Travel Tips

Sleep Under the Stars

Written by  Julie Graham

Grand Africa Safaris > Blogs > Sleep Under the Stars – Top Sleepouts in East Africa

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To sleep under the stars in the heart of East Africa’s pristine wild spaces is undoubtedly one of the most romantic experiences one can have. The seemingly endless skies exhibit the most enchanting phenomenon when the sun goes down. Not only does the boundless galaxy above come alive in a sparkling light show of stars, life on the ground stirs in a cacophony of nocturnal grunts and growls. It is a thrilling and soul-stirring experience that takes the romance and adventure of a special getaway with a loved one to a whole new level. 

East Africa’s combination of bush and beach has been winning over the hearts of couples for years. The effortless manner in which luxury is intertwined with the magic of the wild is unsurpassed in this region of Africa, making it a quintessential honeymoon destination for couples. 

Our expert team loves creating romantic, one-of-a-kind experiences for couples visiting East Africa and will always throw in something a little special (and unexpected) to the mix. 

Get inspired as we share some of our top sleepouts in East Africa that will truly elevate your clients’ romantic escape. 

The journey starts here. 

Nay Palad Birds Nest, Segera Retreat, Kenya

The Nay Palad Bird Nest at Segera Retreat in Laikipia, Kenya
Nay Palad Bird Nest is an award-winning luxury accommodation that offers the most extraordinary sleep-out experience in the heart of the Kenyan wilderness. A collaboration between Segera Retreat, Nay Palad, and architect and visionary Daniel Pouzet, this spectacular one-of-a-kind treehouse is raised up in the air, offering couples a panoramic view of one of Kenya’s most untamed wilderness areas. Spending a night at the Bird Nest usually begins at the end of a guided bush walk or game drive. Guests will be dropped off at the nest and enjoy a champagne sundowner and romantic picnic-style dinner before tucking into luxurious beds and falling asleep under a blanket of stars. In the morning, rise with the sun and the sounds of the bush coming alive from one of the most magnificent locations on Earth.

The Manta Resort, Pemba Island, Tanzania

Aerial view of the stargazing bed at The Underwater Room at Manta Resort on Pemba Island, Tanzania.
The famous Underwater Room with stargazing bed at Manta on Pemba Island, Tanzania.
Located on the Zanzibar Archipelago in Tanzania, Pemba Island offers guests a remote barefoot luxury island experience that is truly hard to beat. This island sanctuary plays host to untapped nature, warm turquoise waters, colorful coral reefs, and one of the most unique sleepouts in East Africa. The Underwater Room is The Manta Resort’s most incredible offering. This ingenious floating structure is anchored to the ocean floor and comprises three levels. The first level (where the boat will drop you and your lucky plus one) is a landing deck with a spacious lounge. Underneath, you will access the unique submariner bedroom where you are quite literally submerged below sea level, watching shoals of colorful fish swim right past your window. On the top floor, a comfortable daybed turns into a stargazing bed at night with the most spectacular views of the Milky Way and endless horizon. Surrounded by nothing but azure waters, this is the epitome of privacy, unforgettable romance, and adventure all rolled into one perfect experience.

Mwiba Lodge, Mwiba Wildlife Reserve, Tanzania

Fly camping on the escarpment at Mwiba Lodge
Set in its very own private 129,500 acre concession bordering the southern Serengeti National Park, Mwiba Lodge has a breathtaking location overlooking the Arugusinyai River. The lodge has been described as a ‘haven of luxury in the wilderness’ and few places in East Africa offer such a range of thrilling and fulfilling experiences. One such experience is fly camping – a private, unforgettable adventure that puts you right into the heart of the wild African bush.  Mwiba Lodge’s fly camp is a luxurious ‘glamping’-style set up temporarily constructed on the escarpment of the Rift Valley with extraordinary views over Lake Eyasi. Here, you will find an opulent double bed set beneath a net covering with unobstructed views of the Milky Way and canvas of stars. A perfectly laid out table for two, drinks station and fire pit add to the romance of the wild African escape dreams are made of.

Serian The Nest, Mara North Conservancy, Kenya

Rising with the sun at The Nest overlooking the wildlife-rich Mara River below

Ngare Serian forms part of the exclusive Alex Walker’s Safari Group and is one of the most luxurious and intimate camps in the Mara North Conservancy – a pristine private wilderness area on the outskirts of the Masai Mara National Park. A short walk through the bush, guided by a Maasai warrior for protection, and you will encounter The Nest. This unique tree house overlooks the Mara River and stands 12 feet high, hidden from sight amongst thick treetops. The Nest takes an adventure in the heart of Kenya to a whole new level. Couples in search of a romantic opportunity to sleep under the stars, combined with the thrill of having wild animals right below them are in for a treat. The Nest is ideally situated on the banks of the river where a large, raucous pod of hippos reside and come alive in the night with echoing bellows and grunts. The area is also home to unsuspecting prey like impala and even a resident male leopard.

Zanzibar White Sand Villas, Zanzibar

A stargazing bed with endless views of the beach at a private villa at Zanzibar White Sand Villas in Zanzibar.
A built-in star bed with endless views at a private villa at Zanzibar White Sand Villas.
Located on a spectacular stretch of pristine white sandy beach in Paje, on the East coast of Zanzibar, Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas & Spa is the perfect barefoot luxury escape. Tranquility and harmony at this picturesque island sanctuary are combined with utmost exclusivity and high levels of personalized service. The magnificent beachfront villas blend seamlessly into the surrounding natural beauty and an outdoor staircase leads to a private rooftop terrace with an exquisite built-in star bed that faces the emerald sea and endless horizon. With a private pool, private access to the beach and fully serviced by a butler for utmost comfort, means couples are left to focus on nothing but their extraordinary tropical surroundings and, of course, each other.

Get in touch with one of our travel experts at Grand Africa Safaris today to craft an unforgettable honeymoon experience for your clients, where they can sleep under the stars and witness the magnificence of the endless African skies today.