Sleep Under the Stars

The Selous Reserve in southern Tanzania is the world’s largest unspoilt game reserve covering an area in excess of 55,000 sq. km. This is mighty scenery with towering hills, dry river valleys, rich areas of forest, open savannah plains, lakes and rivers. Sand Rivers Selous is located on a sweeping curve on the banks of the great Rufiji River and each of the eight cottages and suites has views across this beautiful waterway.

The Loisaba Conservancy is a wildlife-filled private reserve in Kenya’s undulating Laikipia region, with views all the way to Mount Kenya and the Matthews Mountain Range. The Star Beds are part of an exciting joint venture project that Loisaba has undertaken in partnership with the Laikipiak Maasai people from the Koija community, who will be your hosts during this unforgettable night time experience.

Just outside the Amboseli National Park, perched on a ridge in the foothills of the Chyulu Hills is Ol Donyo Lodge, Richard Bonham's exclusive hideaway. All suites have been created with style and luxury in mind, and include an en suite bathroom, lounge, private star beds on a walled roof accessed by an attractive winding staircase. Watch darkness fall over the whole Kilimanjaro massif, then be transfixed by the canopy of stars.

Segera Retreat nestles in the heart of Laikipia, in the shadow of Mount Kenya and the Great Rift Valley. It is a vital haven for some of Kenya’s most treasured wildlife species, and has an idyllic landscape of savannah plains and tropical vegetation, punctuated occasionally by waterfalls. To see it at its finest you should rise above the land, and spend a night at the Nay Palad Bird Nest.

Natural Selection operates some of our favourite wilderness lodges and camps in Botswana and Namibia. They go to huge lengths to ensure our guests can immerse themselves safely in the sights, sounds, and smells of the natural environment, and they’ve created a series of stunning star beds so those experiences continue after dark. When you stay a night with Natural Selection, you really will be staying in a million star hotel.

There are purpose built star beds when you sleep surrounded by luxury, and there are star beds where it really is just you, the great outdoors, and the stars. The latter is as simple as can be, with just a squashy roll mat and pillow laid out beneath a mosquito net, and they are a particularly speciality of Norman Carr Safaris, the pioneers of the walking safari in Zambia.

On the high banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, on the edge of the Laikipia Plateau and overlooking a breathtaking gorge, lies Sabuk Lodge. The property seems to have been fashioned out of the landscape, with its six imaginatively designed thatched cottages clinging to the cliff. There are opportunities for sky camping, too, and it is on one of these multi day walking adventures that you will sleep directly beneath the African sky.

Little Kulala is one of the most luxurious lodges in Namibia. Set in a private 21,000 hectare Kulala Reserve, here you will experience extreme relaxation. Kulala is the only reserve in the area which has direct access to the dunes of Sossusvlei, so it’s a stunning location with the opportunity to try a wide range of activities, including a night spent sleeping in an incredible star lit bed.

Abu Camp, situated on the western side of the Okavango Delta in a pristine wilderness threaded by crystal waters is the base for a safari truly unique on the African continent. At Abu, you are invited to immerse yourself in the majestic world of the African elephant and to see the African bush and its wildlife through the eyes of the elephants – by joining the Abu herd.

Kalahari Plains Camp is a simple yet comfortable camp constructed along traditional lines. Accommodation is in 10 spacious, walk in tents erected on wooden platforms, each with a private deck and view over the surrounding plains. You can climb the stairs to an upper platform, and sleep out there beneath the stars. It’s a favourite activity for kids of all ages, and a romantic way for a couple to spend the night, too.

Set amongst the shady trees and water of the Okavango Delta, the small and intimate Baines’ Camp features just five luxurious suites set on elevated platforms in the tree line. Wooden decks offer expansive views over the permanent water of the Boro River and a lagoon teeming with life.

Although star beds are inevitably wrapped with flowing mosquito nets to keep biting insects at bay, you can protect yourself further by choosing to stay at Sanctuary Makanyane, a luxurious safari lodge in South Africa’s malaria free Madikwe Game Reserve. This is a brilliant location for Big Five sightings, and the expert guides will lead you on fabulous activities such as game drives and bush walks.