Shivers sped down my spine as a hyena crept into our Jeep’s headlights in the night. Then another hyena joined, and further back, we saw a third and fourth set of eyes. We heard piercing cackles, and our safari guide Kebby Arabang, resident tour director in Botswana, told us it was a hyena calling for backup in a standoff with a lion.
We knew the lion – a lone male gorging on buffaloes near camp. We’d also seen the hyena – their den, their cubs, and their paw prints by my tent. I enjoyed dozens of game drives throughout my time in Botswana, but none left me as awestruck as this twilight expedition.
Around the world, a growing number of lodges now offer night safaris for travelers. These trips pair the animal kingdom’s after-dark excitement – up to 70 percent of species are active from dusk to dawn, after all – with a soft place to land and dine between excursions.
Top Night Safaris to Experience
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Botswana’s vast Okavango Delta is home to hundreds of diverse species, including many after-dark revellers: hyenas, lions, leopards, bush babies, and pangolins, to name a few. Night safaris aren’t allowed everywhere in the delta, but you can enjoy one with a stay at Sanctuary Retreats’ Stanley’s Camp, where the luxurious tented accommodations overlook a watering hole, providing guests with unique experiences from night drives to walking safaris.
Ruaha National Park, Tanzania
The new Usangu Expedition Camp in Tanzania’s Ruaha National Park focuses on citizen science, offering thrilling wildlife observations with cutting-edge thermal monocular technology during night safaris. This method protects the animals by minimizing disruptions, allowing for a close encounter with nocturnal creatures.
Yasuní National Park, Ecuadorian Amazon
Sunset sparks a frenzy of activity in the Amazon. You can see and hear the rainforest’s twilight festivities for yourself with a stay at Sacha Lodge, an upscale escape nestled along Ecuador’s Yasuní National Park. Enjoy a nighttime jungle hike or a starlit canoe trip to spot the caiman, one of the Amazon’s largest predators.
Satpura National Park, India
Satpura Tiger Reserve allows night safaris through the park’s buffer zones, offering chances to witness elusive creatures like leopards, wild dogs, and tigers. Staying at nearby lodges, such as Bori Safari Lodge, enhances the experience with alfresco dining and naturalist-led safaris.
Iberá Natural Reserve, Argentina
Argentina’s Iberá Natural Reserve is home to over 4,000 plant and animal species. Night safaris through the reserve allow for sightings of nocturnal wildlife, including viscachas and grey foxes, making for an unforgettable experience in the biodiverse wetland.
Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Kenya
Within the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, night drives are permitted, granting visitors opportunities to see lions, aardwolves, and bush babies. Staying at Mahali Mzuri offers the chance for continuous wildlife experiences from luxurious tent accommodations.
Skinnskatteberg, Sweden
Your best chance to see or hear Sweden’s elusive wolves may be on an overnight wolf safari. With expert guides, you can explore central Sweden’s liveliest wolf spots. This adventure includes camping, with opportunities to hear the wolves’ howls echoing in the night.
Nam Et-Phou Louey National Protected Area, Laos
The Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park offers a late-night boat adventure that provides glimpses of leopards and porcupines. Local guides lead the way, combining conservation education with thrilling wildlife encounters.
Warrigal Highland Rainforest Preserve, Australia
Admire tough-to-see Australian wildlife on a Wild Watch night safari in the Misty Mountains. The tour often reveals 30 to 40 animals, including tree kangaroos and ringtail possums, against the backdrop of the stunning rainforest.
Everglades National Park, Florida
Explore the Everglades after dark with an expert-led nighttime paddling tour. Enjoy wildlife sightings and the unique sounds of the nocturnal ecosystem, enriching your experience of this biodiverse national park.
