Skybeds

The Skybeds are situated 22 kilometres north of the Khwai River in an open patch of mopane woodland, overlooking a bustling waterhole. The dining deck is raised on stilts, allowing you to enjoy hearty meals (and an ice-cold G&T) accompanied by the gruntings and rustlings of the wildlife at the nearby waterhole. There’s no electricity here (and definitely no Wifi), but you can charge camera batteries from the vehicle if required.

An exceptionally simple but clever design, the three-storey treehouse-like skybeds provide the prefect amount of shelter and comfort. Up a few stairs on the first floor is an enclosed bathroom with flush toilet and hot shower. At the very top is an open-platform with a large double bed and seating area. The bed is indeed the cherry-on-top - a plush mattress with starched white linens and soft pillow, all draped in mosquito netting. At night, flickering paraffin lanterns strung throughout the platform hark back to safaris of old...

After spending a few nights at neighbouring camps in this marvellous concession of the Delta, take a slow drive to Skybeds to conclude your stay. The area immediately around the camp is largely mopane woodland, though a drive to the camp will take you through diverse habitats and produce some exceptional sightings. Once at the Skybeds, the waterhole, and sitting in such close proximity to it, is the primary reason for coming – and staying! The camp is only open during the driest months (May to October) and this is definitely the best time to see the animals as they seek out shrinking water sources.