African Safari Night Game Drives · Best Seller · Top Rated Operator
----
A night game drive in Tanzania offers a thrilling opportunity to experience the African wilderness after dark. Guided by expert rangers and equipped with powerful spotlights, you’ll explore the savannah as nocturnal creatures emerge.
Witness predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas on the hunt, while bushbabies, genets, and owls reveal the hidden life of the night. The cool air, star-filled skies, and mysterious sounds of the bush create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Available in select parks such as Lake Manyara, Tarangire, and the Serengeti’s private concessions, a night game drive reveals a completely different side of Tanzania’s wildlife—wild, intimate, and full of surprises.
Night game drives in Africa are a unique opportunity to see nocturnal wildlife in parks like Lake Manyara National Park and Tarangire National Park, which are ideal locations because they allow these drives to operate. These drives are conducted after dark with the use of spotlights to find animals like leopards, lions, civets, genets, and hyenas, which are often active at night. While allowed in specific areas, they are not permitted in all parks; some private reserves also offer this experience.
What to Expect on a night game drive in Tanzania?
Night Game Drive Safari in Tanzania: What You Can Expect? On a night game drive in Tanzania, expect to see different animals than during the day, including nocturnal creatures like bush babies, civets, and porcupines, as well as predators like lions and leopards on the hunt. You will use spotlights from a specially equipped vehicle with an experienced guide. Who will also share knowledge about the animals and the unique sounds and atmosphere of the night safari.
What you will see and experience
- Nocturnal wildlife. Spot animals active after dark, such as aardvarks, genets, and hippos grazing on land.
- Predators at work. Witness big cats like lions and leopards becoming more active for hunting under the cover of night.
- Eyes in the dark. Look for the reflective eyes of animals caught in the spotlight as you drive through the bush.
- Unique sounds. Listen to the distinctive sounds of the African night, including the calls of hyenas and owls.
- Stargazing. Enjoy the clear, starry skies away from city lights, with a chance to see the Milky Way.
- A different perspective. Experience the thrill and mystery of the wilderness at night, which provides a completely different perspective from a daytime safari.
The logistics and guides
- Vehicle and guide. You will travel in a 4×4 safari vehicle with spotlights, accompanied by a professional guide who uses the lights to scan the area.
- Typical duration. Drives typically last about 2 to 3 hours, starting just after sunset.
- What to do. Stay inside the vehicle, remain quiet to avoid disturbing the animals, and listen to your guide’s insights.
- Note on sightings. These drives are about the quality of unique, elusive sightings rather than seeing a large quantity of animals.
Where to go on a night game drive in Tanzania?
Night Game Drive in Tarangire National Park
A night game drive in Tarangire National Park offers a rare and exhilarating safari experience. As the sun sets, the park transforms into a world alive with nocturnal activity. Guided by expert rangers and illuminated by spotlights. You’ll explore the acacia woodlands and iconic baobab-dotted landscapes to witness elusive creatures of the night. Watch as lions and leopards prowl, hyenas scavenge, and smaller animals like genets, civets, and bushbabies come to life. The sounds of crickets, distant calls, and rustling grass heighten the sense of mystery. With its rich wildlife and serene atmosphere. Tarangire’s night game drive reveals the park’s hidden side—intimate, wild, and unforgettable.
What to expect on a Night Game Drive in Tarangire National Park?
On a night game drive in Tarangire National Park, expect to encounter nocturnal animals like leopards, genets, and porcupines, with the chance to see lions and hyenas. Guided by professionals using powerful spotlights from custom safari vehicles. You will experience the park’s unique nighttime atmosphere. Listen to the sounds of the bush, and enjoy spectacular views of the starry sky.
When is the best time to go on a Night game drive in Tarangire National Park?
The best time for a night game drive in Tarangire National Park is the dry season, from June to October, because animals congregate around water sources, and the thinning vegetation makes them easier to spot. However, night drives are available year-round and can still be rewarding in the wet season, which offers different scenery and nocturnal activity.
Should I go on a Night game drive in Tarangire National Park? Is it worth it?
Yes, a night game drive in Tarangire National Park is worth it for a unique and exciting safari experience. It offers the chance to see nocturnal animals like leopards, hyenas, and bush babies, and to witness the park in a completely different, quieter atmosphere. Night drives provide a different perspective from day drives and can significantly enhance your overall safari adventure, especially if your accommodation offers them.
How Much Does a Night game drive in Tarangire National Park Cost?
A night game drive in Tarangire National Park typically costs around $880 to $1100 per person. Though prices can vary significantly depending on the provider. This price often includes the use of a specialized vehicle and a guide. But you will also need to pay an additional park fee per person specifically for the night drive, in addition to the standard park entrance fees.
Night Game Drive in Lake Manyara National Park
A night game drive in Lake Manyara National Park offers a magical glimpse into the park’s nocturnal world. As darkness falls, guided spotlights reveal lions, leopards, and elusive creatures like civets and porcupines. The shimmering lake and dense forests come alive with sounds of the night, creating an enchanting atmosphere. This unique experience allows visitors to witness the park’s wildlife from a new perspective—mysterious, thrilling, and truly unforgettable.
What to expect Night Game Drive in Lake Manyara National Park?
- Wildlife viewing: The main attraction is spotting animals that are active at night. You can expect to see predators like lions and leopards, as well as other nocturnal creatures such as hyenas, aardvarks, genets, civet cats, and porcupines. Hippos are often seen grazing on the riverbanks, which is a rare sight during the day.
- Expert guiding: A skilled guide will lead the drive, using spotlights to locate animals and providing insights into their behavior. They will also use their knowledge of the park’s nocturnal sounds, tracks, and subtle signs to help you see animals you might otherwise miss.
- A different perspective: The park looks and feels different at night. The experience provides a unique perspective on how wildlife adapts to the darkness, with the sounds of the African night filling the air, from owls to the roars of lions.
- Cooler temperatures: Bring an extra layer of clothing as the temperatures can drop significantly after sunset.
- Stunning night skies: You will have the chance to marvel at the breathtaking, star-filled skies of Tanzania, which provide a stunning backdrop for your adventure.
Why choose a Night game drive in Tanzania?
Choose a night game drive in Tanzania to experience a different side of the wildlife, as many animals are most active after dark. This provides a unique opportunity to see nocturnal creatures like civets and bushbabies, witness predators like lions and leopards hunting, and immerse yourself in a more mysterious and thrilling atmosphere. The night drive offers a rare and unforgettable glimpse into the wilderness that is unavailable during the day.
How to book a Night game drive in Tanzania?
To book a night game drive in Tanzania, contact a licensed tour operator or your lodge within parks that allow night safaris, such as Tarangire or Lake Manyara. Reservations should be made in advance, as availability is limited. Operators arrange park permits, professional guides, and vehicles equipped with spotlights for safety and visibility. Booking through reputable companies ensures a seamless, guided experience exploring Tanzania’s fascinating nocturnal wildlife.
What to Pack for a night game drive in Tanzania?
For a night game drive in Tanzania, pack layered clothing in neutral colors (khaki, olive, beige), a warm jacket for the cool night, a headlamp or flashlight, insect repellent, and a camera with a zoom lens and extra batteries. Other essentials include binoculars, a hat, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and a daypack to carry your gear.
How Much does a night game drive in Tanzania Cost?
A night game drive in Tanzania typically costs between $650 and $2000 per person, depending on the tour operator and group size, and does not include park entry fees and ranger fees, which are an additional $59 per person for the night drive permit and for a ranger fee in places like Lake Manyara. Some lodges and tour operators charge a flat rate that can be higher to cover these costs, with prices ranging from $75 to $200 per person.
night game drive in Tanzania Reviews
Night game drives in Tanzania are highly recommended, offering a unique perspective to see nocturnal animals like leopards, hyenas, genets, and aardvarks that are not typically seen during the day. Visitors report experiencing a thrilling and immersive adventure with highlights including spotting active predators, seeing unique sounds and smells, and experiencing the stunning stargazing opportunities, though some note they can be expensive. Popular locations for night drives include Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks.
In Tanzania, night game drives can be arranged at Lake Manyara National Park and Tarangire National Park. Night game drives are not available in the Serengeti. A night game drive gives your safari a completely different twist as you see all the nocturnal animals that you do not see during the day.