Game Drives (at night), Kruger National Park

Anne and I were pleasently surprised by the cost of the evening safari. For 100 Rand (under US$20.00) the safari lasts for 3 hours. Our driver asked if anyone was due back for dinner in the reataurant at 9pm and when everyone said no, he took the tour for almost 4 hours!

Each evening from almost every camp in Kruger National Park the South African National Parks provide the night game drives in 20-seat open sided vehicles. A SANParks game ranger, armed with a rifle, conducts the night game drives.

The night game drive departs from camp at 6pm and last for approx three hours. Passengers are given a chance of using one of the three spotlights on the vehicle. It was our opportunity to see some nocturnal wildlife in the Kruger Park. The night game drive was a very enjoyable experience.

In the Afternoon, there is a second drive- around the park. It works like the one in the morning. (see there)
Only this time you see the sunset and it is getting dark.

Take some warmer clothes with you or you will be freezing, it gets cold quite fast.

With lamps on the Jeep they can find quite a lot of animals due to their reflecting eyes. Kinda spooky sometimes.

The picture shows three Hyenas at night.

Must do a night drive!! There are lots of animals to see at night! Unfortunatley my photos did not come out, except for these two baby Hyeana that were in the middle of the road munching on a bone! The hour or so we were out was packed with lion, hippo, hyeana sitings!

I notice someone labelled this point as 'inaccurate' - it is not! I can only report on my experiences! My experience was full of animal encounters.

Nightdrives can be booked at the reception desk of most camps. They take place in big open trucks, with a park ranger, driving and providing commentary.

These guys are not as professional or knowledgeable as some of the outside companies, but for the price (under R100), it's a bargain.

For lighting, the passengers are asked to work the spotlights. It's a lot of fun watching the tourists go nuts swinging the light around in the air, and hitting their wives/mothers with the cable by accident.

Take something warm, as it can get quite chilly at night.

Also pack in a snack or two, as its about a 2-3 hour duration.

1 more image

Night Safari is a good idea, some animals you missed during the day you night see at night. We had our night drive with our local guide as self driving at night is not allowed.

Sounds very exciting, but fact of life is that you very seldom see anything. I wanted to treat myself and booked for the night ride, but saw very little. Not worth it. Cost was R150