Open air accommodation is one of the most immersive ways to experience Southern Africa’s landscapes, writes Miriam Kimvangu.
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park/Diego Delso/Wikimedia Commons
These stays are designed to place guests directly in nature while maintaining safety and comfort. Instead of sleeping behind walls, travellers rest on raised platforms, rooftop decks or outdoor beds positioned to overlook the surrounding area.
Below are some of the region’s best destinations where sleeping outdoors is an intentional and well managed part of the travel experience.
Skybeds in Botswana’s Okavango
Botswana is widely regarded as the leader in safari sleepout experiences due to its low density tourism model and large private wildlife concessions.
The Baobab Treehouse, Okavango Delta
Xigera’s Baobab Treehouse is a standalone structure set away from the main lodge. Guests sleep on an open top deck beneath a retractable canopy, with views across permanent delta waterways. The experience is offered as an optional overnight activity for lodge guests and includes guided transfers and full catering.
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Salt Pan and Semi Desert Sleepouts
Sleeping outdoors in arid environments offers different rewards. Temperatures drop significantly after sunset and skies are exceptionally clear, making these regions ideal for stargazing.
Leroo La Tau Sleepout, Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
Located near the Boteti River, Leroo La Tau offers seasonal sleepouts on the edge of the salt pans. Guests sleep on bedrolls laid out beneath open skies, with minimal artificial light and expansive views across the pans. The experience is weather dependent and usually available in the dry season when wildlife congregates along the river.
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Little Kulala Rooftop Sky Beds, NamibRand Nature Reserve
Each suite at Little Kulala includes a private rooftop deck with a star bed. Guests can choose to sleep outside and watch the desert sky while remaining close to their indoor facilities. The reserve borders Sossusvlei and activities include dune walks and desert drives. Nighttime temperatures are cooler year round, making outdoor sleeping comfortable for much of the year.
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Riverbank and Escarpment Sleepouts
In river systems and mountainous regions, open air accommodation often focuses on elevated views and cooling breezes.
Victoria Falls River Lodge Island Treehouses, Zambezi River, Zimbabwe
These elevated treehouses feature open rooftop decks with beds positioned to face the river. Guests fall asleep to water sounds and regular hippo activity. The treehouses are located on a private island and accessed by boat. This experience is often combined with river safaris and visits to Victoria Falls.
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Coastal open air options
While fully exposed sleeping is less common on the coast due to wind and weather, some eco lodges offer open sided accommodation close to beaches.
Practical Planning Considerations
Open air accommodation is not spontaneous travel and should be planned carefully.
- Season matters: Desert and high altitude areas can be very cold at night during winter. Delta regions can be humid in summer.
- Availability is limited: Many sleepouts accommodate only one or two parties per night. Early booking is essential.
- Safety is managed by lodges: Staff are trained to monitor wildlife and remain on standby during overnight stays. Guests should never attempt independent outdoor sleeping in wildlife areas.
- Accessibility varies: Some platforms require climbing ladders or walking short distances over uneven terrain.
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