Night Game Drives in Tanzania: What You Need to Know

While daytime safaris are filled with action and dramatic wildlife scenes, night game drives open a whole new chapter of adventure. As the sun sets and darkness falls, Tanzania’s landscapes come alive with nocturnal creatures rarely seen in daylight.

Here’s everything you need to know about night game drives in Tanzania;

1. What Makes Night Game Drives Special?

Night safaris offer a completely different atmosphere, mysterious, quiet, and thrilling. You’ll explore the wilderness under the stars, guided by spotlights that reveal glowing eyes and hidden movements in the dark.

2. What Animals Can You See at Night?

Night drives offer a chance to spot nocturnal species that are almost invisible during the day. These may include:

Bush babies

Genets and civets

Porcupines

Aardvarks

Hyenas on the hunt

Leopards more active and easier to find

3. Where Are Night Drives Allowed?

Night game drives are not permitted in most national parks like Serengeti or Ngorongoro. However, they are allowed in private conservancies and community wildlife areas, such as:

Tarangire National Park (selected areas with special permits)

Lake Manyara Private Concession

Some lodges with exclusive access.

4. What to Expect

Drives usually start just after sunset and last 1.5 to 2 hours

You’ll be in an open safari vehicle equipped with spotlights

A knowledgeable guide and tracker will help find and explain what you see

Dress warmly, it gets cold quickly after dark

5. Is It Safe?

Yes, night drives are conducted by trained professionals who follow strict safety guidelines. You’ll be amazed at how quiet and intimate the experience feels, while still being completely safe.

An Unforgettable Experience

If you’re looking to add a unique twist to your Tanzania safari, a night game drive is an excellent option. It reveals a whole new side of the wild, one that few travelers ever get to see.