Star beds in Africa offer the chance to experience the wilderness in a way that few accommodations can match – blending the thrill of adventure with the comfort of luxury. Imagine falling asleep beneath the wide, open African sky, the constellations twinkling above you, and the distant sounds of wildlife lulling you to sleep. These outdoor bedrooms, designed for ultimate seclusion and closeness to nature, are a unique way to elevate your safari experience. Ranging from the truly luxurious to a return to nature, there is an option for everyone.
Whether you’re nestled in the treetops, atop a rock outcrop, or overlooking a waterhole, Africa’s star beds provide a connection to the wilderness like no other. Here’s a look at eight of the most iconic star beds across the continent, each offering something special for adventurous travellers looking to sleep beneath the African night sky.
The Nay Palad Star Bed, Segera Lodge – Kenya
The Nay Palad Star Bed at Segera Retreat in Kenya offers a truly magical and immersive experience for those seeking luxury under the stars. A perfect fusion of romance and adventure, it is situated on an elevated platform in the heart of Laikipia. This open-air star bed provides panoramic views of the surrounding savannah and distant Mount Kenya. As night falls, the bed is rolled out beneath the vast African sky, allowing guests to sleep directly under the stars, serenaded by the sounds of the wilderness. Wildlife sightings are common, with elephants, giraffes, and zebras frequently passing by. It’s a perfect blend of adventure and romance, offering an unforgettable night of tranquility and connection to nature.
Lion Sands Treehouses – South Africa
Set in the renowned Sabi Sands Game Reserve in South Africa, Lion Sands Treehouses are some of the most luxurious and well-known star beds in Africa. Whether you’re staying at the original and classic Chalkley Treehouse, Kingston Treehouse or the Tinyeleti Treehouse, these elevated wooden platforms offer panoramic views of the Sabi River and the surrounding wilderness. After a full day of game drives, dining under the stars, and sipping wine as the African sun sets, you’ll find yourself drifting off to sleep with only the sounds of the bush as your lullaby. In the heart of Big 5 territory, this is one of the best places to stargaze while being fully immersed in the natural world.
Mkulumadzi Camp Star Bed – Malawi
Hidden within the wild and unspoiled Majete Wildlife Reserve in Malawi, Mkulumadzi Camp offers a luxurious star bed experience along the banks of the Shire River. The remote location makes it perfect for a starry escape, with hardly any light pollution to disrupt the magic of the night sky. After an evening game drive, retreat to the star bed and enjoy the sounds of the river below, perhaps even catching glimpses of wildlife coming to drink by moonlight. This star bed is both adventurous and tranquil, offering an immersive experience in Malawi’s rugged wilderness.
Natural Selection Skybeds – Botswana
Tucked away in Botswana’s Khwai Private Reserve, Skybeds offer a unique star bed platform that overlook a watering hole frequented by elephants, lions, and hyenas. The star bed here allows for an unforgettable night spent in the open air, surrounded by the sounds of Africa’s nocturnal animals. The platform is elevated, ensuring complete safety, while also offering incredible views of the surrounding plains and sky. This is a perfect choice for travellers seeking a star bed experience in the heart of Botswana’s Okavango Delta region.
Little Kulala Sleep-Out Deck – Namibia
In the surreal desert landscapes of Namibia’s Sossusvlei, Little Kulala Camp offers an extraordinary sleep-out experience on a private rooftop deck. Positioned in the middle of the Namib Desert, each luxury suite comes complete with a star bed that offers unobstructed views of one of the world’s darkest skies, where the Milky Way feels close enough to touch. The silence and serenity of the desert create a truly unique and spiritual experience, where you’ll drift off to sleep under a canopy of stars. This sleep-out platform, part of Wilderness Safaris’ offering, provides an unmatched sense of solitude and connection to the natural world in one of Africa’s most iconic desert landscapes.
Naledi Sleepout, Tswalu Kalahari, South Africa
The Naledi Sleepout at Tswalu Kalahari in South Africa is a luxurious and intimate way to experience the vastness of the Kalahari under a canopy of stars. Set on an elevated deck overlooking the rolling vegetated dunes, the Naledi offers guests a one-of-a-kind sleepout experience in complete comfort, with a plush bed, cozy linens, open-air shower, basin and toilet on its own platform.
As the sun sets over the endless horizon, enjoy a private dinner with a front-row seat to the dramatic colours of the Kalahari sky. With no fences or barriers, you’re immersed in the wilderness, often serenaded by the sounds of nocturnal wildlife. The Naledi Sleepout is a perfect blend of adventure and comfort, ideal for those wanting to connect deeply with the serenity of the South African wilderness.
Onguma Dream Cruiser, Namibia
The Onguma Dream Cruiser offers a truly unique and adventurous way to experience the wilds of Namibia’s Onguma Reserve, which borders Etosha National Park. This specially designed Land Cruiser, transformed into a luxurious mobile bedroom, is positioned in a secluded spot within the reserve, providing an intimate and immersive safari experience.
Elevated for optimal views of the surrounding bush, the Dream Cruiser is equipped with a comfortable double bed, cozy linens, and all the essentials needed for a night under the stars. From the open sides, you can watch wildlife at a nearby waterhole or simply soak in the vast beauty of the African night sky. The Dream Cruiser combines adventure and romance, allowing guests to feel completely at one with nature while enjoying the comforts of a well-appointed, mobile safari suite.
Return to the Wild Sleepout, South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
The Return to the Wild Sleepout in Zambia offers an unforgettable, off-the-grid adventure deep in the heart of the South Luangwa National Park. Hosted by Time and Tide Africa, this experience allows guests to sleep under the stars under a mosquito-net. The camp is set up in a dry river bed and you, with your guide, scout and a chef, spend the night surrounded by the untamed wilderness.
With only the sounds of nature as your backdrop, you can enjoy a night of serenity and immersion in one of Africa’s most pristine ecosystems. Before bedding down, guests enjoy a guided bush walk, sundowners, and a delicious meal prepared over an open fire. It’s the ultimate way to connect with nature, offering an intimate encounter with Zambia’s wildlife and the tranquil beauty of the African night.
Why Choose a Star Bed?
Star beds in Africa are more than just a place to sleep – they offer an immersive experience that connects you to the rhythm of the wilderness. These unique open-air bedrooms are designed for those seeking adventure, romance, and a deeper connection to nature. From Kenya’s vast savannas to Namibia’s arid desert and South Africa’s iconic wildlife reserves, each star bed offers its own unique flavour of luxury and adventure. Whether you’re gazing at the Milky Way from the treetops or listening to the sounds of lions in the distance, the experience of sleeping under Africa’s starry sky is one that will stay with you forever.
So, if you’re planning your next African safari, consider adding one of these star bed experiences to your itinerary. There’s nothing quite like waking up with the rising sun, the calls of the wild around you, and the realization that you’ve spent the night under one of the most spectacular skies in the world.
If you would like to chat about a stay under the stars in Africa, or any other holiday to Africa or the Indian Ocean, please do get in touch with Lucinda and she would be delighted to help.