Are you thinking about planning a night safari in Africa but don’t know where to start?
Good news: you’re in the right place!
Booking a flight and setting off with a backpack to discover some of the world’s most beautiful wildlife without knowing what to expect could turn out to be a waste of time, with the risk of ending up a little disappointed.
In other words: winging it is not an option. Or rather, in some travel situations it can be essential! But this is not one of them!
That’s why we decided to write an article collecting the key information anyone interested in a night safari should know.
Let’s get started!
Night safari: here are a few things to know (if you’ve never done one)
Let’s start from the beginning: which animals can you see on a night safari?
Normally, the goal of a night safari is to observe animals that are not active during the day, especially predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards.
In any case, for the more curious travelers and wildlife lovers, it is also possible to spot other very unusual and fascinating species that, although less well known, are extremely interesting.
One of these is the galago.
These small primates are also called galagos or bushbabies, a name that comes from their eerie call, which sounds just like a baby crying.
Exceptionally agile, bushbabies are well adapted to life in the dark, with oversized eyes and large ears that help them detect prey at night.
They feed mainly on insects and fruit and often become accustomed to human presence, sometimes rummaging around lodges or campsites. They have long, bushy tails, which they use for balance as they move through the trees and leap about (up to two meters high!).
Then we can’t fail to mention the African civet, which is widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa.
Despite being widespread, it is not often seen because it spends its days sleeping deep in the bush and only comes out to hunt at night.
Civets are solitary and stand about 15 inches tall. They have a stocky build, with broad hindquarters and a bushy tail. The black spots and stripes that mark their silver-gray coat are as unique as a human fingerprint, while the black band running across their eyes gives them a raccoon-like appearance.
Read also: What to see in South Africa? Unique animals, incredible national parks, and much more!
Three reasons why you should definitely consider a night safari
1. The unmatched atmosphere
There is something spectacular about a night safari, something you can only truly understand after experiencing it for yourself.
Maybe it’s the thrill of the darkness, the glimmering eyes of animals in the distance, or the cool African breeze. Or perhaps it’s the unfamiliar sounds and noises of nature.
Either way, it is a magical moment.
At night, it feels as though the roles are reversed. During the day, we may feel like observers, fascinated by nature. At night, however, the animals have the upper hand, ‘watching us’ and their prey.
2. The chance to see unique nocturnal species
As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, a night safari gives you the opportunity to see true wildlife in motion, along with other unusual and remarkable animal species.
In fact, besides small mammals, you may also see larger animals, including the mysterious spotted hyena and the magnificent leopard.
And what about bird lovers? Well, they too will find a night safari exciting. After sunset, it is possible to spot several species of nightjars, masters of camouflage, as well as various species of owls and barn owls.
3. The stars (and what stars they are!)
If you want to enjoy the sight of an endless starry sky, then a night safari is a must. The African sky is usually clear after dusk, and it is a unique experience to admire it from your open vehicle.
With very little light pollution, a wonderful surprise awaits you.
After all, Vincent Van Gogh said: “For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream.”
So, is it worth it? Absolutely yes.
A few tips to make the most of your next night safari
In every African country, wherever you want to go for your safari, there are rules and regulations limiting the places and parks where a night safari in Africa is allowed. So before you leave, make sure the camp or reserve where you are staying offers night safaris, to avoid disappointment.
For example, two places that offer this option are:
-
Halali Camp in Namibia;
-
Letaba and Skukuza in Kruger National Park.
Another tip concerns what to wear on a night safari.
Even in the height of summer, the temperature drops quickly after sunset, so it is best to dress smartly to avoid freezing while in the Jeep (layered clothing is ideal).
Finally, as on a regular safari, it is essential to keep noise and movement in the vehicle to a minimum to improve your chances of spotting animals and observing their behavior.
Read also: Why go on safari in Kenya? 5 great reasons to enjoy a unique experience
Conclusions
In this article, we have looked at what you need to know to make the most of a night safari in Africa.
By the way, did you know that we organize incredible safaris in the best African destinations? Check out our amazing adventure trips — you won’t regret it!
