Tswalu’s Malori
Kalahari, South Africa
Tswalu Kalahari’s sleep-out deck, the Malori (meaning ‘dreamer’ in Tswana), has panoramic views of the vast plains of the Kalahari. Arrive in time for dinner – your guide, if you choose, can leave you with a ‘braai’ (traditional barbeque) to cook up dinner yourself. You can then either sleep under the thatch or roll your bed out into the open. Your open air flushing loo and shower are under a nearby tree. Your guide will collect you in the morning on foot, horseback or vehicle: your holiday, your choice.
Baines’ Camp
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Baines’ is a small, intimate camp on a private concession in the Okavango Delta. The five luxurious suites sit on elevated platforms above the Boro River, all with spacious verandas. We recommend guests wheel their four-poster bed out onto the deck – don’t worry, there is a brake! The decks also have outside baths, fittingly named “star baths”, allowing guests to enjoy an opulent soak surrounded by nature.
Ruckomechi Camp
Mana Pools, Zimbabwe
Ruckomechi has a renowned sleep-out deck known for its incredible animal sightings. The deck overlooks Parachute Pan, which is frequented by lion, leopard and wild dog. You can expect a thrilling night ahead of you! There is no better way of falling asleep than being serenaded by the sounds of nature while you gaze up at the Milky Way above.
Abu Camp
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Abu Camp gives guests the unique opportunity to “sleep with the elephants” in a star bed overlooking the elephant boma. After dinner you are escorted to the star bed, which is raised high above the ground. Here you sleep beneath the canopy of stars, with the contented rumbling of the elephants just below. The star bed comes complete with loo and open shower so you don’t feel too far out of your comfort zone.
Ol Donyo
Chyulu Hills, Kenya
At this lodge, you can sleep out every night, should you wish. All the luxurious suites come with their very own rooftop star bed, which is accessed from the outside verandah of your bedroom via a winding stone staircase. Ideal for a quick glance at the stars after dinner, with glass of wine in hand, or as a sleep out option for the whole night in utter privacy but with all the amenities of your suite still just below you.