Activity

Night game drive in Ruaha national park

Ruaha National Park, Iringa Region, Tanzania. 2 to 3 hours.

Experience Overview

The safari typically begins after an early dinner, departing from your lodge in a specialized 4x4 open-sided vehicle. A professional guide drives the vehicle while an armed park ranger or a specialized spotter uses powerful, filtered spotlights to sweep the landscape. The goal is to catch the "eye-shine" of animals that are rarely seen during the day. You may witness prides of lions preparing for a hunt, elusive leopards on the prowl, or smaller nocturnal species like honey badgers, civets, genets, and bat-eared foxes. The experience is heightened by the atmospheric sounds of the African night and the incredible clarity of the stars away from city light pollution.

What to Expect & Prepare

What's Included

What to Bring

Standard travel gear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do a night drive if I am staying outside the park?

Generally, no. Night drives are typically restricted to guests staying at specific licensed lodges within the park boundaries, as the park gates close to day visitors at 6:00 PM.

Will the spotlights hurt the animals' eyes?

Professional guides use red or filtered filters on their spotlights to minimize the impact on the animals' vision and behavior. It is strictly forbidden for guests to use their own powerful white flashlights.

Is it guaranteed that I will see a leopard?

While Ruaha has one of the highest leopard densities in Africa, they remain elusive. A night drive significantly increases your chances, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes. Because vehicles and rangers must be scheduled specifically for night activities, it is best to book your night drive at the same time you book your lodge or upon arrival on your first day.

Activity Location

Location & Access

Ruaha National Park, Iringa Region, Tanzania.

Physical Intensity

Easy

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