SKYBEDS – KHWAI PRIVATE RESERVE – OKAVANGO DELTA

If you are looking for a really unique way to spend time in the bush whilst in Botswana then we would recommend Skybeds – located deep within the Khwai Private Reserve in northern Botswana.

Each room is actually a three-story raised platform overlooking the wildlife-spotted plains of Khwai. Charmingly rustic yet perfectly stylish, you’ll find a bathroom with flushing loo on the first floor, a dressing area, and on the top floor an enormous double bed, draped in white linens and a feather duvet and completely open to the stars.

Fall asleep to a million spectacular stars overhead – but do keep one eye on the ground as the Skybeds overlook a busy waterhole. In one night the camp has seen wild dog, lion, elephant and hyena – amongst other wildlife – so whilst you might not get much sleep you will have one of the wildest and most wonderful safari experiences!

LOCATION

Skybeds are located in the Khwai Private Reserve which borders Moremi Game Reserve, the Khwai River and Chobe National Park. The flight to Khwai Private Reserve from Maun is approximately 35 minutes, and then it’s around 2 hours’ drive to Skybeds from the airstrip.

CAMP

There are just three Skybeds sleeping a total of six people and each one is spaced well to be perfectly private from the next. Sleeping under the stars in the heart of the bush is an exhilarating experience!

The Skybeds are no ordinary camp bedrooms – you will be sleeping high above the plains, raised two stories off the ground and quite literally metres from a mammal-dominated waterhole. The upper platform is your alfresco bedroom, complete with king sized bed and mosquito net and a warm duvet will keep you warm when the temperature tumbles – you may even find a hot water bottle in bed during winter months. The bathroom is on the second-floor level with an enclosed shower, flushing loo and private changing area.

The Skybeds offer the chance to sleep out under the stars in safety and considerable comfort and good, wholesome food is served around the campfire or on the dedicated dining platform, accompanied by the wandering wildlife below and the sounds of the night.

Small groups can book the camp on an exclusive basis and the camp welcomes families with children 15 years and older.

• 3 x 5-metre high sleeping platforms
• Private bathrooms with indoor showers
• Dining platform
• Wi-Fi available: No.
• Hairdryers: No.
• The sleeping platforms do not have electricity or charging facilities
• Guests can change their devices at the main platform, while having sundowners and dinner
• Child policy: We welcome children aged 16 years and older. If sole use of Skybeds is booked, children between the ages of 12 and 15 are allowed, providing they share a platform with an adult
• Children are not to be left alone on the Skybeds and should be under adult supervision
• Disabled access: Sadly, disabled access is not possible

Please note that Skybeds are only available to guests who stay at one of Natural Selection’s other camps – Tuludi, Sable Alley, Elephant Pan and The Jackal & Hide – all of which are also located in the Khwai Private Reserve.

ACTIVITIES

April to October is the dry season with warm daytime temperatures – but it can get chilly in the evening. That’s exactly why each Skybed is equipped with cosy blankets and duvets. At this time of year the wildlife congregates at the Skybeds waterhole. Herds cluster together, predators lurk in the wings, and you can almost feel the heightened tension over the last drops of water.

As the end of the season approaches and November begins, rain becomes more of a likelihood, but it certainly doesn’t rain all night and is more a spectacular event than a hindrance. The giants of the wildlife world start to take the limelight now and large numbers of hippo, elephant and buffalo explore the surroundings.

The platforms overlook a waterhole (the only permanent water source for 2000 hectares), frequented by large families of bull elephants, lion, leopard, eland, zebra, and more, making for some pretty outstanding game viewing, straight from your platform.

Game Drives – your transfer to the Skybeds will be a game drive experience. Game drives mostly focus on the resident predators and it is possible to see lion, leopard, hyena and wild dog. We recommend that you pop out on an evening drive to experience game viewing under the cover of darkness. These drives increase your chances of seeing big cats on the move and reveal some of the more elusive nocturnal species.

Walking safaris – follow tracks of wildlife and come eye-to-eye with kudu and eland – the perfect complement to your view from the treehouse.

Underground Hide – visit the ground level hide on one of your transfers for a different perspective on the area’s wildlife. The hide provides spectacular photographic opportunities.

GIVING BACK

The Khwai Private Reserve is a venture with the Khwai Village and your visit has a positive impact on conservation initiatives here. Through multiple community-based projects, ranging from pre-school support to a cultural village, Natural Selection are helping to support and uplift the local community.

SKYBEDS IS OPEN 1ST APRIL – 31ST OCTOBER EVERY YEAR

SKYBEDS WELCOMES FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AGED 16 YEARS AND OLDER.