Tanzania is known for its breathtaking wildlife and spectacular landscapes. In addition to the classic safaris, the country offers a particularly fascinating experience that lies in the dark: the night safari. In this article, we delve into the world of nighttime adventures in Tanzania and show you why nighttime game drives outshine traditional safaris.
Tanzania night safari offers a new perspective
When most people think of a safari in Tanzania, they think of the endless plains of the Serengeti and the majestic wildebeest migrations. But Tanzania has so much more to offer, especially after dark. On a night safari you have the opportunity to experience the wilderness from a completely new perspective.
The magic of darkness
The darkness reveals a world that remains hidden during the day. On a night safari you have the chance to see nocturnal animals in action. The play of shadows and the whispering sounds of the night give the safari an aura of mystery.
You shouldn’t forget to look up: Away from the light of the big cities in Tanzania, a spectacular starry sky awaits you – a sea of stars that you want to immerse yourself in.
Getting wild in Tanzania at night
At night the wilderness changes. On one side of the wildlife, the predators, particularly lions and leopards, reveal themselves as night falls. They become more active as temperatures cool. They only go hunting after sunset. Often the highlight of a night safari in Tanzania is watching such a predator hunt.
On the other hand, we encounter nocturnal animal species that you would otherwise not see. These include African wildcats, badgers, porcupines and other smaller cat species.
Who is screaming? When a galago’s sound occurs at night, it sounds like a baby’s cry, which has given the small, large-eyed primates the name “bush babies.” They are nocturnal and live high in the trees, which is why an encounter with the galagos is extremely rare.
Fewer people – experience more
We at Guruguru Safaris want to offer our guests a Tanzania individual adventure and take them to beautiful places that are less frequented by tourists. We also attach great importance to ensuring that the safari takes place with a few people who have the same interests, so that every guest gets their money’s worth. Night safaris are booked much less frequently in Tanzania, which intensifies the nature experience.
Night safari in Tanzania: Where to go?
Guruguru Safaris offers night game drives to Lake Mantra National Park and Tarangire National Park, which we would like to introduce to you below. We usually start at around 8 p.m. and the duration is around 3 hours.
Night safari in Lake Mantra National Park
- General information: Lake Manyara National Park, founded in 1960, is located in northwest Tanzania, approximately 126 kilometers southwest of Arusha. It covers an area of 325 square kilometers and is part of the UNESCO-protected Lake Manyara Biosphere Reserve.
- Vegetation: Lake Mantra National Park has an incredibly diverse vegetation: here the green forest belt and the lake, there the majestic Rift Valley cliffs and the savannah grasslands. In total, the national park has eleven different ecosystems.
- Wildlife: As diverse as the ecosystems are, the wildlife is also abundant. Here you will find an abundance of animal species including elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo and giraffes. However, one of the park’s most notable attractions is the large population of flamingos that populate the shores of Lake Manyara. This lake is a true paradise for bird lovers as it is home to over 400 species of birds.
- Night Safari Special Features: Lake Manyara National Park has an abundance of shy animals that are rarely seen during the day but are quite active at night. After dark you can spot genets, civets and porcupines, but also leopards and lions. Lake Manyara National Park is also one of the few places where you can meet hippos outside of lakes and rivers, which they leave after dark.
The rising of the moon, which is reflected in Lake Manyara, is also an impressive spectacle.
Night safari in Tarangire National Park
- General information: The Tarangire National Park – founded in 1970 from former hunting grounds – covers an area of around 2,850 square kilometers and is located in the northern part of Tanzania. It is part of the Great Rift Valley and is home to an astonishing variety of animal species.
- Vegetation: The special feature of Tarangire National Park lies in the extensive, seasonal wetlands, the seemingly endless tree savannahs and the presence of the impressive baobabs, also known as baobabs.
- Wildlife: Tarangire National Park is known for its impressive herds of elephants. With more than 3,000 elephants making their home here, it is a perfect place to view these majestic animals in the wild. You can also find lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas and even African wild dogs. With over 500 species of birds, including the famous secretary, the marabou and the honey badger, the park also offers a diverse range of bird life that delights.
Special features on the night safari: The vast plains of Tarangire National Park are hunting grounds for lions and leopards. With a bit of luck, you can surprise the big cats on the hunt, the big dream of every safari traveler.
What are the benefits of a night safari in Tanzania?
- Unique wildlife viewing: You have the opportunity to see predators such as lions and leopards hunting, as well as many nocturnal animals that are hard to find during the day.
- Magical atmosphere: The darkness gives the safari a mystical and exciting atmosphere. The starry sky is spectacular.
- Away from the crowds: Night safaris are booked less frequently. As a rule, you won’t meet any other people, which makes for an even more intense experience of nature.
Create unforgettable experiences
The moments you experience on a night safari in Tanzania will remain in your memory forever. We at Guruguru Safaris would be happy to guide you into the nighttime wilderness and provide you with unique experiences – according to your individual requirements and wishes.