Into the Darkness: The Thrill of a Night Safari

As the sun dips below the horizon in the heart of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, diurnal animals retreat to rest, while nocturnal species emerge – ushering in an entirely different rhythm to the wilderness. After sipping a refreshing gin and tonic, your night safari drive with Silvan Safari begins.

A perfect way to begin your night safari, sipping drinks as the sun sets over the African wilderness.

A Different World Awakens After Dark

A safari after dark is exhilarating – with visibility limited to just a few metres ahead, you never know what might be lurking around the next corner. With the help of a spotlight, expertly handled by our experienced trackers at Silvan Safari, an unseen world emerges, revealing an entirely new side of the African bush. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe rare and elusive creatures that remain hidden during the day.

Much of the magic of the African bush unfolds after dark. Many safari-goers dream of observing a predator in action, yet few ever do. The electrifying rush of witnessing a hunt in progress – an event that even seasoned safari enthusiasts rarely experience – is beyond imagination.

With expert tracking, our guides reveal the hidden wonders of the nocturnal bush.

Predators and Prey in the Cover of Darkness

Beyond the apex predators, a host of remarkable wildlife emerges under the cover of darkness. This is your chance to spot owls, pangolins, aardvarks, porcupines, African civets, honey badgers, and more. These nocturnal creatures are notoriously elusive, making each sighting all the more extraordinary.

A rare aardvark forages under the safari spotlight.

For bird lovers, a night safari offers a unique chance to glimpse owls perched on bare branches, patiently awaiting their next meal. At Silvan Safari, the most frequently seen owl is the spotted eagle-owl, a highly adaptable species found across Africa.

The largest owl you may come across is the Verreaux's eagle-owl, also known as the giant eagle-owl. These majestic raptors are instantly recognisable, not only for their formidable size but also for their distinctive pink eyelids – reminiscent of carefully applied eyeshadow.

If luck is on your side, you may even glimpse the pearl-spotted owlet and the African barred owlet, the smallest nocturnal hunters gracing our night drives.

The elusive pangolin makes a special appearance – a true highlight of any night safari.

Protecting Wildlife Through Responsible Safaris

Due to the ongoing threat of rhino poaching, staying out too late in Sabi Sands is not permitted. This restriction is in place to support anti-poaching teams, who conduct crucial patrols to protect endangered wildlife. At Silvan Safari, we are committed to conservation and ensure that every safari experience respects both nature and its protectors.

The anti-poaching unit in the reserve fearlessly protects the animals of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

Experience the Magic of a Night Safari

A night drive in Sabi Sands is an unforgettable adventure, offering the chance to see Africa’s most elusive and fascinating creatures. Whether you’re hoping to spot a prowling leopard, a rare pangolin, or an owl in the moonlight, the experience is always full of surprises.

Every safari holds its own magic, but a night drive adds an extra layer of mystery and exhilaration.Step into the dark with us and see what awaits.