Loisaba Star Beds By Elewana

Loisaba Starbeds, Laikipia: Sleep Under the Stars in Kenya

Quick answer: Loisaba Starbeds is a small safari camp in the Loisaba Conservancy in Laikipia, northern Kenya. Its famous feature is the bed. Each bed sits on wheels and is rolled out onto a raised wooden deck at night. You sleep under the open sky, with a mosquito net around you. The camp offers game drives, walks, horse riding, camel safaris and mountain biking. Samburu and Laikipiak Maasai hosts look after guests. It suits honeymooners, adventurous couples and families.

What is Loisaba Starbeds?

Loisaba Starbeds is a unique camp on a rocky hill, called a kopje. It sits in the Loisaba Conservancy on the Laikipia Plateau. The conservancy covers roughly 57,000 acres.

The camp was once known as Kiboko Starbeds. It is one of the older starbed camps in Kenya. The idea is simple. You enjoy a comfortable room by day. At night, you sleep outside under the stars, safely and in comfort.

The name "Loisaba" is linked to the Seven Sisters star cluster in the Samburu language. That makes the setting fitting for a stargazing stay.

Key facts at a glance

Where is Loisaba Starbeds?

The camp lies in northern Laikipia, north of Mount Kenya. From the decks, you can see across the plains toward Mount Kenya and the Matthews Range. This is open, wild country.

The camp is about 15 to 30 minutes' drive from the main Loisaba camp. Sources give different times, so confirm this when you book.

Laikipia is one of Kenya's best areas for private conservancy safaris. Read our Laikipia wildlife conservancies guide. You can also explore Kenya's conservancies.

What are the Starbeds like?

The beds are the star of the show. Each one is a handcrafted four-poster bed with a full mosquito net. In the evening, the beds roll out onto a raised wooden platform. The platform is partly covered with thatch.

By day, you relax in your room. By night, you sleep in the open air. In the morning, you can watch the sunrise from bed with a hot drink.

The rooms are simple stone and plaster with wooden floors and thatched roofs. They are comfortable, not fancy. Each room has an en-suite bathroom. One option has two double beds and a shared bathroom, which suits a family.

The camp is built from local materials. Even old Land Rover axles have been used in the design of the beds.

Food and facilities

The main lodge is made of stone and thatch. It has a lounge, a dining deck and a swimming pool. Guests usually eat together in the evening. You can chat by the fire, play chess and share the day's sightings.

Food standards are said to match the main Loisaba camp. Meals are fresh and often have an Italian touch. Bush breakfasts, picnics and sundowners are also possible on the plains.

Rates are usually full board. Check exactly what is included before you book.

Wildlife and activities

Loisaba is home to elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs and Grevy's zebra. The camp has a waterhole nearby. However, the main dam is about 400 metres away. As a result, you may not see animals drinking from your bed.

That is why activities matter. Typical options include:

• Game drives: day and night drives with an experienced guide.
• Walking safaris: guided walks with Samburu and Maasai hosts.
• Horse riding: ride across the plateau among giraffe and zebra.
• Camel safaris: short or longer trips by camel.
• Mountain biking: the conservancy has several trails.
• Fishing and cultural visits: listed by some operators.

Activities vary by season and conservancy rules. Ask us what is available on your dates. For more ideas, read our horseback safari guide and our Big Five safari guide.

Is sleeping outside safe?

Many first-time guests ask this. The Starbeds are on raised decks. The camp team looks after guests through the night. Sources describe the experience as comfortable and secure.

Still, ask us about night-time arrangements when you book. Questions to ask include what happens in rain and how the camp handles wildlife near the decks. Good camps will explain their routine clearly.

Tips for sleeping under the stars

1. Pack warm layers. Nights on the plateau can be cool.
2. Bring earplugs and an eye mask. Night sounds can be loud, and dawn light comes early.
3. Bring a small torch. It helps with the walk to the bathroom.
4. Ask about the moon. A new moon gives the best stargazing.
5. Check the rain plan. Ask where you sleep if it rains.
6. Stay at least two nights. This gives time for activities and rest.

Best time to visit

Laikipia can be visited all year. For stargazing, the drier months are usually best. These are roughly June to October and January to March. Clear skies are more likely then.

Cloud and rain can affect stargazing, so check the forecast before you travel. For more timing advice, see our best time to visit Kenya guide.

How much does Loisaba Starbeds cost?

Rates depend on the season, room type and group size. They also change each year. International agents list per-person rates in the mid to high hundreds of US dollars per night when sharing. Figures differ by agent and inclusions.

For an accurate price, request a quote with your dates. See our Kenya safari cost guide to understand what affects the price.

Who is Loisaba Starbeds best for?

• Honeymooners: a romantic night under the stars. See our honeymoon safaris in Kenya.
• Adventurous couples: an active stay with a unique twist.
• Families: a family option and plenty of activities. See our Kenya family safaris.
• Stargazers and photographers: dark skies far from city lights.

It is less suited to travellers who want a fully enclosed room every night. It also suits those who need ultra-luxury less well. For a more upscale stay in the same conservancy, read our guide to Loisaba Lodo Springs.

Combine Loisaba with the rest of Kenya

Many guests stay at the Starbeds for one or two nights. They then move to the main camp or another lodge. After Laikipia, you can fly to the Masai Mara or Samburu.

See our Kenya safari packages and our mid-range hotels. For a more luxurious option, browse our luxury safaris in Kenya. You can also read our list of the best places to visit in Kenya for an authentic safari. When you are ready, plan your safari with us or contact our team.

Frequently asked questions

What are Loisaba Starbeds? They are wheeled four-poster beds that roll out onto raised decks. Guests sleep outdoors under the stars at a camp in the Loisaba Conservancy.

Where is Loisaba Starbeds? It is in the Loisaba Conservancy in Laikipia, northern Kenya, on a rocky kopje with views toward Mount Kenya.

How many rooms does Loisaba Starbeds have? It has four rooms. Three are double cottages and one is a family or twin option.

Is it safe to sleep outside? The beds are on raised decks, and the camp team looks after guests. Ask us about night-time arrangements when you book.

What happens if it rains? Ask the camp what its rain plan is for your dates. This matters most in the wetter months.

What wildlife can I see? You may see elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs and Grevy's zebra. Sightings are never guaranteed.

What activities are available? Game drives, walking safaris, horse riding, camel safaris and mountain biking. Availability varies.

Is Loisaba Starbeds good for families? Yes. A family option is available. Ask us about child policies for your dates.

Can Olengugih Safaris arrange a stay at Loisaba Starbeds? Contact us with your dates and group size. We will prepare a quote and a full Kenya itinerary.