February 2023

Luxury Sleepouts under the stars in Africa

Stargazing in Africa’s clear, unpolluted skies is a remarkable experience. And where better to do it than from your own ‘star bed’.

Unforgettable Stargazing Sleepout Experiences

Star beds come in many shapes and sizes – some are a drive away from the lodge, immersed in the bush, others are on a rooftop terrace above your bedroom. All offer an unforgettable experience.

Somehow, at night, without the visual distractions of the day, the sounds of the bush are magnified. As darkness falls, you’ll find that your ear becomes tuned to even the smallest sound. We won’t lie, the experience isn’t for everyone and no matter how romantic the idea seems, not everyone makes it through the night. Sometimes the solitude of the bush is just too intense. But fear not, the lodge team will have a back-up plan to bring you back to the lodge should you wish.

However, for some a night so completely at one with nature will be the undisputed highlight of any holiday in Africa. What could be more thrilling than actually feeling the vibrations of a lion’s roar as it cuts through the still night air?!

Here’s a selection of our favourite star beds:

The Dream Cruiser at Onguma, Namibia

For adventurous romantics who love being close to nature The Dream Cruiser at Onguma is a unique experience not to be missed.

Custom built onto a Land Cruiser and on two levels, the Dream Cruiser features a bathroom downstairs complete with shower, flush toilet and basin whilst the upper deck features a bedroom with lounge area.

Take a leisurely drive through Onguma’s wilderness to a perfectly chosen location where the Dream Cruiser awaits, welcoming you with sundowner drinks and an orientation.

A picnic-style selection of food and pre-selected drinks await you to accompany your al-fresco sunset experience. When its time to slumber, you have the choice of a roof with 180 degree views or to sleep under the vast starry Namibian night sky. You can relax knowing a ranger is on call via a two-way radio. When morning comes you’ll greeted with light refreshments before being taken to your lodge for breakfast.

andBeyond Ngala Treehouse, Kruger National Park, South Africa

The andBeyond Ngala Treehouse is cocooned in a pristine bush setting. This four-level treehouse features a choice of two sleeping areas – an enclosed and weatherproof bedroom with a king-sized bed, hot running shower and flushing toilet on the third level or an elevated sleep-out platform set beneath a retractable awning on the rooftop.

Guests can choose to arrive at the Treehouse in time to toast the sunset with cocktails and snacks or after their late afternoon game drive. A tapas-style picnic dinner is set up in the safety of an enclosed boma beneath the stars. Guests are then left in luxurious solitude for the night, provided with a radio and mobile phone for use in case of emergencies.

The Ngala Treehouse complements a stay at either andBeyond Ngala Safari Lodge or andBeyond Ngala Tented Camp, but is not designed for long-term stays. A room at one of these properties must be booked in addition to the Treehouse.

Lion Sands Treehouse

"The Treehouses at Lion Sands Game Reserve are as wild as Mother Nature could wish… here are unobstructed bush views, sweet African air and walk-on appearances by some of the continent’s most impressive animals.” – Lisa Grainger, Condé Nast Traveller

The Lion Sands Treehouses offer a unique adventure with Africa one-on-one.

Choose from the original hideout: Chalkley Treehouse, a raised deck lit by soft lanterns in a centuries old leadwood tree for a real experience of Africa.

An ideal choice for families (up to 2 children aged between 10 and 14) or couples is the Kingston Treehouse, a wood and glass structure with home comforts of feather beds and a hot shower with a private vista of Africa laid out in front of you...

The Tinyeleti (meaning 'many stars') Treehouse is an escape for couples and families where you can watch the animals at the Sabie River from your bed, shower or breakfast table.

NAY PALAD Bird Nest, Segera, Kenya

Ever wondered what it would be like to nest and sleep like a bird – with a 360 degree birds-eye-view of the Kenyan wilderness?

Following an exhilarating game drive or bush walk, you'll arrive at the NAY PALAD Bird Nest at Segera Retreat before sunset. Enjoy a magical African sunset, feast on a picnic-style champagne dinner on the lantern lit open-air nest, snuggle into your inviting beds (either open-air or within the shelter of the first floor) complete with hot water bottles and fall asleep under the sparkling African sky…

Wake up to the magical sounds of wild animals at play, surrounded by pristine nature as far as the eye can see. A freshly delivered picnic breakfast is enjoyed while watching elephants, giraffe and other wildlife gather at the river.

The NAY PALAD Bird Nest is designed to sleep two guests, but a cosy family could happily share the experience - the parents may choose to sleep in the shelter of the first floor, but children would love the adventure of sleeping out in the bird's nest deck.

Inspiring living space unlike anything else in the world!

Tswalu, Kalahari South Africa

The Malori sleep-out is a raised wooden platform partly covered by a thatched roof. The experience at Tswalu, Kalahari begins with canapés and sundowners, followed by dinner then your guide will depart – you can sleep under the thatch or roll the king-sized bed onto the deck and gaze at the stars until daybreak.

Loisaba Starbed, Kenya

These raised wooden platforms at Loisaba Tented Camp, Kenya have incredible views over the valley and waterhole. Each star bed blends in with the natural rocky surrounds and has a sitting room, open plan bathroom and a hand-crafted four poster bed that is rolled out onto the deck each night. This experience is also available for families.

Sanctuary Baines' Camp, Botswana

Sleep under the stars without having to leave the camp at Sanctuary Baines' Camp in Botswana. Each suite has a four-poster bed on wheels so it can be rolled out onto your private wooden deck with a view of the Boro River. Take an indulgent soak in your star bath from your own private viewing deck, before retreating to your star bed for a night under the stars.

Ol Donyo, Chyulu, Kenya

Sitting beneath the foothills of the Chyulus with views over the plains to Mount Kilimanjaro, the unique suites at Ol Donyo, Kenya are designed to merge outdoor and indoor living. Six suites plus 1 two-bedroom family unit have their own plunge pools and roof terraces. You can sleep out simply by heading to the rooftop terrace where intimate 'star beds' can be set up to enjoy the thrill of sleeping out in style under a canopy of stars.

Singita Sweni, Kruger National Park, South Africa

Singita Sweni in the Kruger is an ideal place to recharge and reconnect. Daybeds on the panoramic viewing decks provide the option to fall asleep under the stars. Wake up to the sounds of the birds and wildlife in the river below...

Sossusvlei Desert Lodge

If stargazing's your passion, it's hard to beat Namibia's desert skies. So this one is not technically a 'sleepout' but if you can’t be persuaded to leave your room, the suites at Sossusvlei Desert Lodge have star-viewing skylights perfectly positioned above the beds.