Safari Night Game Drives

Game drives at night

Under the cloak of darkness, beneath the African night sky, fascinating, shy and rare nocturnal wildlife is revealed.

A safari at night is a thrilling and enlightening adventure, offering a unique layer of excitement. With limited vision, your remaining senses are piqued, cloaked as you are in the pitch-black night. Your guide uses a powerful spotlight, sweeping the beam over the surrounding bush, searching for the glint of an eye in the darkness.

What You Might See

Africa’s nocturnal wildlife is rare and elusive. Spotting them on a safari night game drive is a treat. As they stare back at you, illuminated in the red-filtered light, the experience is eerily different to a daytime sighting. In cooler conditions at night, lion, leopard, hyena, wild dog, and other smaller carnivores become active. As do the nocturnal species which are so special to see. There is unquestionably an air of excitement when on a safari night drive.

As you explore the darkness, you can encounter silent owls, nightjars, chameleons, and bush babies. On occasion, you may be lucky enough to witness an owl stealthily swooping down on its prey out of the darkness.

A Sky full of Stars

Without any light pollution, the African night sky becomes a spectacular canvas of stars. Guests are often amazed by the crystal-clear stargazing opportunities on a night game drive. Your guide will show you the various galaxies, creating an exciting, informative, and educational expedition. A safari night drive is an experience that everyone should enjoy.

Where to go on a Safari Night Drive with Asilia

You can enjoy our highly sought-after night safari drives from some of our Asilia camps; Oliver’s Camp, Jabali Ridge and Private House, Usangu Expedition Camp, Kokoko Camp, Ol Pejeta Bush Camp, Naboisho, and Encounter Mara. These exhilarating night safari drives offer a unique opportunity to observe rare and elusive wildlife. It’s a magical sensation to venture into the still African night and simply soak up the sounds of the bush.

Safari night game drives are also a unique experience in Queen Elizabeth National Park, offering a fascinating glimpse into its nocturnal world. As darkness descends, the park transforms, revealing a vibrant ecosystem often hidden from daytime visitors. Spotlights illuminate bush babies leaping between branches, leopards stealthily prowling in search of prey, and the glowing eyes of nightjars. These drives provide a rare opportunity to observe nocturnal animals and uncover a different side of the park’s remarkable wildlife.

What to Know Before You Go

Night drives are often included in your stay at Asilia camps, though this can vary depending on the location, so it’s always best to confirm with your camp in advance. In some instances, an additional fee may apply.

These drives are kept small and intimate to enhance the experience, typically private or with a maximum of six guests per vehicle, ensuring plenty of space, personalised guiding, and excellent visibility for all.

Drives usually begin after dinner and last between an hour and a half to two hours, allowing plenty of time to explore the nocturnal landscape without it being too late into the evening.

Many camps welcome families on night drives, though minimum age requirements can vary. A night drive makes an excellent activity for a safari with teenagers. In general, children aged five and older can join, provided they’re accompanied by a parent or guardian.

To make the most of your night in the bush, be sure to bring warm layers, as temperatures tend to drop after dark. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are useful for getting in and out of the vehicle, and a camera with low-light or night settings will help capture the magic of the experience. Binoculars are optional but can come in handy for spotting nocturnal birds or distant movement in the undergrowth.

Explore more experiences or enquire now to start planning your dream safari…