For many first-time travellers to Africa, the idea of sleeping outside in the wild is met with intrigue and a fair dose of apprehension. It conjures up images of untamed landscapes, nocturnal creatures, and the possibility of being a little too close to nature for comfort. After all, Hollywood has done an excellent job of painting the African wilderness as exhilarating and perilous.

The truth? While it’s not without its adventure, an African safari, particularly one that includes a sleepout deck experience, is one of the most authentic and transformative ways to experience the continent.

Here’s why embracing a night under the stars might just change the way you think about safari travel.

A safari is nature at its most authentic

There’s nothing manufactured about the African bush. A safari offers an unfiltered connection to the natural world, where landscapes stretch endlessly and wildlife roams freely. Unlike traditional hotels or resorts, a safari experience removes the boundaries between you and nature, replacing them with immersion, curiosity, and awe.

And if you want to take that one step further? A sleepout deck provides an entirely new perspective on the wilderness. Elevated above the ground with uninterrupted views of the bush, this experience allows you to witness the nocturnal rhythms of Africa. Just imagine listening in to the distant roar of a lion to waking up to the gentle rustling of leaves as an elephant passes by.

It’s safer (and more comfortable) than you think

Understandably, the idea of sleeping in the open wild raises some safety concerns. But sleepout decks aren’t about reckless abandonment. They’re designed to offer adventure and security. Equipped with luxurious beds, en-suite bathrooms, and nearby guides ensuring your safety, these decks offer an experience that is more ‘luxury under the stars’ than ‘survival in the wilderness.’

Far from being a test of endurance, they provide an unforgettable way to embrace the bush while still enjoying the comforts of a high-end safari lodge.

A front-row seat to Africa’s most spectacular show

Nothing quite compares to watching the African sky shift from deep blue to gold and crimson as the sun sets over the horizon. And as night falls, the celestial spectacle begins. With no city lights to dull the view, the Milky Way stretches overhead in breathtaking clarity.

Stargazing in the African wilderness is an otherworldly experience, made all the more special by the sounds of the bush. The call of a hyena, the chorus of cicadas, and the occasional rustle in the undergrowth remind you that you are, indeed, part of something vast and untamed.

A safari challenges your perceptions of Africa

Many travelers arrive in Africa with preconceived notions shaped by news headlines or pop culture. While some may worry about safety, others hesitate due to a lack of knowledge about what a safari entails.

But the reality is that Africa offers some of the most welcoming, expertly guided, and conservation-driven travel experiences in the world. While you can spot the Big Five during a safari, the experience goes further to engage your mind with an understanding of ecosystems, conservation efforts, and the intricate balance of life in the wild. It’s an education that no classroom or documentary can truly replicate.

The ultimate digital detox

In a world that’s always online, the chance to disconnect is a rare luxury. A safari sleepout deck strips away the distractions of modern life and replaces them with something far richer: real connection. Connection to nature, to the pace of the wild, and to the people with whom you share the experience.

There are no notifications to check, no emails to answer. Just the quiet hum of the bush and the opportunity to fully embrace the moment.

Set in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve of South Africa, Simbavati Waterside's Shilope Sleepout Deck is one such place where the magic of a night under the stars comes to life. Built beside an ancient Weeping Boer-Bean tree from which it takes its Shangaan name, this raised retreat offers a unique blend of adventure and serenity.

With a king-sized bed, a private en-suite shower, and solar lanterns casting a warm glow over the deck, guests can fall asleep to the gentle sounds of the wild and wake up to a golden sunrise over the bush.

For those spending a few nights at the lodge, opting for a sleepout is the perfect way to add an extra dimension to the safari experience. It’s the kind of night that shifts perspectives, a reminder that sometimes, the best way to travel is to let go of the familiar and take in the wild unknown.

The takeaway? Do it

Sleeping outside in Africa might sound like a bold choice, but it’s one that countless travelers have described as the highlight of their safari.

A safari with a night spent under the stars is the way to go. Just don’t be surprised if it changes the way you think about travel forever.