Imagine being alone in amidst the sights and sounds of the African bush… hearing the jackals cry as you watch the sun set over a distant horizon, the smell of sage bush wafting on warm air as the southern cross appears glittering above you…
This is the appeal of a ‘sleep out’ on safari. You may ask ‘What is a sleep out?’ Well many of Zimbabwes’ best lodges now offer an opportunity to ‘sleep out’ under the stars for the night. Usually you head off to the sleep-out platform in the late afternoon by foot or by vehicle. Before or after sundowners and a meal your hosts depart leaving you and your travelling companion if you have one alone to enjoy the wilderness you are surrounded by. Most of these platforms are well equipped with full beds, linen and toilets as well as lanterns. All camps keep guest safety in mind giving you either a guide near by and/or a two way radio so you can contact camp if necessary and you are well above the ground and animals below.
I recently got to experience just this. As my partner and I watched the safari vehicle depart, golden dust rising behind it in the late evening light it became apparent how truly alone we were. The silence was deafening- something we aren’t used to in today’s world. We had been left with a full meal and drinks and so despite my twinge of apprehension and awe a glass of bubbly soon settled me and I could truly appreciate my surrounds. As we ate hot soup the air filled with a rich chorus of nocturnal insects that were soon joined by the mournful, haunting cry of a jackal. Awestruck and happy my partner and I watched a truly spectacular sunset hand in hand.
Bats flitted overhead as we ate a delicious main course and stars began to twinkle overhead while the remaining glow on the horizon faded. Moments like these make you incredibly aware of your senses and of the passing of time. After chocolate we headed to our luxurious bed, replete with feather duvet. We blew out the lanterns and drifted off to sleep with the contented rumblings of a family of elephants feeding nearby. I awoke a few times in the night to listen nervously to lions roaring in the distance and hyena calling closer by but managed to calm myself in the knowledge that we were safely above all the action and go back to sleep.
We woke in the glow of pre-dawn light to talk in hushed whispers as the sun rose. A thermos provided steaming hot water for coffee and as we finished it the rumble of the vehicle coming to fetch us seemed too soon… I looked back regretfully as we made our way down the stairs of the platform, it had truly been a very special evening and one which I would love to repeat.
Want to Try it? Here are some of the Best Options in Zimbabwe
The Hide Safari Camp – Dove’s Nest
The Hide boasts a comfortable split level structure with a deck and stairs up to a partially enclosed room with slatted windows and a door. The deck overlooks a beautiful pan where animals come to drink… They provide sundowners and private bush dinners.
Elephant’s Eye
Aptly named sleep out deck called “The Eye”. This tree house overlooks a waterhole and is equipped with a queen-size four post bed (complete with mosquito net), bathroom with an incredible view and a great selection of drinks.
Little Makalolo
Situated on a raised platform overlooking Madison Pan, this star-bed is a 20 minute drive from camp and can accommodate up to 4 guests. It includes bed rolls, a flush toilet and mosquito nets.
Somalisa Camp
Overlooking Ray’s Pan, the Somalisa sleep-out accommodates up to 5 guests and has a loo and shower built into the structure.
Ruckomechi Camp
The platform is equipped with a mosquito net, flush toilet and 2 beds that can be coverted to a queen- there is even a seating area so you can watch the action at the pan it overlooks.
Kanga Camp
Kanga has 4 sleep-out platforms – 2 sets of 2. Each has a mattress flat on a platform, under a mosquito net. A separate loo and bucket shower can be found under the trees, a 10 metre walk from the sleep-out. Bush barbecue dinner or breakfast can be arranged.
