Your Guide To Night Safari Adventures in Botswana

When it comes to Botswana safaris, most people think of early morning or afternoon game drives. However, you shouldn’t miss out on the unique opportunity to witness nocturnal wildlife in their natural habitat. From the elusive leopard to the curious porcupine, there’s a world of wonder waiting to be explored.

It’s time you discovered the magic of the African bush after dark.

You can look forward to learning more about the specialised adaptations of nocturnal animals and experiencing the thrill of spotlighting. In this article, we will highlight some of the reasons for booking a night safari in Botswana as well as the importance of responsible night safari practices.

Nocturnal Animals You Can Look Forward to Seeing

Nocturnal animals typically have a heightened sense of sight, hearing, and smell. For this reason, they are usually quite shy, so you’ll need some patience when you’re on a night safari. But the right guide will know where to spot these animals.

Some of the creatures you can look forward to seeing (with some luck) include:

• Leopards
• Lions on the hunt
• Hyenas
• Honey badgers
• Bat-eared foxes
• Various species of owls
• Aardvarks
• Bushbabies

Unfortunately, sightings are never guaranteed, but you are more than likely going to see at least some of the abovementioned animals. There are also certain areas and camps better suited to night drives, with well-trained and experienced guides.

Spotlighting on Night Drives

High-powered spotlights are used to offer you immaculate views of nocturnal animals and surrounding landscapes. Due to the sensitivity of these nocturnal animals, red lenses are used most of the time to cause as little disturbance to these creatures as possible.

Some of the other types of technology used on night drives include:

• Night vision tools like thermal imaging devices
• Specialised photography equipment
• Communication devices

Don’t Forget to Look Up at the Stars

When embarking on a night safari in Botswana, you will most likely explore some truly remote areas. If you are travelling in an open-top vehicle, remember to take the opportunity to look up at the stars. You’ll be amazed by how bright they are! Some night safari packages even include stargazing as part of the itinerary.

Responsible Night Safari Practices

Nocturnal creatures face many challenges, so you are encouraged to participate in responsible night safari practices, including:

• Keep noise to a minimum to avoid disturbing the animals.
• Follow all park regulations.
• Maintain a safe distance from animals.
• Make sure you are aware of emergency protocols.
• Never litter or throw anything outside the game-drive vehicle. If you accidentally drop anything, let your guide know.
• We only use safari operators who have genuine care for the environment.

Guided Night Drive or Self-Drive Safari?

While some large reserves allow self-drive night safaris, we do not recommend this, as it does not give you the full experience you would otherwise experience. Going with a guide is preferable as it is the safer option, and you’ll get the opportunity to see more animals and learn more about their adaptations. Botswana has some of the very best guides in Africa.

Have you been dreaming about going on a Botswana luxury safari? Here at Tailormade Africa, we can help you transform this dream into reality through our custom safari itineraries! Contact us today to begin planning the trip of a lifetime!