Our Picks for the Best Star Beds in Africa for a Sleep Out

There are few travel experiences as magical as sleeping under a canopy of stars. Far from city lights, the night sky comes alive with dazzling constellations, the soft glow of the Milky Way, and the quiet hum of the bush.

For safari-goers seeking something truly unforgettable, star bed sleepouts offer the best way to see the magic of the night sky without the inhibitions of light pollution. In this guide, we’ll share with you some of the best star beds in Africa, where you can sleep out under exquisite views of the African night sky.

What is a Star Bed?

Typically set on raised wooden platforms or private decks, these open-air beds place you within the heart of the bush. With no ceilings, you drift to sleep under the watchful gaze of the Milky Way and the silent beam of the moon. Imagine lying back with a glass of wine as constellations rise overhead, listening to wild dogs barking in the distance, or waking to the pastel glow of sunrise across the savannah.

Whether you’re travelling as a couple, a family, or a solo adventurer, sleeping under the stars without the inhibitions of a roof is one of the best ways to stargaze in Africa. With little to no light pollution in the bush, Africa’s wilderness offers some of the clearest skies on the planet. Hear the nocturnal sounds of the wilderness as you drift into a restful slumber under the stars.

Lodges and Camps for Stargazing Sleep Outs

Ready to begin your stellar adventure? Let’s start with our best picks of some of the most memorable star bed destinations for a sleep out under the African sky:

1. Little Kulala – Namib Desert, Namibia

The Namib Desert has one of the darkest skies on earth – making it the perfect destination for a stargazing enthusiast. At Little Kulala, guests can roll their beds onto private decks for an open-air night under the stars, surrounded by vast desert silence. Other than stargazing, activities at Little Kulala make the most of its desert setting, with nature drives and guided walks revealing the majesty and mystery of the Namib Desert.

2. Elewana Loisaba Star Beds – Loisaba Conservancy, Kenya

Loisaba Star Beds deserves a mention for its iconic handcrafted four-poster beds on wheels. Rolled out onto elevated wooden decks, these beds overlook a waterhole where elephants often gather – so you can enjoy the view of wildlife and the stars, all in one sitting. Upon your arrival, you’ll be greeted by a team of traditional Samburu and Laikipiak Maasai warriors. Before tucking into your star bed, you can enjoy drinks by the fire and a delicious shared dinner.

3. Ol Donyo Lodge – Chyulu Hills, Kenya

Perched between Amboseli and Tsavo, Ol Donyo Lodge blends luxury with adventure. Each suite features a rooftop star bed, allowing you to gaze at Mount Kilimanjaro by day and the glittering constellations by night. Ol Donyo also offers a range of exclusive activities for the luxury traveller, including horse riding through the bush as well as lunch with some of the last remaining tusker elephants in the lodge’s sunken hides.

4. Camp Okavango – Okavango Delta, Botswana

One of Desert & Delta Safaris‘ most beloved lodges is set on the remote Nxaragha Island in the Okavango Delta. Here, in Botswana’s wilderness, Camp Okavango offers “sleep under the stars” platforms. Affordable yet authentic, it’s the perfect spot for those who want both comfort and adventure.

Camp Okavango’s main area comprises a network of interconnected walkways linking up two lounge areas, a dining room, a library, a self-service bar and a curio shop, so it’s perfect for families or those travelling in groups.

5. Natural Selection Skybeds – Khwai, Botswana

Perhaps the most dramatic star bed experience in Botswana, Natural Selection’s Skybeds offers raised wooden towers overlooking a waterhole frequented by elephants and predators. With only three platforms, it’s an intimate and memorable way to sleep under the stars.

For this thrilling stargazing experience, consider a stay at one of Natural Selection’s lodges in the Khwai Private Reserve. This includes Elephant Pan, Sable Alley and Little Sable.

6. Old Drift Lodge – Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Old Drift’s star suite combines modern luxury with open-air adventure. Just a short distance from Victoria Falls, the lodge offers a private star bed for couples who want romance, stargazing, and easy access to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

7. Lion Sands Treehouses – Sabi Sands, South Africa

The Lion Sands treehouses are legendary: remote, luxurious, and completely open to the sky. Accessible only by ranger escort, each treehouse offers complete privacy, panoramic bush views, and unforgettable stargazing.

The Lion Sands treehouses include Chalkley, Kingston, and Tinyeleti, each offering its own unique charm and stunning views of the night sky above the bush. Chalkey is available for those staying at Lion Sands River Lodge and Lion Sands Ivory Lodge, while Tinyeleti is available with a stay at any Lion Sands Lodge!

8. Segera Retreat Nest – Laikipia, Kenya

Segera Retreat offers a truly unique stargazing option with its elevated Nay Palad Bird Nest sleepout. Built entirely from raw timber and branches, the “nest” overlooks a river teeming with wildlife and provides a 360° bird’s-eye view of the surrounding wilderness. It’s a fusion of eco-design and luxury, perfect for adventurous romantics.

9. Olakira Migration Camp – Ndutu, Tanzania

For those who want the magic of stargazing without venturing completely outdoors, Olakira Migration Camp offers an elegant compromise. The beds lie beneath a stargazing mesh canopy, allowing you to fall asleep under the stars while still enjoying the comfort of your safari tent – perfect for guests seeking something a little less adventurous.

Best Time to Stargaze in Africa

As a rule of thumb, the best time to stargaze in Africa is during the dry months. Although it’s colder, there is little to no rain, and the skies are crisp and clear. Not only is this the best time for stargazing, but the dry season is also the perfect time for game viewing, as animals gather around the remaining water sources. The bush also thins out during this time due to the lack of rain, making it easier to spot them on game drives and walking safaris.

The moon phase matters too! For the best stargazing experience and star visibility, plan around the new moon, when the sky is darkest. Full moons are magical for sleep outs, but keep in mind that constellations will be less visible.

Start Your Stargazing Safari

A star bed sleepout adds a touch of wonder to your safari, whether it’s in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, Namibia’s Namib Desert, or South Africa’s iconic private game reserves. Each destination combines luxury with raw wilderness, offering a memory you’ll treasure forever.

Are you ready to experience the best places to stargaze in Africa? Start planning your journey today with Discover Africa. Our safari experts will tailor a trip that includes star bed experiences in the continent’s most breathtaking locations.