A moonlight safari is a truly magical experience, offering a completely different perspective of Africa’s wilderness. As the sun sets and darkness envelops the landscape, the nocturnal world awakens—stealthy predators prowl, elusive creatures emerge, and the bush comes alive with mysterious sounds.

Why Experience a Night Safari?

See Nocturnal Predators in Action – Lions and leopards are more active at night, making it the best time to witness their hunting strategies.

Spot Rare Nocturnal Creatures – From aardvarks and bush babies to porcupines and servals, many animals are rarely seen during the day.

A Unique Sensory Experience – The stillness of the night is interrupted only by distant lion roars, chirping crickets, and the eerie calls of hyenas.

Stargazing Like Never Before – With minimal light pollution, the African sky reveals a breathtaking display of stars, the Milky Way, and even the Southern Cross.

Best Destinations for Moonlight Safaris in Tanzania

Serengeti National Park – Some private concessions allow night drives, offering a rare chance to see elusive predators in action.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area – While night drives aren’t permitted inside the crater, some luxury lodges offer guided evening safaris on the rim.

Tarangire National Park – One of the best places for moonlight safaris, where you can see leopards, genets, and bat-eared foxes.

Selous Game Reserve & Ruaha National Park – Known for exclusive and intimate night safaris, perfect for adventurers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Private Reserves & Lodges – Many private game reserves and luxury lodges in Tanzania offer exclusive night safaris, often combined with bush dinners under the stars.

What to Expect on a Moonlight Safari

• Specialized Safari Vehicles – Outfitted with red-filtered spotlights to avoid startling the animals.
• Expert Guides & Trackers – Trained to spot camouflaged wildlife and interpret their nighttime behavior.
• Optional Bush Dinners – Enjoy a romantic meal by the campfire, surrounded by the sounds of the wild.
• Photography Challenges – Nighttime photography requires high ISO settings and fast lenses—a rewarding challenge for serious photographers.

Tips for the Best Experience

Dress in Layers – Nights can get chilly, so bring a light jacket.
Use Binoculars – Spotting animals in the dark can be tricky, and binoculars help enhance visibility.
Stay Silent & Still – This increases your chances of seeing rare wildlife.
Check Availability – Not all parks allow night safaris; confirm with your lodge or tour operator.