Night Game Drives in Tanzania: Where to Go and What You’ll See

What Are Night Game Drives?

Night game drives are safaris conducted after sunset, usually between 8 PM and 11 PM, using specially-equipped 4×4 vehicles with red or filtered spotlights. Unlike during the day, when the heat often keeps animals resting, the cooler nighttime hours spark new activity.

You may witness:

• Predators on the hunt

• Rare nocturnal species

• Owls, genets, and porcupines foraging

• Unique sounds and smells that come alive in the dark

Night safaris are conducted under strict regulation and are only permitted in certain reserves and private conservancies to protect the environment and wildlife behavior.

Where to Go for Night Game Drives in Tanzania

1. Lake Manyara National Park

Why It’s Great:
Lake Manyara is one of the few TANAPA-managed parks where night game drives are officially allowed. The park’s dense groundwater forests, open plains, and lake shores make it a varied landscape for nocturnal exploration.

What You Might See:

• Bush babies leaping through the trees

• Lions stalking in the shadows

• Civets, genets, and porcupines

• Hyenas and honey badgers

Pro Tip:
Night drives can be arranged through lodges inside or near the park, such as Lake Manyara Tree Lodge or Manyara Serena Safari Lodge.

2. Tarangire National Park (Private Concessions)

Why It’s Great:
While Tarangire’s core park is typically closed at night, privately managed concessions around its boundaries offer exclusive night game drive opportunities. The park’s baobab-dotted landscapes are stunning under moonlight.

What You Might See:

• Servals prowling the grasslands

• Elephants silently moving through the trees

• Nocturnal birds like nightjars and owls

• A higher chance of seeing big cats active at night

Pro Tip:
Book your stay at Ndovu Tented Lodge or Tarangire River Camp, which offer guided night safaris on private land bordering the park.

3. Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Select Locations)

Why It’s Great:
While night drives are not permitted inside the Ngorongoro Crater, some lodges situated in the greater conservation area—particularly in Ndutu (southern Serengeti corridor)—can organize night drives during the calving season.

What You Might See:

• Hyena clans on the prowl

• Bat-eared foxes and African hares

• Lions near wildebeest herds

• Mongoose, springhares, and other elusive creatures

Pro Tip:
Stay at lodges like Ndutu Safari Lodge or Lake Masek Tented Camp that have special arrangements with the conservation authority.

4. Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve)

Why It’s Great:
Located in southern Tanzania, this massive park allows for a more relaxed set of rules and night drives are widely permitted. The vast wilderness and fewer tourists make this an ideal spot for a night safari.

What You Might See:

• Leopard hunts

• African civets and spotted hyenas

• Bush babies and snakes

• Waterbuck and other antelope grazing under starlight

Pro Tip:
Choose camps like Siwandu Camp or Rufiji River Camp, both offering exceptional boat safaris by day and night drives after dark.

5. Private Reserves and Conservancies

Why They’re Great:
Many private concessions outside national park boundaries—especially in areas like West Kilimanjaro, Loliondo, and parts of the Serengeti ecosystem—offer flexible, customized night drives without the strict rules of public parks.

What You Might See:

• A wide range of nocturnal species depending on location

• Cheetahs resting or moving under cover of darkness

• Star-filled skies with minimal light pollution

Pro Tip:
Book through a trusted safari operator who has access to private conservancies. Lodges such as Kambi ya Tembo or Chem Chem Lodge are great examples.

What Animals Are Active at Night?

Night game drives offer a unique chance to witness animals you won’t see during the day or to catch predators in action. Here’s a list of creatures you’re more likely to spot after dark:

• Aardvarks – shy and elusive, but sometimes seen digging for termites

• Porcupines – often foraging near bushes

• Bush Babies – with glowing eyes and agile leaps through trees

• Civets and Genets – cat-like mammals hunting insects or small prey

• Leopards – more active and easier to spot at night

• Hyenas – very vocal and often spotted scavenging

• Owls and Nightjars – perched or hunting for rodents

• African Wildcats – a rare but exciting sighting

What to Expect on a Night Game Drive

• Vehicle Setup: Open 4×4 vehicles equipped with red or filtered spotlights to reduce disturbance

• Guide Expertise: Spotters trained to locate and interpret animal behavior in the dark

• Sights and Sounds: A symphony of croaks, growls, hoots, and rustling—nature at its most primal

• Clothing: Wear neutral, warm layers—temperatures can drop after dark

• Photography: Flash is typically discouraged; low-light cameras or night vision scopes are a plus

Is It Safe?

Yes, night game drives in Tanzania are safe when conducted by licensed operators. Guides follow strict safety protocols, and passengers remain inside the vehicle at all times. Animals are less likely to approach vehicles at night, especially with spotlights.

Final Thoughts

A night game drive in Tanzania offers an experience that feels like entering another world. It’s quieter, more suspenseful, and full of surprises that you simply won’t get during the day. Whether you’re chasing the gleam of a leopard’s eyes or listening to lions roar under a starry sky, it’s an unforgettable addition to any safari itinerary.

If you’re planning your trip, consider adding at least one night drive to your adventure—you’ll see the wild in a way that few travelers ever do.