Star Bed Safaris

A Star Bed is an open-air structure in the remote wilderness offering a completely unique sleep out experience. Each of our safari Star Beds are different; while some offer just a basic deck and queen-size bed nestled in the trees, others are like mini safari suites. For instance, the Savuti Star Bed, set some three metres off the ground and facing wildlife-rich channels, has a wooden roof, open-air dining area, sunken living room, and even its own fire pit.

Yes, all of our Star Beds are equipped with lavatories. However, each one is unique and the one you choose may be determined by your level of bravery. For instance, some of our Star Beds have a long-drop style toilet while others, like Wilderness Little Makalolo, in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, have a flush toilet and wash basin on the same level as your bed.

Our Star Beds are located about a 15-90 minute drive from main camp. You will be transported to the Star Bed on a game drive vehicle and/or boat depending on the camp, of course enjoying a spot of wildlife watching along the way. That said, at certain camps the sleep out options are available on the deck or rooftop of your room, so you don’t have to travel at all to enjoy a night out and if all the comforts of your suite are right there should you choose to retreat inside. All sleep outs are only accessible weather permitting, with some in our wetter safari areas, only available during the dry season.

You may decide to only venture off to the Star Bed after dining in camp or, if booked in advance, as part of your romantic night out in the wild, our chef can come to you to prepare a candlelight dinner for two. In the morning you’ll enjoy a light breakfast before departing on the morning activity, or if sunrise is simply too early for you to eat you may be treated to an on-the-go breakfast during your game drive. There’s nothing like sharing your bush breakfast with zebras in front of a waterhole.

All our Star Beds are raised off the ground, to offer you protection from hippos out on nightly sojourns or any possible predators that may be lurking around. While we don’t envisage any problems during your night under the stars, we do provide you a radio to a guide sleeping not too far away (but not too close either) should you feel uneasy.

Yes, all of our Star Beds are one-of-a-kind platforms set up specifically for you in the wild. There are no other guests around, although we can't promise that you'll be completely alone. You may be visited by some elephants who've come to drink at the nearby river, or a hippo grazing in the dead of night. That said, a guide is never too far away for safety-sake.

With a natural breeze through your room (there are no walls after all), your stay should be pretty bug-free. But if the sundowner G&Ts aren’t enough to keep the mosquitos away, then the mosquito nets surrounding your bed aren’t just for show.

To stay at most Wilderness Star Beds you will need to book a minimum of a three-night stay, although some exceptions are made. During the dry season, you will need to book your Star Bed in advance however during the wet season this may not be possible as the experience is weather dependent. All Star Beds are also subject to availability.
 

Although booking of a private vehicle is not required at all Wilderness camps it is recommended to really get the most out of those late-night drives and early-morning safaris. This will need to be done prior to your stay although should a Star Bed not be available for any reason, the price of the private vehicle is unfortunately non-refundable.