Classic African Safari Sleepouts: Part 1

With the recent launch of The Malori sleepout deck at Tswalu Kalahari in South Africa's 'Green Kalahari' we felt inspired to uncover some of southern and east Africa's most spectacular and unforgettable sleepout experiences in a 2 part blog feature.

An increasingly popular, and adventurous, addition to many safari itineraries, a safari sleepout typically involves two people spending the night at a specially built platform or treehouse that is set well away from the main lodge in a secluded and, above all, safe location! Guests are usually taken to the sleepout at sunset where they enjoy sundowners and a private bush dinner before they are left for the night. In almost all cases the standard of luxury of the lodge is carried through to the sleepout where guests enjoy superb comfort together with exceptional privacy and solitude.

Gaze up at a trillion stars, listen to the primal sounds of the African night and enjoy the priviledge of having this small piece of true wilderness completely to yourself. If experiencing something unique, exhilarating and out of the ordinary appeals to you then look no futher than a true safari sleepout.

In this, the first of a two part series, we take a look at five breathtaking sleepouts from around the region that combine safari luxury with an unforgettable wilderness experience:

1. The Malori, Tswalu Kalahari (Kalahari, South Africa)

The recently launched 'The Malori' sleepout deck is a brilliant addition to Tswalu Kalahari. Set on a ridge overlooking the vast expanse of the southern Kalahari and with panoramic views towards the sunset, the sleepout offers a luxurious outdoor sleeping experience in a remarkable wilderness area.

Click here for more on Tswalu Kalahari...

2. Chalkley Treehouse, Lion Sands (Sabi Sands Reserve, South Africa)

Built around a 500 year old Leadwood Tree in one of Africa's most renowned wildlife areas, Chalkley Treehouse at Lion Sands Private Game Reserve is a true bush bedroom under the African stars. Private, secluded and secure, the treehouse boasts magnificent views over the adjacent plains.

Click here for more on Lion Sands...

3. Star Bed, Abu Camp (Okavango Delta, Botswana)

With 20 years of operation Abu Camp is certainly regarded as the original elephant safari experience in Africa. It still prides itself as offering an incomparable opportunity to engage and interact with the Abu herd and get to know the individual personalities of each of the elephants.

A unique offering at Abu Camp is its Star Bed, a luxurious double bed set on a raised platform overlooking the elephant boma! Here guests fall asleep with the immense open skies above them and the low snores and rumbling of the Abu elephant herd below them.

Click here for more on Abu Camp...

4. Selinda Canoe Trail (Selinda Spillway, Botswana)

Slightly different to the rest of the sleepouts in this article, the Selinda Canoe Trail is a spectacular 4 day, 3 night canoeing adventure that follows the wildlife-rich Selinda Spillway in northern Botswana. Reminiscent of safaris gone by, the Canoe Trail is very much an exploration of the Spillway and the areas adjacent to it with a combination of relatively relaxed paddling and impromptu walks along the river banks and surrounding habitats.

Nights are spent camping along the banks of the river where guests experience the awesome vastness of the Selinda wilderness.

Click here for more on the Selinda Canoe Trail...

5. The Dove's Nest, The Hide (Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe)

Long neglected because of political upheaval and uncertainty in Zimbabwe, Hwange National Park is again building its reputation as a phenomenal wildlife area and travel destination in southern Africa. Similarly, The Hide Safari Camp, a renowned safari lodge for almost two decades, is once again taking its place amongst the regions best.

The Dove's Nest, a secluded treehouse on the edge of a tree-lined vlei and pan, is The Hide's answer to a magical safari sleepout and provides guests with their own romantic, secluded and memorable experience in one of Africas great wilderness areas.

Click here for more on The Hide Safari Camp...

Categories: Something Different, Property Reviews, Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe

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