Under South African Stars Tour

Imagine spending the night in a luxurious bed on a raised platform in the middle of the Kruger game reserve, surrounded by the sounds of nocturnal creatures, with nothing between you and the brilliant stars of the South African night sky.

Sleep Outs, Bush Bedrooms or Star Beds - whatever you prefer to call them - are one the most romantic experiences in Africa. They are offered only at select properties, always located some distance from the main lodge so as not to be affected by any noise or light, and to offer complete privacy from other humans.

Guests are escorted to the sleep out platform by their guides in time to for a sunset cocktail - a sundowner in South African parlance. Meanwhile, a sumptuous and surprisingly gourmet, multi-course bush dinner is prepared by a lodge chef. After dinner is cleared away, the guests are left alone. Crystal clear skies reveal an unbelievable number of seemingly touchable stars – satellites and galaxies can be observed with the naked eye and meteors make occasional appearances. The sound made by wildlife is the only noise guests hear.

Guests are in contact with the lodge by radio, and can ask for a pick up at any time. Sleepouts have under cover bathrooms, usually built underneath the sleeping platform and accessed by internal stairs. This is also where guests can shelter while waiting for pick up should it begin to rain unexpectedly.

Guests wake up to a spectacular sunrise and a brilliant early morning chorus of birdsong. When they are ready, they call the guide who picks them up and takes them back to their room at the lodge.

Note: Sleepouts are very popular and require early booking.

Unique unforgettable experience sleeping under the stars
Game drives in Kruger region