Night Gamedrive
Night drives are markedly different from daytime game drives. As the heavy sun dips below the African horizon, the world takes on a different scent, sound and shape. Armed only with red filter night light – the game is on to spot predators hunting or eating, or the rare porcupine or aardvark.
'Take your senses to new heights and encounter the thrill of predators at play'
Highlights
After dark predators roam and the night vibrates with rustlings and calls. There is nothing more exhilarating than searching for the Big Five from a safarijeep at night.
- A different world filled with animals you don’t see during the day
Experienced guides who generate excitement while keeping you safe.
See the big predators as they hunt at night.
The thrill of adrenalin and the rush of rare sightings.
ITINERARY
A night game drive is without doubt one of the most unique and sensory-rich experiences to be had in the African bush.
You will have the moon as your only source of light during the drive. This will cast unusual shadows in the bush. The sky above will be filled with dense clusters of bright stars, creating a pulsing African sky. You will feel the cooler night air against your skin, breathe in the scent of the bush, and listen to the calls of the wild as you travel in open-air jeeps with no other vehicles in sight. It is an intimate experience: you and the bush.
It is a fact that many species of wildlife are more active at night when it is cooler outside. Other animals are nocturnal and see better in the dark. For example, hippos wallow in water during the day to avoid the sun’s intense rays that can harm their skin. It is a fact that these giant herbivores venture out of their pools at night to graze. Leopards are elusive cats during the day but are frequently spotted at night. Lions sleep during the day and hunt at night. It is a fact that very small wildlife, such as genets, civets, bush babies and African hares, hunt at night because they fear predators will see them during the day.
Note: For safety reasons, only a few safari destinations are allowed to conduct night game drives. Tarangire, Manyara, Mkomazi and a few private conservation areas in the western part of the Serengeti are all must-see destinations.
Spotting wildlife at night
Night drive vehicles are equipped with spotlights to scan the bush and illuminate the animals. Given that you can only see as far as your flashlight, it’s easy to start feeling like the prey. You may see a lion kill, but typically night safaris are about smaller species that are rarely seen during the day like bush babies, genets and small felines.
Close to animals in the dark
It is important to remember that you are in the wilds in an open vehicle at night. Your highly-trained guide will do everything he can to keep you safe and at times may ask you to remain calm, seated and silent. You will be surprised at how close animals often are – even walking alongside the vehicle – without your knowing it. So if you need to leave the vehicle always ask your guide’s permission first.
Sunset and colours
There is indescribable contentment that fills the soul when witnessing a sunset in the bush. The vast open space, the palette of colours and the scent of the cooling air. Ready for an exciting drive in the dark.
The rush of the unknown
Anticipation is a large part of a night drive. Sometimes you may see a big cat within minutes and at other times you may only experience the wind in your hair and the beauty of the stars. But we can promise you this: there is nothing quite the like the explosive kill of a predator catching its prey at night.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
- Travel Insurance
- Items and services of a personal nature
- Tip & Gratuities