Safari after dark
When most avid safari-goers envisage their African adventure, it is unlikely that the animals they imagine seeing are the nocturnal creatures that emerge at dusk. However, this shouldn’t detract from their amazing survival ability in the bush at night, especially as this is when the most powerful predators are on the prowl too. These stealthy creatures are harder to find but more rewarding to spot than the stereotypical bucket-list tick-offs. A safari after dark is a thrilling addition to a traditional safari and one that we highly recommend.
Nocturnal sightings
Aardvark
Our namesake, with its snout nose, long ears, powerful claws and hunched demeanor, these sought-after mammals are unique. During the night they are seen, nose to the ground, seeking out termite and ant colonies in woodlands, scrubs and grasslands. Sightings are rare as Emily from our team discovered on her recent trip to Machaba Camp in Botswana. Her guide spotted the distinctive three-finger-like prints in the sand as they tracked the elusive animal but to no avail, unfortunately.
Photo credit – Adam Bannister – House in the Wild
Honey badger
The omnivorous honey badger is another nocturnal favorite; brazen and aggressive, they have been known to attack even the deadliest of predators. Their name is thought to have originated from their ability to ignore bee stings and raid beehives to gorge on the honey and larvae within, but they also happily eat small reptiles, rodents, birds and fruit. During a stay at Luangwa Bush Camp Jo was fortunate enough to spot one hanging around the kitchen waiting for one of their five a day. This incredible photograph was captured by Brendon Jennings, a guide at Kariega Main Lodge on a recent night drive.
Photo credit – Brendon Jennings – Kariega Game Reserve
Pangolin
Pangolins are solitary and active mostly at night. Sadly, this is not the only reason why sightings are rare as all species are declining because of poaching and illegal trade. &Beyond has pioneered a pangolin conservation programme in Phinda Private Game Reserve to help secure the long-term survival of these intriguing creatures. Guests who stay at any of the six Phinda lodges inlcuding Phinda Homestead can join a researcher from the conservation team as they conduct health checks and collect critical data for their research. Funds raised from this experience go into the project for the purchase of tags, equipment, veterinary costs, and the care of all the reserve’s pangolins. This is a unique and rewarding experience that gives you an insight into these shy and friendly creatures.
Photo credit – &Beyond Phinda Game Reserve
Black leopard
A sleek black leopard named Giza rocketed to fame when she was spotted at Laikipia Wilderness Camp during the Covid pandemic. Amid the worldwide chaos, Giza’s golden leopard mother introduced the world to her one-year-old black cub. Laikipia is still her home and safari-goers have flocked from across the world for the opportunity to catch a glimpse of her. Lucinda was lucky enough to watch her in action hunting for a dik-dik during her recent trip to Kenya. Her colour comes from a rare genetic variety and despite Giza being the best known, other black leopards have also been seen in the area, and one might choose to help her continue her genes in due course.
Photo credit – Dan Peel – Laikipia Wilderness Camp
As amazing as the big predators, elephants, buffalos, rhinos, and their well-known fellows may be, consider adding an encounter with Africa’s nocturnal wildlife to your next safari ‘to-do’ list; no matter how large or small, it will guarantee a memorable experience for all.
What Next?
Aardvark Safaris help plan every type of safari from family and beach holidays to riding and primate safaris. Do get in touch – chatting to people by phone or email is what we do best. We listen, we explain, we answer all sorts of questions even those you didn’t know to ask, and finally we make suggestions. If this is your first time to Africa or your twenty first, we have a team standing by to help make the planning easy and the journey the best ever. Please get in touch whatever stage you’re at.
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