Night Time Safari Game Drives
When on safari of the game parks, a night time game drive is a great way to view a whole host of nocturnal animals and insects who are more active at night such as leopards, hippos, porcupines, genets, civets, bush babies, aardvarks, owls, night jars, spiders, scorpions and lots more.
For instance, the hippo exits the safety of the water normally grazing for approximately four to five hours each night, covering one or two miles, with extended wanderings of up to five miles. A hippo becomes a serious threat when its path back to the safe confines of the water, is perceived to be impeded.
The night game drive is also a great experience for listening to the night sounds of the game parks and gazing at the magnificent southern constellation of stars.
Most parks and reserves do not allow night drives within their boundaries however night drives are often permitted in the “controlled” areas adjoining the parks and reserves. The sun sets at approximately 6 pm and night drives can commence as early as 7 pm.
The trees, brush and grass are slowly scanned with a bright spot light or powerful flashlight looking for the reflection off the wildlife’s eyes referred to as “eye shine”. Different species have different colored eye shine. For example, antelope have a green–blue eye shine while bush baby has red eye shine.
Be careful to not direct the artificial light too long at the wildlife to avoid damaging their eyes and interrupting their routine for an extended time . Another less invasive way to find wildlife at night is with night time vision technology. Commercial single lens night time vision scopes are available starting in the $150 range.
Night time photography with infrared technology, common with many cameras and camcorders, is discussed on this link.
By: Mike Donovan
Let LION DOG AFRICAN SAFARIS know if you might like a night drive incorporated into your safari program. Call us for a free consultation: 1-888-50AFRICA
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