A night game drive is one of the most sensory-rich and intimate safari experiences you can have in Africa. As the sun sets and the moon rises, you’ll venture into the bush with only starlight and moonlight guiding the way, casting long shadows across the landscape and revealing a mystical, pulsing African sky overhead. With cool air on your skin, the scent of earth and vegetation, and the sounds of nocturnal creatures, it’s just you, the wild, and complete stillness—no other vehicles in sight.
Unlike daytime safaris, a night drive reveals a completely different cast of characters. Nocturnal animals like civets, genets, bush babies, and African hares become active, while larger predators such as lions and leopards begin to hunt. Hippos, which spend their days in the water to avoid sun damage, emerge to graze under the cover of darkness. The result is a raw, authentic glimpse into nature’s night shift.
Because of safety and conservation regulations, night game drives are only permitted in select areas of Tanzania, including Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Mkomazi, and a few private conservancies in the western Serengeti.
For those seeking a quiet, thrilling, and deeply atmospheric experience, a night game drive delivers a rare and unforgettable view of the African wilderness—alive in ways the daytime never shows.