Estimated reading time: 27 minutes
There’s nothing like snuggling down in a cosy bed in the heart of Africa’s pristine wilderness. To put the cherry on top, some safari lodges and camps have open-air ‘bedrooms’ in which you can be lulled to sleep by the sounds of the African bush under our boundless galaxy. With just a mosquito net between you and the Milky Way, the nocturnal calls of lion and hyena are even more soul-stirring when heard from a star-bed. Whether you’re here for an authentic safari adventure, family holiday or romantic Africa honeymoon, this is an experience you’ll want to add to your itinerary.
Sleeping under the stars takes on a whole new meaning in these incredible star-beds:
Where to Sleep Under the Stars in South Africa
Lion Sands Tinga Lodge’s Tinyeleti Treehouse
Lion Sands Game Reserve, Kruger National Park
Watch the sun slip behind the horizon as you sip on something cool and refreshing. Marvel at the variety of animals coming to drink from the Sabie River below. Tinyeleti aptly translates to ‘many stars’ – and that’s understating the level of star gazing that’s on offer from this incredible star-bed in the Kruger!
Lion Sands Ivory Lodge’s Kingston Treehouse
Lion Sands Game Reserve, Kruger National Park
Make your way across a lantern-lit drawbridge hugged by giant white boulders and settle into your luxurious glass-walled tree house. The Kingston is ideally positioned to enjoy sweeping views of untouched wilderness and breathtaking sunsets in the west. Don’t miss the chance to sleep under the stars in South Africa during a visit to Lion Sands.
Ngala Treehouse at Ngala Tented Camp
Ngala, Game Reserve, Kruger Private Reserves
This four-level African treehouse is cocooned in the pristine Ngala Game Reserve and features two sleeping areas: one that’s covered and weatherproof with a king-size bed, and another that’s a sleep-out platform under a retractable awning. Not only can you sleep under the stars in South Africa at Ngala, but you can also savour a starlit picnic dinner in luxury and exclusivity.
Giraffe’s Nest Hide at Motswari Geiger’s Camp
Timbavati Game Reserve, Kruger National Park
This luxury treehouse is set in a very private location, within easy reach of Motswari Game Lodge and Geiger’s Camp. Situated within the spectacular Timbavati Game Reserve that’s contiguous with the legendary Kruger National Park, Motswari offers a fantastic private safari experience. Giraffe’s Nest Hide is an open-air star-bed with a retractable canvas roof and eco-bathroom.
Phinda Vlei Lodge Sleep-Out Under the Stars
Phinda Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal
After a thrilling game drive in this sensational South African private reserve, you’ll arrive at a magical setting in the bush where comfortable and warm sleep-out star-beds with frothy mosquito nets have been made just for you. Have a seat next to a crackling campfire and enjoy a soothing tipple before settling in for the night to the sounds of distant hyena calls.
The Malori Sleepout at The Motse
Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, Kalahari Desert
Imagine sleeping in a luxury king-size star-bed on a raised deck in the middle of South Africa’s biggest private game reserve. The Motse at Tswalu offers guests a fantastic night under brilliant stars, surrounded by the calls of the Kalahari’s nocturnal animals. The Malori Sleepout is built to maximise the exquisite surroundings and panoramic views and is orientated to showcase the unbelievable Kalahari sunsets. Camping beds for children can also be provided so the whole family can enjoy sleeping under the stars.
Jaci’s Safari Lodge Star-Bed Suites
Madikwe Game Reserve, North West Province
Jaci’s Safari Lodge is a privately owned lodge situated in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve. The lodge is built under a grove of tamboti trees on the edge of the Marico River. There are two ‘Star-Bed Suites’ at Jaci’s consisting of two levels. The downstairs section is equipped with a king-size bed, indoor/outdoor showers, an indoor bathtub, and a game-viewing deck overlooking the river. The upstairs roof level has a four-poster bed for a wonderful night out in the wild.
Singita Lebombo Lodge Daybed
Kruger National Park
Singita is rightfully a household name in ultra-luxurious safaris, where every detail is taken care of by discreet staff who strive to pamper you in every way possible. Singita Lebombo consists of a handful of individual loft-style suites with unending views of the N’wanetsi River and enjoys access to a private concession within the borders of the Kruger National Park. Each stylishly appointed suite features a private balcony with a mosquito net-clad open-air daybed – the perfect place to lie back under a canopy of stars, with the chortling of hippo families below and the distant cries of black-backed jackals on the prowl as your soundtrack.
Beds Under the Stars in Botswana
Meno-a-Kwena Sleep-Out
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
Meno’s ‘sleep-out’ is arguably one of the most unforgettable nights you can experience on a Botswana safari. Venture into the heart of one of the biggest salt flats on Earth accompanied by ancestors of the hunter-gatherer San Bushmen (considered to be the first inhabitants of Botswana and South Africa) for a night under the stars.
Sable Alley Skybeds
Khwai Private Reserve, Okavango Delta
This beautiful camp is harboured within the floodplains of one of Botswana’s best-kept secrets, the Khwai Private Reserve. Sable Alley’s Skybeds are three-storey wooden platforms built five metres (16 feet) above the ground and overlook a waterhole – the only permanent water source in 50,000 acres! You’ll find a bathroom with a flush toilet and a dressing area on the first floor, and the top floor features a spacious star-bed.
Jao Camp Star-Bed
Jao Private Concessions, Okavango Delta
The contemporary Jao Camp is situated in the heart of the Okavango Delta and offers its guests a romantic sleep-out under the stars in a beautiful star-bed. The area around camp is famous for huge herds of red lechwe and big prides of lion. Elephant, buffalo, leopard, hippo, and crocodile are also common, as well as the rare Sitatunga antelope.
Kalahari Plains Camp Sleepout
Kalahari Game Reserve, Kalahari Desert
Situated in a remote part of the Kalahari Desert, this beautiful safari camp offers excellent views of the endless horizons, modern under-canvas suites that provide every luxury and comfort one would need, and fantastic year-round game viewing. Sleeping under the stars is made a top priority with each suite being topped with a sleep-out platform – perfect for nights under the starry skies of the Kalahari as the sounds of Africa lull you to sleep.
Little Tubu Platform Hide
Jao Private Concessions, Okavango Delta
Tucked away deep in the Okavango Delta on a remote island in the Jao Private Concessions sits Little Tubu Camp. Private and intimate, this lovely, exclusive safari camp offers only three luxuriously furnished tented suites for an unforgettable, highly personalised experience in one of the best game-viewing destinations on the continent. A great way to enjoy both the incredible wildlife and beautiful nature is on Little Tubu’s platform hide. Located near the camp, the hide is an elevated platform that overlooks the Delta’s waterways, offering magnificent views of the passing game. At night, lay under the stars once the hide is transformed into a star-bed, providing a stellar wilderness sleep-out experience.
Sanctuary Baines’ Camp Mobile Beds
Okavango Delta
Intimate, private and utterly romantic are the perfect words to describe this delectable luxury safari camp. Found on a private concession in the Okavango Delta, the entire camp is built on raised platforms high above the Boro River – highlighting incomparable views of the surrounding nature. While your days are spent enjoying seasonal Mokoro (traditional canoe) excursions and motorised boating expeditions on the floodplains or game drives, walking safaris and night drives through the Delta’s untamed wilderness, your evenings offer a time of magic and romance. On your private deck, you’ll find a star bath that allows for a relaxing soak beneath a canopy of twinkling lights before rolling out your mobile bed under the stars and being lulled to sleep by the tranquil sounds of nature.
Sleeping Under the Stars in Namibia
Doro Nawas Camp Stargazing
Damaraland
Namibia’s Damaraland boasts a few of Africa’s most spell-binding landscapes. It’s a region shaped by immense prehistoric volcanic action and home to 10,000-year-old rock paintings and carvings. Each chalet at Doro Nawas has a star-bed that can be wheeled out onto your veranda for an incredible evening under a net of constellations.
Little Kulala Lodge Rooftop Star-Bed
Sossusvlei, Namib-Naukluft National Park
This little slice of luxury is located at the heart of the world’s oldest desert and a mere stone’s throw from the largest game park in Africa, the Namib Naukluft National Park (it’s bigger than Switzerland!). Each villa at Little Kulala has a rooftop star-bed for romantic stargazing in one of the best places on Earth to do so.
Kwessi Dunes Lodge Stargazer Room
NamibRand Nature Reserve
Kwessi Dunes is a quirky yet stylish and comfortable safari lodge. It’s the perfect base from which to experience the striking desert landscape of both the NamibRand National Reserve and the famous Sossusvlei by hot-air balloon, quad bike, on foot, horseback or in a classic safari vehicle. What makes Kwessi Dunes unique though is its enviable location in Africa’s only Dark Sky Reserve. Being one of the least light-polluted areas in the world means that the night sky here is otherworldly, supplying a breathtaking view of the Milky Way Galaxy that is only found in a handful of other places around the globe. Kwessi Dunes’ biggest drawcard is its prime location for stargazing, with each chalet fitted with a separate stargazer room where you can fall asleep under one of the clearest night skies in the world.
Beds Under the Stars in Zambia
Puku Ridge Star-Beds
South Luangwa National Park
There are few better ways to explore Africa than on foot, and nowhere does this better than South Luangwa: birthplace of the walking safari. But guided walks are not the only way to get close to the wilderness, this sensational park is also the best place to sleep under the stars in Zambia. Each of Puku Ridge’s tented suites is set on an elevated ridge overlooking a game-rich plain and woodlands, plus multi-level verandas with plunge pools and towers furnished with cosy star-beds.
Kapamba Bush Camp Star Bed
South Luangwa National Park
After exhilarating game drives and guided bush walks, surrender to the allure of the Kapamba Bush Camp sleep out. Tucked away from the main camp, the sleep out platform offers a secluded sanctuary where you can truly connect with nature. As night falls, relish the serenity of the bushveld as you settle into your comfortable bed under the vast expanse of stars.
Where to Sleep Under the Stars in Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls River Lodge Star-Bed Treehouse Suites
Zambezi National Park, Victoria Falls
Set close enough to Victoria Falls that you can see the mist bellowing off the famous waterfall, this luxury safari lodge sits on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. Victoria Falls River Lodge offers opulent purpose-built suites, designed with the discerning traveller in mind – and none more so than the Star-Bed Treehouse Suites. Located on their own private island, each double-storey suite offers a host of luxury amenities, an open-air rooftop deck with a sitting area, and a signature star-bed suspended above the treetops. Fall asleep under the African night sky with the sounds of the tranquil Zambezi water and Zambezi National Park to keep you company.
Linkwasha Camp Sleepout Platform
Hwange National Park
Being Zimbabwe’s largest national park, Hwange is brimming with amazing year-round game viewing – from the 40,000 resident elephants and dust-kicking buffalos to popular predators like lions, cheetahs, and the endangered African wild dog. After a day of thrilling game drives and walking safaris throughout Hwange, spend your evening enraptured in romance on Linkwasha’s star-bed. The sleepout platform is situated a little way away from the main camp, providing the illusion of being in the “middle of nowhere” – just you, nature and your bed under the stars.
Hotels Under the Stars in Mozambique
Anantara Medjumbe Island Star-Bed
Quirimbas Archipelago
Beachside holidays aren’t meant to be spent inside – even if your room is a luxury beach villa at the Robinson Crusoe-style Anantara Medjumbe Island Resort. The resort is one of the best bucket list vacations for couples, offering a wide range of romantic activities and experiences to bring you and your loved one closer together. Your days are spent island hopping, unwinding with a cocktail on powder-white soft sand, frolicking in warm azure water, and participating in thrilling activities, like sailing, deep-sea fishing, water sports, and whale and dolphin watching. Your nights are spent in raw luxury under a star-filled sky on the nearby private island of Quissanga. Here, sleeping under the stars is an elegant affair, with a comfortable four-poster bed, draped in soft linens and surrounded by glowing lanterns waiting to provide you with an incomparable experience in paradise.
Places You Can Lay Under the Stars in Kenya
Segera Retreat’s Nay Palad Bird Nest
Laikipia Plateau
This unique and imaginative ‘nest’ is set high off the ground, offering 360-degree views of Kenya’s gorgeous Laikipia Plateau. Not only can guests at Segera Retreat book a sleep-out in this one-of-a-kind star-bed, but facilities like the owner’s impressive art collection, spa and gym provide more activities at this oasis of luxury. And for those considering popping the question during your trip, this is one of the best places in Africa to get engaged.
Loisaba Star-beds
Laikipia Plateau
Loisaba is one of East Africa’s most unusual lodges and is situated in a 56,000-acre private conservancy in Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau. After exploring this beautiful slice of wilderness on a game drive, nature walk, horse ride or camel trek, your star-bed will be rolled out onto an open-air platform overlooking a waterhole.
Ol Donyo Lodge Star-Bed
Chyulu Hills Range
Lying on the slopes of the Chyulu Hills in 275,000 acres of pristine wilderness, Ol Donyo Lodge lies between Tsavo and Amboseli National Parks, guaranteeing you excellent game-watching by day. By night, snuggle down in one of their cosy ‘star beds’ and listen to the unmistakable sounds of a Kenyan night: the far-off roaring of lions, the whinnying of a herd of zebra and the gentle hooting of a passing owl as it hunts by moonlight.
Places to Sleep Under the Stars in Tanzania
Mwiba Lodge Fly-Camping
Serengeti National Park
Breakfast among the trees, walks alongside ancient tribes, and sundowners in the Jacuzzi are just a few of the amazing experiences you can look forward to at Mwiba Lodge. This secluded haven sits discreetly atop massive stone boulders, surrounded by acacias and coral trees and overlooking a rocky gorge of the Arugusinyai River in an ultra-private 52,000-hectare (130,000-acre) reserve. The highlight of this ultra-luxury lodge is its fly-camps. Immerse yourself in the natural wilderness for a night of pure magic under a sheet of stars.
Ready to Sleep Under the Stars in Africa?
Chat with someone who’s been there. Get in touch with one of our Africa Safari Experts to help tailor-make your trip of a lifetime:
