One of the most unique and sensory-rich experiences in the African bush is a night game drive. During the drive, you will have the moon as your only source of light, casting 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, just you and the bush.
Many species of wildlife are more active at night when it is not as hot 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. 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 typically sleep during the day and become active hunters at night. Very small wildlife, like genets, civets, bush babies, and the African hare, fear predators will see them during the day, so they hunt at night.
For safety reasons, only a few safari destinations are allowed to conduct night game drives. These destinations include Tarangire, Manyara, Mkomazi, and a few private conservation areas in the western part of Serengeti.