As we are purveyors of the quirky, aficionados of the unusual, we thought we’d compile a list of the most original sleep outs in Africa. It’s a great way of adding another unique experience to your trip without vastly increasing your travelling time or cost. 

Quite often these are little one night stopover options between your luxury lodges and vary from a simple roll matt under a mosquito net to a more lavish four poster bed under the stars. 

Either way, it’s bringing you closer to nature and giving you a taste of the essence of Africa.

Desert skies in Sossusvlei (Little Kulala, Namibia)

With no light pollution, the Namib is renowned for its incredible clear night skies and sleeping under a canopy of stars in the desert is a truly spectacular experience. The beds are set up on the roof of your bedroom, so you can lie back and count stars until you drift off.

Sleeping in trees (Lion Sands, South Africa)

Enjoy a unique perspective on the wilderness around you from your star bed platform 20 feet up in the air. This luxury sleep out is in the Sabi Sands and offers a wonderful break from your luxury lodge. Watch the sun set over untamed wilderness and fall asleep to the sounds of the bush around you.  

Wild camping in Luangwa (Norman Carr, Zambia)

A unique way to experience the bush, this camp is in the South Luangwa National Park. You will walk from your main camp to the fly camp for one night in isolated wilderness. Enjoy an incredible campfire meal and sleep under the vast African sky before walking on to your next lodge in the morning.

Magic in the Matthews Range (Sarara Camp, Kenya)

This star camp boasts an incredible natural rock pool and endless views over the Matthews range of Northern Kenya. Enjoy amazing bush dinners and experience the serene Kenyan wilderness. Keep a lookout for the rare Colobus and De Brazza monkeys, shy leopards and wild dogs that live in this region. 

Dawn over Lake Malawi  (Nkwichi, Lake Malawi)

These star beds are made locally from driftwood from the lake. Fall asleep under the vast and magical night sky and wake up to dawn reflected on the tranquil waters of the lake.