Amazing Places to Sleep Under the African Stars

Wilderness Safaris prides itself on offering romantic experiences that change lives, and what is more transformative than basking in the idyllic wilderness with a loved one?

As we enter February, the “month of love”, we want to take you on a little adventure with us. Whether you are on honeymoon, celebrating a big anniversary or simply enjoying the bush with your significant other, we recommend a night in one of our exclusive Star Beds. Our range of exciting outdoor escapes offer guests an authentic wildlife experience; a unique opportunity to get close to nature and experience an extraordinary night under the stars.

LOVE IS ELASTIC a Poem by Lebogang Mashile

When I am closed
Used up
You are stretched at your fullest width
Ready to give
I want to jump
Into you
And feel this life
As you do
Perhaps then
I could give as you do
Perhaps then
I could live as you do

Imagine going to sleep at night on a raised 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. The sky is the darkest you’ve ever seen it, and yet, it’s also the brightest you’ve ever seen the stars. The only sounds are those belonging to the calls of the creatures of the night – an elephant’s deep-bellied rumble, the whooping sound of a hyaena or the evocative call of a lion roaring.

Below are some of our supremely inviting camps where you can enjoy a night under the stars in some of the most beautiful areas on the African continent.

 

If you’ve ever wanted to try a sleep-out in the African bush, then you’ve landed on the right page. Below are a few of our select camps where you can enjoy a night under the stars in some of the most beautiful areas on the African continent.

All our Star Beds and sleep-out platforms are equipped with everything you may need for a good night’s rest. You will also sleep soundly knowing that you are safe on a securely raised open air deck, with no other human in sight, except your guide nearby (in their own accommodation), at a reasonable distance and out of harm’s way.

Sleep out in Botswana

Under Kalahari skies…

Kalahari Plains is located in the diverse and productive Central Kalahari Game Reserve – the largest conservation area in Botswana, and also one of the largest in the world. Each of the camp’s eight en-suite rooms offers an unparalleled view of the night sky from the rooftop platform accessed by a staircase.

With the platform located just above your room, you can always sneak back inside if the moon gets too bright!

Kalahari Plains 

Hide out in the wilderness

This beautiful Okavango Delta hide, accessed by guests at both Tubu Tree and Little Tubu camps, offers a wonderful platform from which to enjoy passing wildlife. At night, the hide is transformed into a Star Bed that provides a unique sleep-out experience – a great way to thoroughly immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and scents of the wilderness.

Tubu Tree and Little Tubu 

A romantic night at Jao

Jao is set among islands fringed with riverine forests and vast floodplains teeming with wildlife. This Okavango camp offers guests the opportunity to sleep under the stars at the nearby Star Bed (roughly 20 minutes’ drive from camp). Enjoy a nightcap before slipping between the sheets and falling asleep to the evocative sounds of the night. Awaken to find yourself surrounded by beautiful 360-degree views.

Jao 

Stargazing at Savuti

Savuti Camp is situated in the private Linyanti Concession along the Savuti Channel, famous as a sporadic and unusual watercourse. This much-loved safari camp offers a sleep-out experience at the Zibadianja hide overlooking the eponymous lagoon. Lie back in comfort and immerse yourself in the many sights, scents and sounds of the night.

The Zibadianja Star Bed is about an hour's drive from camp.

Savuti 

Sleep out in Namibia

A million star-experience

Doro Nawas rests on the edge of the dry Aba-Huab River overlooking ancient plains with glorious views of the rugged Damaraland area. Each unit has a deck area that also converts into a space for stargazing or sleeping out. Being far-removed from pollution and unnatural light sources, Namibia is one of the best places to appreciate the night sky.

Doro Nawas 

Celebrating the night sky

Little Kulala is situated at the foot of the majestic Sossusvlei Dunes and is the closest lodge to Sossusvlei. Inspired by 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 d sleeping under the night sky. Enjoy a night immersed in the tranquillity of endless space and star-studded constellations.

Little Kulala 

Sleep out in Zimbabwe

Where the wild things are

Linkwasha is a luxurious camp that lies in a private concession in the enormously productive south-eastern corner of Hwange National Park. At night you can opt to sleep out at Scott’s Pan, a Star Bed situated roughly 15 minutes from Linkwasha. The small waterhole, directly in front of Scott’s Pan, is a magnet for wildlife and it is not uncommon to spot animals arriving 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.

Linkwasha 

Unlock the treasures of the night

Like Linkwasha, Little Makalolo has a Star Bed of its own, with theirs situated at Madison Pan. From the raised deck, you can sit and look over at the passing wildlife that comes to drink. The Star Bed also has its own wood-fired oven for pizza – a delicious treat to enjoy in the middle of the bush.

Little Makalolo 

Dine under the stars

Situated in a large private concession in the heart of the Zambezi Valley at Mana Pools National Park, Ruckomechi looks out from the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. Ruckomechi’s Star Bed is about 400 metres from the camp and you can request dinner or breakfast – a delightful indulgence to enjoy at this romantic and secluded spot.

Ruckomechi