Amazing places to sleep under the African stars

Imagine going to sleep at night on an elevated platform completely enveloped by the magnificent night sky. It’s just you and your partner, with the world standing still as you delight in the romance of an African safari. The sky is the darkest you’ve ever seen it, the stars brighter than you could imagine. The only sounds are those belonging to the calls of the night – an elephant’s deep-bellied rumble, the eerie whoop of a hyena or the evocative roar of a lion.

All our Star Beds and sleep-out platforms are equipped with everything you may need for a good night’s rest: the luxury of a comfortable bed, crisp linen, bathroom facilities and the knowledge that you’re safe in the hands of your nearby guide, suspended above the ground on an open-air deck under the night sky.

Our Star Beds are between 15-90 minutes away from the main camps, accessed via game drive vehicles or boats, depending on the camp; you'll enjoy a scenic journey with wildlife sightings along the way. Opt for a candlelit dinner for two or a morning bush breakfast; your meals can be customised to suit your romantic night out in the wild.

There are just two suites and one private Villa at Wilderness Magashi Peninsula, which means the wild night skies often feel like yours and yours alone. Each space has its own alfresco rooftop Star Bed, where one can look out over the shimmering Lake Rwanyakazinga in Rwanda, and the countless stars reflected in its waters. Drift off to the sounds of hippos splashing, and awaken to the sight of a brilliant sunrise spilling liquid gold across the lake’s surface. Stargazing at Magashi Peninsula is peaceful, private and dreamlike. 

Far-removed from pollution and unnatural light sources, Namibia is one of the best places to appreciate Africa’s enchanting night sky. On the edge of the dry Aba-Huab River, Wilderness Doro Nawas overlooks ancient plains with expansive views of the rugged Damaraland area. Each guest room has a deck area that also converts into a space for stargazing or sleeping out, making Wilderness Doro Nawas one of the best African safari destinations for couples.

Watch rust-coloured sand turn vivid shades of orange and pink as the sun sinks behind some of the world’s tallest dunes. Situated at the foot of Namibia's majestic Sossusvlei Dunes, Wilderness Little Kulala is the closest lodge to Sossusvlei. Inspired by the highly photogenic Dead Vlei, the design of the 11 climate-controlled, thatched suites, each with a private plunge pool, merges seamlessly into the timeless desert setting. The beds can be rolled out onto the deck for sleeping under the night sky. Enjoy a night immersed in the tranquility of endless space and star-studded constellations on your safari honeymoon.

Vast stretches of savannah grasslands, lush woodland thickets, waterholes and pans that attract more elephants than you can imagine; in a private concession in the enormously productive south-eastern corner of Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park, the luxury of Wilderness Linkwasha invites an unmatched romantic African safari. At night, opt to sleep out at the Star Bed at Scott’s Pan, situated roughly 15 minutes from Linkwasha. The waterhole is a magnet for wildlife that arrives for a late-night drink as you sit having a nightcap of your own. Wake up to watch the sunrise and look out to see the animals come through for a morning drink.

A blanket of stars in an inky Zimbabwean sky. The faint trill of an owlet. Quiet, reverberating rumbles and the soft sound of heavy footsteps; elephants heading for water. Like Linkwasha, Wilderness Little Makalolo has a Star Bed of its own, situated at the productive Madison Pan. From the raised deck, sit and look out over the passing wildlife that comes to drink; a dazzle of zebra as the sun sets, herds of elephant in the night, or a lone hyena at sunrise. When rumblings of your own begin, Little Makalolo’s Star Bed even has its own wood-fired oven for pizza – a delicious treat to enjoy in the middle of the bush.

Supremely remote and wild, the wildlife-rich channels and islands of Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe, invite privacy and romance on an unmatched level. Situated in a large private concession in the heart of the Zambezi Valley, Wilderness Ruckomechi looks out from the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. Ruckomechi’s Star Bed is about 400 metres from the camp and can be requested for dinner or breakfast – a delightful indulgence to enjoy at this romantic and secluded spot.