Much of the luxury in an African holiday lies in reconnecting with the wilderness, an opportunity so rarely afforded to us at home. The night sky in Africa is a splendid thing (we’ve been told you can see shooting stars as often as every 7 minutes), so if you’re feeling intrepid during your holiday, we’d thoroughly advocate a night out under the stars.
Just because you’re sleeping out, doesn’t have to mean that you’re slumming it (though if you want a seriously adventurous option, just read our page on fly camping). Several camps and lodges have spectacular starbeds, four poster beds that roll out under the stars, and are comfortably equipped with pillows, duvets and mosquito nets. If you’re on safari starbeds are often up on platforms, to keep sleeping safari-goers away from the wildlife, and, during day light hours, offering some spectacular views.
For a safari that incorporates a starbed, the Selous Game Reserve, Zambia and Kenya are the best bet, however, there are now impossibly romantic sleepouts on the Mozambican shores of Lake Malawi (aka Lake Niassa). For the ultimate stargazing, we’d recommend a night out in the desert. The clear skies above the Northern Kalahari in South Africa, and Namibia’s Namib Desert are an astronomical delight, so wrap up warm, snuggle up tight, and enjoy the show.
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EXTRAORDINARY AFRICA 