The popularity of night safaris have increased over the past few years, and with good reason. There are a lot of nocturnal animals in the African savanna, coming out at night to hunt, eat and socialize. For other animals, it’s a survival game, as their predators come out to hunt after dark. Night safari drives will either leave your camp during daylight and stay into the nighttime hours, or leave after an early dinner as night is already falling. Either way, it’s an adventure that’s not to be missed! Here are a few tips for getting the most out of your night safari adventure:
1. Be Prepared To Capture The Moment
The lack of natural light makes it tricky to take photos on a night safari, but there are some things you can do to capture the magical moments you see under the stars. Flash photography may not be allowed because it can disturb nocturnal animals, but many cameras come with built in ‘night’ settings. A torch can also help illuminate the moment you want to capture. If you’re using a DSLR camera, setting the f-stop to the lowest number will allow the most light to get in. Long shutter speeds also allow for more light, but the camera must be still to ensure the photo isn’t blurry. Bump up the ISO to get the most light, and play around with the settings at nighttime before you leave for your trip to find the one you like the best.
2) Dress Comfortably
Because mosquitoes are often active at dusk, it is important to wear long pants and long sleeves to protect yourself from their annoying bites. It may be colder at night, so gloves and a hat, plus a warmer jacket will keep you comfortable during your safari, and protect you from mosquito-born illnesses such as malaria and dengue fever. Keep your clothing colour neutral to so as not to attract too much attention from insects and animals.
3) What Will You See?
Remember that spotting animals in the grey shadows of nighttime is completely different than finding them during the day. Night drive vehicles are equipped with spotlights, which the guides can use to scan the bush and highlight animals that are passing by. If you are permitted to bring your own flashlight, take one with a strong, focused beam. Be on the lookout for eyes shining in the spotlight, odd-shaped or moving shadows. Use your ears to listen for animal sounds. You may see large animals such as hippo, zebra and hunting lions on your night safari. But also keep on the lookout for animals you wouldn’t normally see during the day like hares, porcupines and bushbabies. Birdwatchers should look up to catch a glimpse of owls, nightjars and night herons.
4) Respect The Environment
Actions that seem harmless to you can have a big impact on the environment after you leave, so do everything you can to leave no trace of your presence on your night safari. Don’t smoke cigarettes – the risk of fire is high in the dry landscape. Never drop any litter – it is more than an eyesore. It can choke or poison animals who may try to eat it. Don’t feed any of the wild animals, and always respect and listen to your driver/guide. He/She knows best how to enjoy the environment without manipulating or hurting it.
5) Manage Your Expectations
You likely won’t see a lion chasing down and catching its prey on a night safari, so don’t be disappointed if you don’t get to witness a big kill. The animals might be smaller and harder to spot, but the sounds and thrills will be like nothing you’ll experience anywhere else. A night drive through the African savanna is an amazing African adventure – immerse yourself in Africa after dark, and enjoy the ride!
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