When night falls over Africa, some of its most enchanting wildlife reveal a hidden side.
Shayna “Bepple” Take/Unsplash
From flickering fireflies to shimmering plankton and glowing desert scorpions, these creatures light up the night through a phenomenon known as bioluminescence. If you’ve ever wondered what causes these natural illuminations and where in Africa can you witness them, here is a guide to nature’s glowing wonders.
Glowing scorpions
Under ultraviolet light, some scorpions reveal an uncanny turquoise glow. This comes from chemicals in their exoskeleton that absorb UV light and reemit it. Scientists are still investigating why, but theories include attracting mates, camouflaging or protecting against UV radiation.
These glowing creatures are most active at night and their light can only be seen under UV torches. Africa has several prime locations. The Kalahari Desert in Botswana is a vast starlit desert where night tours uncover glowing scorpions along sandy trails. The Richtersveld in South Africa is a remote desert wilderness where night guides show visitors these eerie creatures. The Namib Desert in Namibia offers unforgettable desert night experiences where glowing scorpions can be found.
Fireflies
Fireflies are the most famous glow in the dark creatures. Their tiny light signals are visible in the dark corners of forests and wetlands. The glow comes from a chemical reaction inside their organs involving luciferin, luciferase, oxygen and ATP, a molecule that stores energy. This reaction releases light without generating heat, a natural marvel called cold light.
In Africa, fireflies are seasonal wonders. They gather in moist woodlands and forests, especially in the rainy season. Notable spots include Kakamega Forest in Kenya, a biodiversity hotspot where fireflies flicker through the undergrowth after dusk. Nyungwe Forest in Rwanda is an enchanting montane rainforest alive with flashing signals at night. The Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa host magical firefly displays during the summer months. Seeing them is a rare treat so its best experienced on night walks with knowledgable guides.
Bioluminescent plankton
One of the most beautiful displays comes from the oceans, waves glowing underfoot like liquid stardust. This glow is produced by dinoflagellates, microscopic plankton that emit light when disturbed. This bioluminescence is a defensive strategy. When predators pass through, the glowing plankton startle them or attract larger predators to the predator itself.
The bioluminescent phenomenon is often visible in warm coastal waters. African hotspots include Tofo Beach in Mozambique, where after dark gentle waves and even footprints light up. Pemba Island in Tanzania is a bioluminescent paradise where snorkeling or night swims reveal glowing trails. The Eastern Cape in South Africa offers certain bays with seasonal plankton blooms, especially in summer months. Visibility depends on calm seas and dark conditions, making timing and location crucial for experiencing this magic.
For travellers who seek more than daylight adventures, Africa’s glow in the dark wildlife offers an unforgettable journey into the night. However, this special kind of wildlife is fragile and fleeting. Light pollution, coastal development and climate change threaten these nightly spectacles. By travelling responsibly and protecting habitats, we ensure these magical moments can be experienced for generations to come.
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