Uyaphi.com
African Safaris and Tours
Namibia Star Bed Lodges
Sleeping Under The Stars In Namibia's Namib Desert
A star bed is exactly what it sounds like: a proper bed, made up with linen and warm blankets, set out on a deck or rooftop so that the night sky becomes your ceiling. In the Namib Desert the idea makes perfect sense. Namibia is one of the least densely populated countries in the world, the desert air is dry, and out among the dunes there is very little artificial light to dim the Milky Way. Lie back after dinner and the sky fills edge to edge.
The lodges in this collection each do it their own way. At Little Kulala, on the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve near Sossusvlei, every suite has a roll-out bed on its shaded deck, and the rooftop is kept for private sundowners and suppers. That fits the name, since kulala means "to sleep". At Namib Dune Star Camp in Gondwana Namib Park, small wooden cabins line a dune crest, and each bed is built on wheels so that it rolls straight out onto the deck. Further south lies the NamibRand Nature Reserve, which in 2012 became Africa's first International Dark Sky Reserve, at Gold Tier. Wolwedans, inside the reserve, offers its Star Bed at Dune Camp and the Mountain View Suite, and runs a naked-eye star safari from Boulders Camp.
A star-bed night usually sits within a longer Namib stay, alongside early mornings among the red dunes of Sossusvlei and Deadvlei. Desert nights can turn surprisingly cold, and our guide to when to visit Namibia covers the seasons. For every property in the area, see our Namib Desert lodges.
Namibia Star Bed Lodges In The Namib Desert
Little Kulala
Rates form part of a safari itinerary
Every suite at Little Kulala has a roll-out star bed on its shaded deck, with the rooftop kept for private sundowners and suppers. The lodge sits on the private Kulala Wilderness Reserve near Sossusvlei, and kulala, aptly, means "to sleep".
Namib Dune Star Camp
Rates form part of a safari itinerary
Small wooden cabins line a dune crest in Gondwana Namib Park, each with a double bed on wheels that rolls straight out onto the deck. Check in at Namib Desert Lodge for the 4x4 transfer up. Stays are one night, with a guided dune walk.
Wolwedans Boulders Camp
Rates form part of a safari itinerary
The most remote Wolwedans camp, Boulders sits at the foot of granite outcrops in the deep south of the NamibRand Nature Reserve, Africa's first International Dark Sky Reserve. Five tented suites open on three sides, and a guided naked-eye star safari is included.
Star Beds In Namibia: Frequently Asked Questions
What is a star bed?
A star bed is a proper bed set up outdoors, usually on a private deck or rooftop, so that you can sleep under the open night sky. It comes made up with bedding and blankets, and your room is right beside it. In Namibia the term covers beds rolled out onto a deck, rooftop sleep-out decks and open-roof star rooms.
Which Namibia lodges have star beds?
In this collection, Little Kulala and Namib Dune Star Camp have a roll-out star bed for every room, and Wolwedans offers its Star Bed at Dune Camp and the Mountain View Suite. Elsewhere in the Namib, Kulala Desert Lodge has rooftop sleep-out decks, Kwessi Dunes has an open-roof star-gazer room in every chalet, and Camp Sossus offers star beds.
Where is the star bed at Little Kulala?
Little Kulala's star bed is a roll-out bed on each suite's shaded deck, not on the roof. The rooftop is kept for private sundowners and suppers. If wind or rain arrives, the bed can be rolled back under cover. Guided stargazing is also on offer, and the name fits: kulala means "to sleep".
How does Namib Dune Star Camp work?
You check in at Namib Desert Lodge, and a 4x4 takes you up to the camp. Guests' own vehicles are not allowed there. Each wooden cabin has a double bed on wheels that rolls out onto the deck. Stays are one night at a time, with a morning or afternoon walk on the surrounding dunes.
Why is the NamibRand so good for stargazing?
The NamibRand Nature Reserve was named an International Dark Sky Reserve at Gold Tier in May 2012, the first in Africa. That status recognises how little artificial light reaches its night sky. The Wolwedans camps lie inside the reserve, and both the Star Bed and the naked-eye star safaris are built around that darkness.
Do star-bed nights go ahead in any weather?
No. A star-bed night is weather permitting, and wind or cloud can mean sleeping indoors instead. That is the advantage of a star bed attached to your room. At Little Kulala the bed rolls back under cover on your deck, and at Namib Dune Star Camp it simply stays inside the cabin. If a star bed matters, ask us to plan more than one desert night.
Map of Lodges in and around Namibia
Namibia Travel Topics
5 Best Lodges in Etosha National Park
Etosha's finest lodges sit just outside the park, on the private reserves fringing its eastern and southern boundaries. This guide covers our six favourites — from ultra-luxurious Onguma Camp Kala and exclusive Little Ongava to the value-led Etosha Oberland Lodge — with accommodation, activities and who each suits, plus sample combinations, how many nights to plan and a practical FAQ. Every property is one we use personally, and our Namibia specialists can build any into a tailor-made safari.
10 Reasons To Visit The Namib Desert
Located in Southern Africa, the Namib Desert is one of the oldest and most majestic deserts on Earth, perfect for travelers seeking adventure, peace, and a connection with nature. With vast sand dunes stretching endlessly, its surreal landscapes must be seen to be believed. The Namib Desert is not just a destination; it's a journey into an ancient world that has remained largely unchanged for millions of years. From the awe-inspiring beauty of its endless dunes to the unique ecosystems that have adapted to thrive in this harsh environment, there are countless reasons why this stunning desert should be at the top of your travel bucket list.
Namibia National Parks
Namibia, a country of stark beauty and contrasting landscapes, is home to some of the most breathtaking national parks in the world. Each park offers a unique window into the heart of Africa's wilderness, where the drama of survival plays out against backdrops ranging from towering sand dunes to dense woodlands. This blog explores Namibia's top national parks, offering adventure, wildlife, and endless exploration. Whether you're a birdwatcher, wildlife lover, or nature enthusiast, these parks have something for everyone.
10 Reasons To Visit Etosha National Park
This blog highlights "10 Reasons to Visit Etosha National Park" and why it deserves a spot on every traveller's bucket list. Located in Namibia, Etosha is a stunning haven for wildlife, home to elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Beyond its famed inhabitants, Etosha captivates visitors with its unique landscapes that stretch across 22,270 square kilometres. From the shimmering expanse of the Etosha Pan to the dense mopane woodlands and savannah grasslands teeming with life after the rains, this park offers a mosaic of ecosystems waiting to be explored.
5 Best Lodges In The Namib Desert
Nestled in the heart of Southern Africa, the Namib Desert is a mesmerising landscape of endless dunes, stark beauty, and unparalleled tranquillity. It's a place where time seems to stand still, offering travellers a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of modern life and reconnect with nature in its most primal form. Our latest blog takes you through the five best lodges in this ancient desert, offering more than just accommodation. Each lodge is chosen to complement the natural beauty and serenity of the area, blending comfort with a wild Namib Desert adventure.
Best Namibia Honeymoon Destinations
Namibia, with its vast and mesmerizing landscapes, is the perfect destination for a romantic honeymoon. From the sweeping sand dunes of the Namib Desert to the wildlife-rich plains of Etosha National Park, this African gem offers an unparalleled blend of adventure and luxury. Whether you're soaring above the desert in a hot air balloon or relaxing in a luxurious lodge under a starry night sky, Namibia promises an unforgettable experience. Discover the best Namibia honeymoon destinations and embark on a journey filled with stunning landscapes, magnificent wildlife, and cherished memories.
10 Must-See Attractions In Namib Desert
The Namib Desert, one of the world's oldest deserts in southern Africa, is a stunning expanse of sand dunes and stark landscapes. Known for its beauty and unique natural wonders, it invites travellers to discover its wildlife, ancient geology, and cultural heritage. From the towering red dunes of Sossusvlei to the ghost towns of Kolmanskop, the Namib Desert offers a one-of-a-kind adventure. From the rugged Skeleton Coast to the wildlife of Etosha National Park, this desert guarantees unforgettable experiences for every explorer.
Best Namibia Safari Itinerary
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Namibia, a land of striking contrasts and breathtaking beauty. Our suggested Namibia safari itinerary takes you on a 10-day adventure across this diverse country, showcasing its iconic landscapes, rich wildlife, and vibrant cultures. From the towering sand dunes of Sossusvlei to the wildlife of Etosha and the charm of Swakopmund, this itinerary offers an immersive experience of Namibia's natural wonders. Whether planning a self-drive road trip or a luxurious fly-in safari, this blog helps you capture the essence of Namibia and make your safari dream a reality.