Reviews of Skybeds
Wildlife sightings and reviews
7 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Skybeds and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Skybeds review"
The dinner was a participatory affair with potjie pots and a DIY fondue sort of vibe over an open fire. There's a maximum of 6 guests so it's luck of the draw who you get stuck with, but our group was a lovely bunch and we had some great chat and laughs over drinks and meals. Breakfast heating up cinnamon buns over the fire with coffees was great also. Chef Bonno was a superstar, we couldn't work out how he does such great food in such a remote setting, but he does. 11/10 for him.
The bad bits - lighting. There are floodlights off the top of the bar/dining platform pointing down onto the table and firepit area, which are bright enough to wreck the vibe and stop you stargazing but not bright enough to actually let you see your food or the other guests very well. Candles or paraffin lamps on the table would have been much better.
Unfortunately when we were there one of the staff left a walkie-talkie or radio on in the kitchen/dining area, which decided to start beeping loudly at 1:30AM to announce that it was running low on batteries. This woke everyone up and went on for hours until the battery finally died and we all went back to sleep for just long enough to be woken up for breakfast. Bit of a buzzkill.
Travel arrangements vary, but we were shipped out straight after breakfast for a connection at 08:00AM whilst the other guests got to go with the wonderful guide KK on a walking safari that we missed out on. It all felt a bit rushed." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
Buffalo
1 sighting
Elephant
1 sighting
"Skybeds review"
There was a freak storm about 24 hours after we arrived and we had to decide whether to go knowing that if it did rain we would have to relocate back to Hyena Pan in the middle of the night so we decided not to go and stayed at hyena pan for an extra night.
It was a shame not to experience Sky Beds but I don't think it detracted from our stay as Hyena Pan was a wonderful experience." See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe
"Skybeds review"
Yet again, this was a very intimate setting and yet again, we were the only ones there, ensuring all attention from the staff and a true feeling of being in the wilderness.
The skybeds themselves are very interesting and fun, but could do with new mosquito nets. The holes were big enough for larger insects and, being the only protection, should be a bit more reliable.
However, this was the only small downside. We loved the location and the very attentive staff. Having big game pass through camp without any reservation and falling asleep hearing lion and hyena is exactly what we were hoping for. Skybeds delivered!" See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana
Eland
10 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
3 sightings
Lion
10 sightings
Wild dog
7 sightings
Wildebeest
5 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"A unique experience"
The hide was a unique way to view the elephants from ground level, being so close you could almost touch them. It was a great way to begin our evening at Skybeds. This was an experience not to be missed, albeit quite a drive from Sable Alley and onwards to our next destination at Selinda Explorers." See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Eland
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Zebra
1 sighting
"Moonlight Magic at Skybeds"
Upon arrival at Skybeds, we met our (Kiwi) chef, Tony, who prepared a delicious dinner for us in his camp kitchen, served under the stars. We were then escorted to our sleeping platforms, and spent the night in a nice warm bed with just the mosquito net between us and the stars (and a very bright almost-full moon).
There were elephants at the waterhole by the platforms. Apart from that, there does not seem to be a lot of game around that area.
Although the reality of the experience was not quite as romantic as anticipated, it was definitely an adventure." See all these reviews: 7n in Botswana
Elephant
3 sightings
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Interesting stay at Skybeds"
I enjoyed seeing the elephants walk through the camp at about 2am but everyone else missed it as they were asleep. Unless you are going to stay up then there is not much point going to the camp in my opinion. The waterhole is not lit so it is difficult to see the animals from the Skybeds.
Our guide did kindly drive us down to the waterhole so we could view at night.
Our hosts did go to bed after our dinner so we weren't able to get coffees and after dinner drinks" See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe; 2n in Namibia
"A Night Under The Moon"
(In the interest of full disclosure, I very badly twisted my ankle on the steps up to the room, for which the camp cannot be blamed - steps are everywhere! - but this doubtless reduced the enjoyment we had at this camp.)
We did have a genet behind our bed when we went up, which was very good to see (and carefully shooed downstairs).
The downsides here were a rather unpleasant smell from the septic tank (a difficult practical detail for such a camp) and the activities were limited to a fairly brief drive along the river, and then a return to the airstrip to deliver our fellow guests. If the access was easier (from Hyena Pan?) or the activities better (not just before a flight) I think this would work well. I don't recommend this as a last day 'add-on'. Ask to put it earlier in the stay on this concession.
Visitors should note that we had no mosquito nets, so in less windy conditions than we had that night bites may be a problem. (In windy conditions, bring a buff or head scarf!) If it does rain, there is nowhere to shelter dry." See all these reviews: 13n in Botswana
Holiday styles & special interests in Botswana
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Botswana.
Other lodges in Moremi Game Reserve
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Private Mobile
The Botswana Private Mobile Safari has no fixed location; it's exclusive to your group and comes with a top professional guide. Expect comfortable camping, great food, and a superb wildlife experience wherever you decide to go.
Machaba Camp
Overlooking the Khwai River to Moremi Game Reserve beyond, the classic Machaba Camp combines comfort with excellent game viewing.
Xigera Safari Lodge
Located deep in Botswana's Okavango Delta, Xigera Camp normally focuses on mokoro excursions and motorboat trips, with 4WD game drives when water levels permit.
Xakanaxa
Xakanaxa Camp is a well-established traditional camp beside a huge lagoon within the Moremi Game Reserve, with access to some superb game viewing.
Khwai Lediba
Khwai Lediba offers a traditional African safari experience, with very comfortable tented accommodation, in a fantastic game area north of the Moremi Game Reserve.
Sable Alley
Smart, independent and well-run, Sable Alley overlooks a beautiful, hippo-filled lagoon within the diverse Khwai Private Reserve.
Okuti
With an innovative design and good service, Okuti Camp offers game drives and boat trips in a beautiful, game-rich part of Moremi Game Reserve.
Mombo Camp
Mombo is one of Botswana's most exclusive safari camps, set in a beautiful, remote location within the Moremi Game Reserve and with exceptional game densities.
Little Machaba
Overlooking the Khwai River and Moremi Game Reserve beyond, Little Machaba is a classically designed camp with very comfortable tents in a great game-viewing area.
Chief's Camp
Chief's Camp is situated on Chief's Island, within the Okavango Delta's Moremi Game Reserve. Experience one of Botswana's top game-viewing areas by 4WD and mokoro.
Hyena Pan
Fairly rustic, and relatively inexpensive, Hyena Pan overlooks a natural waterhole that attracts an almost constant parade of animals.
Camp Moremi
In one of the best locations for game viewing in Botswana, Camp Moremi sits at the tip of the Mopane Tongue, overlooking Xakanaxa Lagoon.
Little Mombo
One of Botswana's top safari camps, Little Mombo stands on the north side of Chief's Island, in the heart of the Okavango Delta's Moremi Game Reserve.
Little Sable
Little Sable camp is located in the Khwai Private Reserve – which borders the Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe
Tuludi
Tuludi is a brand new luxury camp, within the Khwai Private Reserve, built on a site under giant leadwood trees and overlooking the Okavango Delta floodplains.
Sango Safari Camp
Sango offers comfortable tented accommodation, without some of the frills often found in Botswana's camps, with an area that's scenic and gets excellent, consistent game sightings.
Mokete Camp
New for July 2023, Mokete has 9 luxurious tents, raised on platforms above the surrounding bush and offers an experience of the Kalahari Wilderness.
Khwai River Lodge
Khwai River Lodge is a luxurious and well-equipped safari camp, on the northern edge of Moremi Game Reserve. This area isn't exclusive, but it is beautiful and has excellent game.
Khwai Leadwood
Khwai Leadwood is a luxurious lodge located in the heart of the Khwai Community Concession, offering guests exceptional service, stunning scenery, and unforgettable wildlife experiences.
Monachira
A new lodge in Moremi Game Reserve, with a focus on water-based activities, the family-friendly Monachira will be opening in May 2025.
Tawana
An exclusive new lodge on the banks of the Gomoti River, Tawana has just eight very spacious suites.
