13 May 2025

Ms Patricia Tomlinson, a middle-aged woman from Kanye, is a living example of the power of relentless pursuit of ambition. 

Her name is now synonymous with a unique adventure in Botswana's burgeoning tourism industry. Ms Tomlinson has added a dazzling new dimension to the safari experience; stargazing. Her company, Diamonds in the Sky, established in 2016, offers tourists a breathtaking glimpse into the celestial river of stars, a perfect counterpoint to Botswana's renowned 'diamonds in the land'.

While diamonds have been the bedrock of Botswana's economy since independence, the country's unwavering pride, tourism, is emerging as a new economic engine, a bright comet trailing the diamond's established brilliance.

For Ms Tomlinson, a PhD physicist, each stargazing experience is a revelation. Following a thrilling day of game drives, as the sun dips below the horizon, tourists are invited to a sprawling deck, where powerful telescopes and binoculars await under the vast, inky canvas of the night sky. A million pinpricks of light, more numerous and vibrant than ever imagined, create a mesmerizing spectacle.

"It is an invitation to a celestial adventure," she says.

Ms Tomlinson's journey began with her husband's gift of a powerful telescope, a seed that geminated and blossomed into Diamonds in the Sky. Armed with laser pointers and a deep knowledge of astronomy, she expertly guides visitors through the constellations, weaving captivating stories into the cosmic tapestry.

Her initiative extends beyond tourism. Diamonds in the Sky also conducts training programmes for lodges and camps, empowering staff to lead their own stargazing experiences. Accredited courses for teachers cultivate a love for STEM subjects in Botswana's youth, and community stargazing events bring the wonders of the universe to everyone.

“Diamonds in the Sky is not just a business, it is a beacon illuminating a passion for astronomy in the heart of Botswana," she explains.

It is a personal love for the stars transformed into a powerful force for education and community engagement. For tourists, it is the perfect, unforgettable conclusion to a day in the African bush, a memory as vivid and breathtaking as the game drives themselves. Tracing back the tourism industry in Botswana, Ms Tomlinson explained that 50 years ago, Botswana's tourism was almost exclusively big game hunting.

“The shift to photographic wildlife safaris was gradual, hampered initially by a lack of trained guides. We had the incredible wildlife, but we lacked the human capital,” she added.

Ms Tomlinson explained that the development of the Botswana Wildlife Training Institute in 1984 was pivotal to overcoming this hurdle, enabling Batswana to become qualified guides and leading to the industry's remarkable success. She drew a direct comparison to the current situation with astro-tourism. 

"The stunning night skies, the unparalleled darkness of the Kalahari, these have always been here. But we are again facing a similar challenge, a lack of trained astronomy guides and insufficient investment in basic astronomical equipment by lodges and camps," she said.

She explained that it was against this backdrop that Diamonds in the Sky was working to address this by providing training for hospitality staff and young entrepreneurs interested in establishing astro-tourism businesses.

“The initiative aims to equip individuals with the necessary skills to guide stargazing tours, operate astronomical equipment, and develop sustainable astro-tourism ventures,” she added.

Ms Tomlinson expressed optimism for the future, adding that she was confident that with strategic investment in human capital and equipment, Botswana can replicate the success of its wildlife tourism sector. She said this could significantly boost the tourism industry by extending tourist stays, potentially from three to four or five nights and creating numerous job opportunities.

“The potential is vast, the obstacles are surmountable. With a change in mindset and coordinated effort, Botswana's night sky can become as significant a draw for tourists as its daytime wildlife,” she said.

Ms Tomlinson, a woman who dared to reach for the stars, has not only found her own diamond in the sky, but she is sharing its brilliance with the world. Now a leading astronomer, Ms Tomlinson, points out that the burgeoning astronomy sector holds immense potential for substantial economic growth, citing its ability to generate a wide range of employment opportunities across multiple sectors. Ms Tomlinson highlighted the industry's vast and crucial value chain, encompassing everything from cutting-edge research to high-tech manufacturing, and hospitality.

"The astronomy industry isn't just about gazing at the stars. It is a powerhouse of innovation with the capacity to create numerous jobs across the country. From telescope manufacturing and data analysis to education and tourism, the value chain has an enormous reach," she declared.

Ms Tomlinson explained that the value chain began with advanced research and development, crucial for pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge.

"This research directly fuels innovation in related fields. For instance, the sophisticated lens and mirror technologies required for next-generation telescopes are already spurring advancements in the manufacturing sector,” she said.

She explained that local companies such as Celestial Optics, were experiencing rapid growth, attracting investment and creating high-skilled jobs for engineers, technicians, and skilled artisans.

"We are witnessing the emergence of a new, high-tech industry," stated Ms Tomlinson, highlighting the potential for employment in telescope manufacturing, instrumentation, and data analysis.

"The sophisticated algorithms needed to process the vast quantities of astronomical data are driving advancements in artificial intelligence and cloud computing, opening up new opportunities for skilled programmers and software developers,” she said.

Beyond the technical aspects, Ms Tomlinson emphasised the considerable impact on tourism and hospitality. She said the growing number of research facilities and observatories, like the recently established Starhaven Observatory, will attract both international and national tourists, leading to a surge in jobs in hotels, restaurants, and related services.

"The creation of specialised, educational programmes for both students and the public will also generate substantial employment opportunities," Ms Tomlinson noted.  ENDS