Reviews of Skybeds
(80%) From 4 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
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A unique experience
Enroute to Skybeds, our guide Russell took time to visit an ancient baobab (the elephant) tree with quite a history. We won't spoil the experience for future guests by giving away too much but the way in which he recited and explained a poem that held such significance was extremely emotional for us all.
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.
Moonlight Magic at Skybeds
Staying at Skybeds was an adventure! It started with our pickup by Russell, our guide. En route to Skybeds, he took us to their Elephant hide/bunker where we had the most amazing experience viewing the Elephants up close. They were literally within touching distance, just going about their business at the waterhole, not bothered at all by our presence just a meter or two away.
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.
Interesting stay at Skybeds
It was quite far to travel from Sable Alley but we had an excellent game drive on the way back. It was fun to be in a camp just for three couples.
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
A Night Under The Moon
This camp is an excellent idea, but the long drive to get there from Sable Alley (2+ hours) and the only feature being a sleep out (which is great, but can also be done in other places - see Kalahari Plains) makes this a long haul that I probably wouldn't re-do.
(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.
