges, guesthouses and schools across the Greater Kruger region. Using a laser pointer, binoculars and a professional 10" Meade telescope, he brings the brilliance of the southern skies into focus, from planets and constellations to distant galaxies.

Ben also provides comprehensive astronomy training for the tourism industry and is the author of the Specialist Astronomy Qualification now offered by FGASA, designed to help guides enrich safaris with meaningful stargazing knowledge.

For Ben, guiding is about perspective. The bush comes alive by day, and when night falls, the sky tells its own ancient story.