Skybeds calls out to those who love the idea of sleeping under the clear, starlit African skies. Deep within the Khwai Private Reserve, it serves as a rustic outpost that's as beautiful as it is unique. Sleeping out in the wilderness has never been more enticing or unforgettable. Pack your spirit of adventure and prepare to be mesmerized by the spectacular starlit panorama that unfolds every night at Skybeds.
Awarded: Bronze
Location
Situated in the heart of Khwai Private Reserve in northern Botswana, Skybeds is accessible only to guests staying at its sister camps – Sable Alley and Hyena Pan. Journeying to this secluded location takes two hours from Sable Alley or 40 minutes from Hyena Pan via exciting game drives that add to the unique safari experience. The reserve borders the Moremi Game Reserve, enhancing the diversity of wildlife you might encounter.
Rooms
At Skybeds, comfort comes in the form of three treehouse-like ‘towers’, each standing three-storeys tall and open to the elements. These structures, specially designed for under-the-stars accommodations, are well-spaced to ensure total privacy. The top floor of each tower houses a bedroom, fitted with a cozy bed, sofa, table, and lamps. Thick duvets, blankets, and hot water bottles are thoughtfully provided to keep guests snug during the chilly small hours. The floor below accommodates a shower room with canvas walls for privacy, hot running water, a basin, and a flush toilet. There is also ample space for luggage storage and changing. At the ground level, a secure gate bars curious little creatures from wandering in. While mosquito nets and a tarpaulin cover are available on request, there’s nothing to obstruct the awe-inspiring view of the vast, starlit expanse above.
Communal Areas
Adding to the rustic charm of Skybeds, the fourth wooden tower serves as the camp’s communal area, featuring a mesmerizing sundowner bar on the open top floor. Comfortable sofas and a table offer a space to relax and socialize, while the thigh-high wooden walls provide a secure enclosure without hindering the majestic view of the surroundings. The tower overlooks a waterhole frequently visited by a stunning array of wildlife, including elephants, antelopes, and predators. Guests can dine on the floor below the bar or enjoy their meals around the warmth of the campfire. The sense of simplicity and minimalism, far from feeling lacking, enhances the feeling of connection with the environment.
Activities
Skybeds may seem like a place where you’d want to just sit back and soak in the beauty of the wilderness, but it also offers an array of engaging safari based activities. Night drives provide opportunities for spotting a variety of nocturnal wildlife, from owls to more elusive creatures. Morning and afternoon game drives to and from the sister camps add to the wildlife encounters. Perhaps one of the most unique offerings is the sunken hide located beside a pumped waterhole about a 30-minute drive away. Arrive just before dusk, and you may find yourself witnessing big bull elephants coming to drink, their magnificent silhouettes framed by the stunning colours of the sunset.
Fully inclusive
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
Many animals give birth to their young during this period, bringing a new lease of life to the area. This is also a great time of year to see migratory bird species. Water levels are low, not ideal for water-based actives.
Wettest time of the year, with rain falling most days of the month, although rarely prolonged in nature. Temperatures are quite hot, averaging 31°C/88°F midday, while the nights average 20°C/68°F.
Like the rest of Botswana, the Okavango Delta and Moremi areas have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from late October through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers fantastic game viewing throughout the year, the best period to visit is during the floods which conversely corresponds to the dry season. The annual flooding of the delta acts like a magnet drawing in huge concentrations of wildlife, it is simply unlike anything else in Africa!
Once the rains arrive wildlife tends to move outside of the delta to graze on the fresh grass in areas such as the Kalahari. Game viewings can still be good, birding fantastic and prices significantly less than the dry season.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
Many animals give birth to their young during this period, bringing a new lease of life to the area. This is also a great time of year to see migratory bird species. Water levels are low, not ideal for water-based actives.
Wettest time of the year, with rain falling most days of the month, although rarely prolonged in nature. Temperatures are quite hot, averaging 31°C/88°F midday, while the nights average 20°C/68°F.
Like the rest of Botswana, the Okavango Delta and Moremi areas have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from late October through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers fantastic game viewing throughout the year, the best period to visit is during the floods which conversely corresponds to the dry season. The annual flooding of the delta acts like a magnet drawing in huge concentrations of wildlife, it is simply unlike anything else in Africa!
Once the rains arrive wildlife tends to move outside of the delta to graze on the fresh grass in areas such as the Kalahari. Game viewings can still be good, birding fantastic and prices significantly less than the dry season.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
Many animals give birth to their young during this period, bringing a new lease of life to the area. This is also a great time of year to see migratory bird species. Water levels are low, not ideal for water-based actives.
Wettest time of the year, with rain falling most days of the month, although rarely prolonged in nature. Temperatures are quite hot, averaging 31°C/88°F midday, while the nights average 20°C/68°F.
Like the rest of Botswana, the Okavango Delta and Moremi areas have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from late October through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers fantastic game viewing throughout the year, the best period to visit is during the floods which conversely corresponds to the dry season. The annual flooding of the delta acts like a magnet drawing in huge concentrations of wildlife, it is simply unlike anything else in Africa!
Once the rains arrive wildlife tends to move outside of the delta to graze on the fresh grass in areas such as the Kalahari. Game viewings can still be good, birding fantastic and prices significantly less than the dry season.
DRY SEASON
The Okavango River begins to flood the delta, gradually from north to south, drawing in wildlife from surrounding areas as the dry season progresses.
Midday temperatures are more pleasant, falling to an average high of 31°C/88°F by May. Mornings can be surprisingly cool, so it is advisable to pack some warm clothes.
Like the rest of Botswana, the Okavango Delta and Moremi areas have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from late October through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers fantastic game viewing throughout the year, the best period to visit is during the floods which conversely corresponds to the dry season. The annual flooding of the delta acts like a magnet drawing in huge concentrations of wildlife, it is simply unlike anything else in Africa!
Once the rains arrive wildlife tends to move outside of the delta to graze on the fresh grass in areas such as the Kalahari. Game viewings can still be good, birding fantastic and prices significantly less than the dry season.
DRY SEASON – START OF THE DELTA FLOODS
The Okavango River begins to flood the delta, gradually from north to south, drawing in wildlife from surrounding areas as the dry season progresses.
Midday temperatures are more pleasant, falling to an average high of 31°C/88°F by May. Mornings can be surprisingly cool, so it is advisable to pack some warm clothes.
Like the rest of Botswana, the Okavango Delta and Moremi areas have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from late October through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers fantastic game viewing throughout the year, the best period to visit is during the floods which conversely corresponds to the dry season. The annual flooding of the delta acts like a magnet drawing in huge concentrations of wildlife, it is simply unlike anything else in Africa!
Once the rains arrive wildlife tends to move outside of the delta to graze on the fresh grass in areas such as the Kalahari. Game viewings can still be good, birding fantastic and prices significantly less than the dry season.
DRY SEASON – DELTA IN FLOOD
The landscape continues to dry up around Botswana, with the exception of the Okavango Delta which continues to flood – this stark difference pulls in huge volumes of wildlife, offering spectacular game viewing opportunities.
Midday temperatures are rather cool averaging around 25°C/77°F, mornings are cold, occasionally sub-zero, so be sure to pack warm clothes!
Like the rest of Botswana, the Okavango Delta and Moremi areas have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from late October through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers fantastic game viewing throughout the year, the best period to visit is during the floods which conversely corresponds to the dry season. The annual flooding of the delta acts like a magnet drawing in huge concentrations of wildlife, it is simply unlike anything else in Africa!
Once the rains arrive wildlife tends to move outside of the delta to graze on the fresh grass in areas such as the Kalahari. Game viewings can still be good, birding fantastic and prices significantly less than the dry season.
DRY SEASON – DELTA IN FLOOD
The landscape continues to dry up around Botswana, with the exception of the Okavango Delta which continues to flood – this stark difference pulls in huge volumes of wildlife, offering spectacular game viewing opportunities.
Midday temperatures are rather cool averaging around 25°C/77°F, mornings are cold, occasionally sub-zero, so be sure to pack warm clothes!
Like the rest of Botswana, the Okavango Delta and Moremi areas have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from late October through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers fantastic game viewing throughout the year, the best period to visit is during the floods which conversely corresponds to the dry season. The annual flooding of the delta acts like a magnet drawing in huge concentrations of wildlife, it is simply unlike anything else in Africa!
Once the rains arrive wildlife tends to move outside of the delta to graze on the fresh grass in areas such as the Kalahari. Game viewings can still be good, birding fantastic and prices significantly less than the dry season.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies still dominate. Midday temperatures begin to rise and can at times be hot. Morning remain surprisingly cool.
Botswana has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from October through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. As Botswana is predominately a safari destination we would generally recommend visiting during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up, wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourse while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility.
Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, large flowing rivers and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
There are also two significant exceptions to the above rule of thumb; Kalahari Desert and the Makgadikgadi which come into their own during the wet season as wildlife moves in to take advantage of the fresh, lush grass.
Temperatures can be very high in and around the wet season; when the sunlight is at its strongest, however nights can be cool to sub-freezing throughout the year. So, don’t forget to pack warm clothing!
DRY SEASON – DELTA IN FLOOD
The landscape continues to dry up around Botswana, with the exception of the Okavango Delta which is now in full flood – this stark difference pulls in huge volumes of wildlife, offering spectacular game viewing opportunities.
Midday temperatures are a pleasant to hot averaging between 28°C/82°F and 32°C/77°F. Mornings are cool, so be sure to pack a warm fleece.
Like the rest of Botswana, the Okavango Delta and Moremi areas have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from late October through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers fantastic game viewing throughout the year, the best period to visit is during the floods which conversely corresponds to the dry season. The annual flooding of the delta acts like a magnet drawing in huge concentrations of wildlife, it is simply unlike anything else in Africa!
Once the rains arrive wildlife tends to move outside of the delta to graze on the fresh grass in areas such as the Kalahari. Game viewings can still be good, birding fantastic and prices significantly less than the dry season.
DRY SEASON
It has been months since the initial flooding of the Okavango River, leading ultimately to the flooding of the vast Okavango Delta; the flood waters now gradually recede as time moves on.
Game viewing remains spectacular during October; however, temperatures continue to rise before the start of the rains, with midday temperatures over 40°C/104°F not uncommon. We suggest early morning starts during this time to make the most of the cool temperatures!
Like the rest of Botswana, the Okavango Delta and Moremi areas have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from late October through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers fantastic game viewing throughout the year, the best period to visit is during the floods which conversely corresponds to the dry season. The annual flooding of the delta acts like a magnet drawing in huge concentrations of wildlife, it is simply unlike anything else in Africa!
Once the rains arrive wildlife tends to move outside of the delta to graze on the fresh grass in areas such as the Kalahari. Game viewings can still be good, birding fantastic and prices significantly less than the dry season.
WET SEASON
The first rains arrive, usually in the form of sharp afternoon showers, at the same time the delta levels continue to drop; ultimately this disperses wildlife out of the delta.
The temperatures remain hot, while the humidity adds level of discomfort. Game viewing can still be good, but just be prepared for a little heat.
Like the rest of Botswana, the Okavango Delta and Moremi areas have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from late October through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers fantastic game viewing throughout the year, the best period to visit is during the floods which conversely corresponds to the dry season. The annual flooding of the delta acts like a magnet drawing in huge concentrations of wildlife, it is simply unlike anything else in Africa!
Once the rains arrive wildlife tends to move outside of the delta to graze on the fresh grass in areas such as the Kalahari. Game viewings can still be good, birding fantastic and prices significantly less than the dry season.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
Many animals give birth to their young during this period, bringing a new lease of life to the area. This is also a great time of year to see migratory bird species. Water levels are low, not ideal for water-based actives.
Like the rest of Botswana, the Okavango Delta and Moremi areas have very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from late October through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers fantastic game viewing throughout the year, the best period to visit is during the floods which conversely corresponds to the dry season. The annual flooding of the delta acts like a magnet drawing in huge concentrations of wildlife, it is simply unlike anything else in Africa!
Once the rains arrive wildlife tends to move outside of the delta to graze on the fresh grass in areas such as the Kalahari. Game viewings can still be good, birding fantastic and prices significantly less than the dry season.
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What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
