Most travellers have ticked off a sunrise game drive. Far fewer know that small private reserves around the country run intimate guided night safaris where rare nocturnal species emerge.
These outings offer a deeper, quieter look at the bush, and they are ideal for travellers craving adventure without the crowds. Here is your guide to South Africa’s lesser-known nocturnal hotspots, what you can expect to see, and how to safari safely and ethically after dark.
What makes a night safari different
A night safari introduces travellers to the bush at its most active and mysterious. The heat of the day gives way to cool air, and the landscape changes mood completely. Nocturnal and crepuscular species begin to move. Predators patrol the shadows. Smaller mammals forage in the open. Owls call from thorn trees, and the veld releases scents that go unnoticed during daylight.
Spotlit drives use a red or soft-filtered spotlight guided by trained rangers and trackers who scan for eye shine. The goal is not to chase animals but to observe behaviour that most people never witness. For photographers, naturalists and curious travellers, it adds a dimension that elevates a traditional safari into something more atmospheric and story-rich.
Reserves offering night safaris that fly under the radar
Marrick Private Game Reserve, Northern Cape
If you want the highest chance of seeing rare small mammals, Marrick is legendary. Situated outside Kimberley in a dry Karoo-meets-Kalahari landscape, the reserve specialises in night drives focused on species that are usually considered impossible to find. Expect potential sightings of aardvark, aardwolf, black-footed cat, bat-eared fox, porcupine, genet and African wildcat. With minimal light pollution and vast open plains, night drives feel raw and immersive. Marrick is ideal for travellers who want something niche, quiet and wildlife-centric.
Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, Mpumalanga
Leopard at Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve/s9-4pr/Wikimedia Commons
Sabi Sand is known internationally for its luxurious safari offerings, but its night drives are equally compelling. Guides and trackers follow strict ethical spotlighting practices, which allow for sensitive viewing of predators on the move. Leopards are the stars after dark. Guests may also spot civets, bushbabies, African wildcats, genets, porcupines, hippos leaving water, and lions beginning their nightly patrols. Since Sabi Sand shares an unfenced boundary with Kruger National Park, wildlife movement is fluid, and sightings are often spectacular.
Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve, Great Karoo
Mount Camdeboo blends night exploration with stargazing thanks to its famously clear Karoo skies. After a warm supper, guests join guides in open vehicles to look for desert-adapted species such as aardwolf, bat-eared fox, caracal, porcupine and genet. The reserve’s remote valleys and ridges make it one of the most atmospheric places in the country for an after-dark outing. It is also a practical option for Capetonians looking for a short break destination with strong wildlife credentials.
What you may see on a night safari
Small and secretive species
Night drives offer a chance to see elusive creatures that many seasoned safari goers never encounter. These include aardvark, pangolin, aardwolf, African wildcat, black-footed cat, civet, genet, porcupine, springhare and bat-eared fox. Many of these mammals are cryptic, quiet and strictly nocturnal, which makes them bucket list sightings for wildlife enthusiasts.
Predators on the move
Lions and leopards often become more active at night when temperatures drop. You might observe hunting behaviour, scent marking, territorial patrols or social interactions around waterholes. Hyenas also become more vocal and mobile after sunset.
Night birds and atmospheric moments
Owls, nightjars and thick knees add to the night chorus. Lowveld and Karoo landscapes also offer deep star fields that make drives feel otherworldly. Many reserves now pair night safaris with stargazing sessions that showcase constellations, planets and the Milky Way.
Seasonal considerations for night safaris
Winter benefits
Winter and the dry season often deliver superb visibility. Vegetation is thinner, and cooler temperatures encourage animal movement. Winter nights can drop significantly in temperature, so layers, gloves and beanies are essential.
Summer benefits
Summer nights can be warm and comfortable. Afternoon storms create dramatic skies and fresh scents. Some nocturnal species are more active after rain. Insects are more abundant, which feeds smaller predators, but it can mean bringing stronger insect repellent.
Safety and ethical tips for after-dark wildlife viewing
Always choose an experienced guide
Night safaris require expert knowledge of animal behaviour, terrain and ethical spotlight use. Guides and trackers understand how to illuminate wildlife without causing stress and when to switch off lights entirely.
Follow all vehicle rules
Stay seated, avoid standing up, keep limbs inside the vehicle and do not attempt to use your own torch unless the guide allows it. Sudden movement can frighten animals or create unnecessary risk.
Dress for the conditions
Nights can be dramatically colder than days. Bring warm layers, a windproof jacket, closed shoes, a beanie and gloves in winter. A camera with good low-light capacity and extra batteries is useful.
Respect wildlife behaviour
If an animal appears uncomfortable, guides will dim or turn off the spotlight. Avoid loud voices. Accept that some sightings may be fleeting. The aim is to observe, not invade.
Who are night safaris ideal for?
Night safaris suit travellers who crave a deeper connection with the bush. They are ideal for wildlife photographers, natural history lovers, South Africans seeking a new travel twist, couples wanting an atmospheric escape or families with older children where lodges permit participation. They deliver quiet magic, rare animals and a sense of discovery found only in the dark.
Booking and practical planning
Contact each reserve directly to confirm the availability of night drives. Some lodges offer them as part of the standard safari programme, while others offer them as add-on experiences. Ask about seasonal suitability, weather expectations, photography options, private vehicle bookings and whether children are allowed. For weekend travellers, smaller reserves like Marrick and Mount Camdeboo are accessible, manageable and offer outstanding after-dark wildlife opportunities.
A night safari reveals Africa in an entirely new light. When the stars sharpen, and the bush stirs awake, every sound feels amplified, and every sighting feels earned. South Africa’s smaller, lesser-known reserves are opening this world to travellers looking for deeper, more intimate wildlife experiences. If you think you know the bush, try stepping into it after sunset. That is when its secrets come alive.
Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured.
TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
ALSO READ: Bush and bubbles: Where to sip champagne as the sun sets over the African bush
