Sleeping under the African night sky, with only a mosquito net between you and a canopy of stars, is one of the most magical experiences a safari can offer. Star beds allow guests to immerse themselves in the wilderness, listening to the sounds of the bush while gazing at the Milky Way.
Star bed and sleep-out experiences vary enormously in the level of comfort they offer. What’s the difference? When people refer to star beds, it usually involves a raised platform or treehouse. These are often positioned near a waterhole, pan, or river. The sleep out deck is located somewhere near the main camp or as an extension to a tent or chalet. The platform is open to the sky, with a comfortable bed covered by a mosquito net. Guests also have access to a bathroom.
Other sleep-outs may be more rustic, such as a fly camping experience by a lake with a camp fire, bucket shower and a short-drop loo.
Here are six of the best star beds in safari Africa for a truly unforgettable night under the stars.
Star Bed Experiences
1. Loisaba Star Beds, Kenya
Perched on raised platforms overlooking the stunning Kiboko Dam in Laikipia, Loisaba’s Star Beds offer breathtaking views and an intimate connection with nature. These handcrafted four-poster beds are rolled out onto a deck at night, allowing guests to fall asleep beneath the vast African sky. Elephants, giraffes, and other wildlife frequently visit the waterhole below, making for an incredible safari experience.
2. Little Kulala, Namibia
Located in the heart of the Namib Desert, Little Kulala offers a surreal star bed experience atop its luxury suites. The private rooftop sleep-out deck provides unparalleled views of the desert sky, perfect for stargazing in one of the least light-polluted regions on Earth. The setting is ideal for witnessing the Milky Way in all its glory.
3. Lion Sands Treehouse, South Africa
For a truly wild and romantic experience, the treehouses at Lion Sands in Kruger National Park are hard to beat. Whether at Chalkley’s, Kingston, or Tinyeleti Treehouse, guests can enjoy an elevated night in the wilderness with nothing but the sounds of the bush around them. With lantern-lit decks and luxurious beds, this is the ultimate sophisticated safari sleep-out.
4. Tswalu Malori, South Africa
Set in the Kalahari, Malori Sleepout at Tswalu offers a remote and luxurious star bed experience. This open-air platform comes with a plush king-sized bed, en-suite facilities, and sweeping views of the vast desert plains. The dry, clear air of the Kalahari makes for spectacular stargazing opportunities.
5. Kalahari Plains Camp, Botswana
Deep in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Kalahari Plains Camp offers rooftop sleep-outs that provide a true sense of isolation in one of Africa’s wildest landscapes. The star beds are set up on the roof of each luxury tent, giving guests a panoramic view of the endless horizon and the celestial wonders above.
6. Ol Donyo Lodge, Kenya
Nestled in the Chyulu Hills with views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Ol Donyo’s star beds are built into an open-air terrace connected to the luxurious suites. Guests can choose to sleep under the thatched roof or move their beds onto the deck for a night under the stars. This location offers both incredible wildlife encounters and spectacular night skies.
Conclusion
A night in a star bed is a must for any safari enthusiast, offering an intimate and unforgettable way to connect with Africa’s wild beauty. Whether in the deserts of Namibia, the savannas of Kenya, or the forests of South Africa, these unique accommodations provide an unparalleled experience of sleeping under the stars.
Image at top: Loisaba Star Bed
