Best Stargazing Spots In Africa

Best Stargazing Spots In Africa

In this ever-changing world, travellers are seeking more and more experiences that go beyond the ordinary – things that really linger in the memory, and are truly unforgettable. An Africa night sky is like no other – and spending the night sleeping under it, enjoying a star gazing experience, will create memories that will last a lifetime.

In its simplest terms, the answer to ‘what is stargazing?’, is really just looking up and gazing at the wonders above. For generations, civilisation after civilisation have cast their eyes up to the sky in Africa to simply gaze, to wonder, or to gather vital information. In Kenya the Samburu people have long looked to the stars to guide their way of life. From marking the seasons for cattle migration to determining the timing of significant ceremonies such as initiation rites and weddings, the night sky plays a vital role in their traditions. For the Samburu, and indeed countless other tribes and people across Africa, the stars are more than just celestial bodies—they are storytellers, navigators and guardians of time.

Star beds and sleepouts offer exactly that: a chance to fall asleep to the sounds of the wild, under an endless sky of stars. Whether it’s for Valentine’s Day, a honeymoon, or simply a moment of pure connection with nature, these experiences elevate any itinerary and create lasting memories, and Africa Travel can provide you with a guide to the very best nocturnal alfresco adventures - where it is just you and your nearest & dearest sleeping under the widest, wildest and darkest skies imaginable.

Forget sleeping on a hard roll mat - instead think proper bed, soft sheets and a night never to be forgotten. Nothing can quite match the extraordinary feeling of falling asleep under the star-strewn skies whilst being comforted by the sounds of the night-time wildlife all around you.

Which are the best star-gazing lodges in Africa?

We've selected some of our favourite open-air opportunities, from a star suite alongside the Zambezi River and a sleep-out deck in the Okavango Delta, to star-beds in Kenya & Zambia, a treehouse in the Kruger and a romantic rooftop in the Namibian desert.

Old Drift Lodge, Zimbabwe

The Star Suite at Old Drift Lodge is typically positioned in a prime location within the lodge, offering breath-taking views of the Zambezi River and the surrounding wilderness. This exclusive suite is designed to provide privacy and tranquillity, making it ideal for honeymooners or couples seeking a romantic getaway.

Kanana Camp, Botswana

The two-level Sleep Out Deck at Kanana Camp – positioned on the banks of the Xudum River – is a short drive from camp and sits overlooking an expansive rain-filled waterhole that homes hippo, crocodile and colourful birdlife. The upper deck is where you sleep under a canopy of mosquito netting and a starlit African night sky, while the lower deck provides easily accessible bathroom amenities.

Loisaba Star Beds, Kenya

It is almost as if star-gazing was invented for somewhere like Loisaba. Poised on a rocky kopje, the Loisaba Star Beds command sweeping views over an undulating valley and a permanent waterhole, frequented by resident wildlife. Handcrafted four-poster wooden beds sit on raised wooden platforms jutting out from thatched-roof accommodation and are rolled out each night for guests to enjoy the most memorable sleep under the endless African sky.

Puku Ridge Camp, Zambia

Puku Ridge boasts South Luangwa National Park's only camp with a private star bed for each tent. Guests climb an outdoor staircase leading to the roof where an alfresco sleeping area, complete with mosquito netting, awaits. Unlike some other camps, there is no need to pre-book your star bed here, or leave the comfort of the property behind you.

Lions Sands, South Africa

Just a short drive from Lion Sands Ivory Lodge and Lion Sands River Lodge, Chalkley Treehouse is a secure, completely private and lavish platform built around a majestic 500-year-old Leadwood Tree. Once guests are dropped off they can expect to be completely alone with only the majestic sounds of the wild, the distant Sabie River filling the night air, and the star constellations of South Africa above them.

Kulala Desert Lodge, Namibia

Surrounded by red dunes, desolate mountains and gravel plains, Kulala Desert Lodge is set at the heart of the Namib Desert. Accommodation is in individual thatch and canvas units, which are built on raised wooden platforms to optimise on the views and the cooling breezes. Each features an en suite bathroom, a veranda with sweeping views over the desert and a private rooftop terrace where you can choose to sleep beneath the stars, with Namibia stargazing on another level.

Sasaab Luxury Tented Camp, Kenya

At Sasaab, guests can immerse themselves in the wonders of the African night sky from their private rooftop star beds—an experience included in the rate. All but one of the spacious suites feature these star beds, with each designed with open-plan layouts, large en-suite bathrooms and private plunge pools, offering the perfect balance of luxury and adventure. The Samburu region’s lack of light pollution and clear nights make it ideal for stargazing, with constellations visible in all their glory. At Sasaab guests also have the opportunity to interact with the Samburu community, gaining insight into their rich cultural practices while experiencing the star-studded skies that are deeply woven into their heritage.

Chiawa Camp, Zambia

Since its introduction last year Chiawa Camp's Star Drift experience has become a sought-after romantic adventure. This exclusive sleep-out offers a luxurious night under the stars, complemented by personalised service and amenities. This is more than just a night under the stars—it’s a chance to connect with the wilderness and its stories in a way few will ever experience. The Star Bed Tower is situated just downstream from the main Chiawa Camp, overlooking the Zambezi River, and it stands 4 metres high and features a queen-size bed under a mosquito net, a bathtub, wash basin and flushing toilet.

Why book your star-gazing vacation to Africa with Africa Travel?

Now that you know exactly where to go stargazing in East Africa, and where the best Southern hemisphere night skies are, it is time to contact Africa Travel. With almost 40 years’ experience in creating tailor-made and bespoke star gazing holidays to the best destinations in Africa, there is no one more qualified to organise an unforgettable holiday to Africa than Africa Travel.

We are able to advise on the finest stargazing destinations in Africa to visit, and we have a wealth of specialist resources to help you book your perfect safari. We are trusted by more and more customers to create a memorable experience which is not just another holiday, but rather the finest trip possible to Africa, with some remarkable stargazing thrown in for good measure.

All of our staff have travelled extensively and you can trust that our personal recommendations will deliver the African holiday that you have always dreamed of. We know the best places to visit in Africa, the best time to see an African night sky, the most popular tourist destinations in Africa, and we can recommend the best luxury star gazing lodges in Africa. We organise exclusive and private tours, and arrange for the finest guides to escort you under a night sky in Africa.