Nothing beats drifting off to sleep to the sounds of the African bush: the nocturnal grunts and growls of the lion, the honks of hippo, or the mournful howls of a hyena reverberate deep within you. Waking up in a star bed to the warm glow of sunshine and a chorus of bird songs is the perfect start to the day.

Sleeping under the stars comes in many forms in Africa, from the luxurious and romantic star bed raised on platforms with four poster beds and the finest linen to mobile camps with nothing between you and the big star-studded sky. Here is just a selection of the many options available to guests of Aardvark Safaris.

Star bed sleepouts

Segera Retreat – Bird’s Nest 360-degree view

Inspired by the beauty of nature, the Bird’s Nest has all the comforts and luxuries of a hotel. Built from sustainably sourced wood and branches woven together by the local community, the two-storied sleepout houses a fully equipped bathroom on the ground level, a bedroom on the first floor and the circular top deck ‘Nest’ with a spectacular 360-degree view of the bush and beyond. This one-of-a-kind accommodation is set amongst the protected wilderness at the foot of Mount Kenya. Evening entertainment comes in the form of trying to guess which animal is making which sound. Wake to view elephants and giraffes as they stroll by in the morning, stopping off at the river to quench their thirst.

Laikipia, Kenya

Sarara Camp – wilderness fly camping

You can’t help but be captivated by the vast and spectacular views that this camp offers. Sarara fly camping is a great addition to your stay allowing you to fully appreciate this incredible wilderness. Switch out one of your nights in camp for a night under the stars, or for the more adventurous choose the multiple-day sleepout incorporating hikes in the spectacular Mathews Range. Set in a dry riverbed just a short distance from the main camp, up to five mesh-walled tents are set up for a quiet and intimate night of stargazing. The tent’s large transparent roof and proper mattress and pillow allow for the most comfortable of settings in which to marvel at the night sky. The history and culture of this remote landscape conjures up a deep sense of place and the performance by Samburu dancers called an Ngoma, provides a glimpse into the region’s indigenous culture.

Mathews Range, Kenya, photo credit Simon Pocock

Kambaku Safari Lodge  – dam hide star bed

Kambaku Safari Lodge is set in a secluded wooded area of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve. The overnight hide on the banks of the Nduna (“old wise man”) Dam attracts a plethora of thirsty wildlife. The solar-powered three-tier luxury hide boasts a living area, ensuite bathroom complete with luxurious gown and slippers and a stargazing deck with fireplace. After dinner, guests will be whisked off to enjoy a relaxing evening under the stars. Settle down to the sound of the night with the warmth of the crackling fire and a post-dinner drink in hand. Watch the sunrise with a delicious coffee before your guide collects you for your early morning wildlife drive.

Timbavati, South Africa

Lion Sands – a tree-top escape

Located in the southern Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Lion Sands offers a safari in both the Sabi River and Sand River ecosystems. Lion Sands has three very different and magical treehouse experiences. These tree-top escapes are all elevated allowing wildlife to roam freely and guests the perfect vantage point to observe. The Kingston and Tinyelti Treehouse offer the perfect family sleep-out adventure. Arriving at sunset guests can sit out on the deck and enjoy a delightful picnic dinner as dusk falls, before getting tucked up in bed to witness one of the most magical night skies.

Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa

Linyanti Expeditions Camp – in camp stargazing

The camp is situated between the teak forests of the Chobe area and the Linyanti River with its extensive swamps, providing an ideal location for some excellent wildlife viewing in peaceful surroundings. With only six tents the camp offers an intimate and natural setting. The tents have a clever gauze gazebo extension that allows guests the option to fall asleep under the starry night without the hassle of leaving their comfortable and secure camp.

Linyanti Wilderness Reserve, Botswana

Leroo La Tau –  lunar-like landscape sleepout

This otherworldly experience takes place in the lunar-like landscape of Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and is offered to guests staying at Leroo La Tau for more than three nights. You can choose to arrive in style on a “doors off” helicopter flight and tuck into a delicious bush meal prepared and cooked under the starry night sky. The super comfy bedroll, pillow and extra warm blanket protect you from the chill of the desert night and relax you into a deep meditative state. The endless horizons and enormous night sky will leave you spellbound.

Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Botswana

What next?

We would be delighted to help you plan a safari encompassing any of the exclusive stays and trips mentioned here. Our team of experts has travelled widely throughout Africa and can offer expert advice on every type of safari from family and beach holidays to riding and primate safaris. Do get in touch – chatting to people by phone or email is what we do best. We listen, we explain, we answer all sorts of questions even those you didn’t know to ask, and finally, we make suggestions. If this is your first time in Africa or your twenty first, we have a team standing by to help make the planning easy and the journey the best ever. Please get in touch whatever stage you’re at.

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