Night Game Drive on Safari

When on Safari, you spend a lot of time out searching for game during the day time. The best times are usually early in the morning when the temperatures are still cool and the animals are active… searching for breakfast. As the weather warms up from late morning to early afternoon time the animals, and maybe you too can enjoy some good siesta time. If siesta is not for you, go out and you will still find animals grazing or ‘lazing around’ – still enjoyable to witness. Of course there are some animals who can not rest – never a dull moment. They will get active again late afternoon when the weather cools down.

Most National Parks close around sunset. Private conservation areas don’t have any restrictions and you and your guide will decide when you want to enjoy a night game drive - this can be a last-minute decision. A few National Parks [Tarangire and Katavi, for example in Tanzania and most parks in Zambia] do not have those restrictions either but you do have to have a permit and we have to book a ranger hence we need to know in advance if you want to enjoy this experience.

My first night game-drive was in dark, stormy night of November 2011 in Tarangire National Park at Oliver’s Camp.

Covered in our raincoats, armed with a ranger and a brave wind-bearing spotter in our vehicle driven by Alex the camp manager at that time, we drove out looking for animals. We had night vision goggles to aid in our viewing. We saw three male lion brothers who were later heard roaring around the camp, vultures feasting on an elephant carcass, jackals and more. If it was not pouring, we would have had a two-hour ride heading towards the Silale swamp. Ours was cut short because of the rains. Still, oh what a thrill! 

I have had many more night game drives since then. It is not so much about the wildlife that is easier to see during the day, but the anticipation of spotting the wildlife and the sounds that accompany it in the night. And the rewards can be pretty spookily beautiful.

Take a spin with us at night.
There will be a few surprising things to stare at on your night game Safari. 

Mornings on Safari

Getting ready for your Safari? Think about the range of wildlife you will encounter, the experiences awaiting you, and the joy of rising at the same time as the sun to really make the most of your day.

That last part not quite your idea of fun? No worries – we are serving plenty of tea or coffee! Seriously though, I get it – those early morning wake-up calls can feel rough. But hear me out... because that first cuppa on Safari? Pure. Magic.

So, what can you expect? The sky is a swirl of pinks and oranges, and birds twitter enthusiastically all around you as your guide stops the vehicle. You take one look at your surroundings, and you know this spot is special – your guide’s favorite secret to share. Maybe a watering hole already dotted with thirsty animals on the banks or a clearing with a sprawling view of the plains. 

It’s not long after getting settled that you smell the freshly brewed coffee or tea snaking through the crisp morning air, promising a jolt of energy (and maybe even a little extra oomph in the form of a cheeky dash of Amarula –a South African creamy liqueur). The sunlight slowly creeps across the bush, and as the warmth spreads, you might hear a rustle, a grunt, or a distant roar. This is the magic hour, folks. Wildlife is stirring, the bush is alive, and you’re doing more than just watching it happen – you’re a part of the experience. 

These coffee and tea stops are about so much more than just that much-needed caffeine kick before a day of exploring the bush. They are about connection – with the wild, your loved ones, your guide, and yourself. Talk about a way to start your day! 

So, as you’re packing your bags and preparing for your Safari, take a moment to look forward to those crack-of-dawn coffee and tea stops that await. Morning person or not, I guarantee they will be a highlight.

I get asked what coffee and tea are my favorites. I still love my Tanzanian Chai Bora tea. Over the years, I have tried a few different coffee beans and currently using Volcanica medium roast. I also enjoy my Africafe Instant Coffee - I know I know, instant coffee, but this takes me back home, and with milk, this is my go to coffee.