Night Game Drives in East Africa: A Different World

While the classic safari experience is defined by early morning and late afternoon game drives, a night game drive offers a completely different and thrilling perspective on the African wilderness.¹ This exclusive activity allows you to witness the secret lives of nocturnal animals, transforming a familiar landscape into a mysterious and dramatic world.² However, night game drives are a highly regulated activity and are not permitted in most of East Africa’s large government-run national parks.³

What Makes a Night Game Drive Unique?

A night game drive is a sensory experience.⁴ The familiar daytime safari vehicle is equipped with a powerful spotlight, which is used to scan the landscape for the tell-tale “eye shine” of nocturnal animals. The air is cool, the silence is profound, and every rustle of the bush is a moment of anticipation.⁵

• Nocturnal Predators: Night game drives are the best time to see Africa’s most elusive predators, particularly leopards and lions, as they begin their nightly hunt. The use of a spotlight makes them easier to spot, and you may even witness them on a kill.
• Unique Species: The night reveals a host of animals you would not see during the day. This includes smaller predators like civets, genets, and servals. You may also spot porcupines, bushbabies, and a variety of nocturnal birds, such as owls and nightjars.⁶
• Behavioral Changes: Many of the diurnal (day-active) animals you see during the day, such as elephants and hippos, have a different demeanor at night. You might see them behaving more cautiously or moving towards water sources.

Where to Experience a Night Game Drive

Night game drives are generally prohibited in the main public national parks of Kenya and Tanzania, such as the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara National Reserve. This is to protect the wildlife and to prevent disturbance from vehicles at night. However, the activity is a key offering in private conservancies and some select parks.⁷

In Kenya:

The best place for a night game drive in Kenya is in one of the private conservancies surrounding the Maasai Mara. These conservancies, such as the Mara North Conservancy or Olare Motorogi Conservancy, have their own rules and are far less crowded than the main reserve.⁸ Night drives are a standard part of the safari experience in these areas.

In Tanzania:

Tanzania has a number of parks and reserves where night game drives are permitted.⁹

• Ruaha National Park: This remote and rugged park in southern Tanzania allows for night drives and is an excellent place to see leopards and other nocturnal animals.
• Tarangire National Park: Some lodges in and around Tarangire have special permission to conduct night drives.¹⁰ The park’s large elephant population and resident predators make for an exciting night safari.¹¹
• Lake Manyara National Park: This park is known for its night game drives, with some lodges having exclusive rights to conduct them. It is a fantastic opportunity to see the park’s tree-climbing lions and other nocturnal species.¹²

In Uganda:

Uganda is one of the few places in East Africa where night game drives are conducted within the main national parks, though with special permission and a park ranger.

• Queen Elizabeth National Park: This is the most popular location for night game drives in Uganda. The activity, which must be booked through the Uganda Wildlife Authority, offers a chance to see lions on the hunt, hyenas, and other nocturnal animals.
• Murchison Falls National Park: Night game drives are also permitted in Murchison Falls, where you can spot a variety of predators and smaller creatures.¹³

A night game drive is a truly special activity that adds a new and exciting dimension to your safari. It requires a special permit and an experienced guide, but for those who want to see Africa’s wildlife from a completely different perspective, it is a must-do.¹⁴