If you've ever dreamed of sleeping under the African stars with nothing but a mosquito net between you and the wilderness, Sky Beds in Khwai Private Reserve is about as close as you'll get to that childhood fantasy. This quirky camp consists of just three wooden platforms, each standing five meters off the ground and overlooking a busy waterhole that attracts wildlife throughout the night. It's not your typical luxury lodge, but that's exactly the point – this is adventure with a capital A, and it's absolutely unforgettable.
Each platform has two levels. The lower floor houses an enclosed bathroom with a proper shower, flush toilet, and changing area, while upstairs is where the magic happens. Your bedroom is completely open to the sky, furnished with a comfortable double bed draped in mosquito netting, crisp linens, and thick duvets for chilly nights. Hot water bottles are provided when temperatures drop, and there's seating where you can sit with a glass of wine watching elephants, giraffe, or even predators coming down to drink just meters below. The camp accommodates a maximum of six guests, making it one of the most intimate experiences in Botswana.
Part of the Natural Selection collection, Sky Beds works best as a one or two-night addition to a stay at sister camps like Sable Alley or Hyena Pan. Activities include morning and afternoon game drives, guided walks, and visits to a ground-level hide positioned just ten meters from the waterhole. There's no wifi or cell service here, which somehow makes the whole experience even better.
