Night safaris

A night safari with Wilderness is a game drive that takes place after dark, beginning before or after dinner depending on your schedule. 

Our guides follow strict safely protocols during night drives, to keep you safe. Most animals are used to seeing humans and do not pose a threat if all safety guidelines are adhered to.

Your night drive can begin before or after dinner. Most of our departure times are tailorable, especially if you have booked a private vehicle. 

Night safaris are seasonal in order to ensure the utmost safety for our guests. In the wet season, night drives may not be possible, depending on water levels. Speak to your Travel Designer to find out if and when your camp offers night drives.

Animals have been known to get up close to the vehicle, but most species are habituated, and relatively used to seeing humans, so don’t pose immediate threat if all safety guidelines are adhered to. No matter what the scenario, however, your guide is your guardian throughout your stay, doing everything they can to keep you safe. With their expert knowledge of animal behaviour, you are always in good hands with a Wilderness guide. 

Big cats like lions may be seen at night, as well as leopards (though sightings are rare). Other nocturnal creatures include jackals, civets, hyenas and owls. It all depends on the region you’re travelling to. 

You may photograph wildlife at night, as long as you follow your guide’s strict instructions, which often prohibit the use of a flash, as this can disorientate or disturb wildlife. 

It is unsafe to exit the vehicle for sustained periods of time at night, so you won’t find much opportunity for tripod use. However, our guides will do their best to accommodate your nighttime photography needs. Ask if there are any safe areas for you to shoot at night, and we’ll do our best.  

Flash photography is prohibited at night as it can disorientate or disturb wildlife, which poses a safety risk.