Nighttime Safaris: Unveiling the Magic of Nocturnal Wildlife Encounters
In the still nights, when the whole world sleeps, a different world awakens. Wait a minute! No, we are not talking about paranormal activity here. We are talking about nocturnal activity here. In the nighttime, the most elusive and fascinating creatures come to life like owls, moths, foxes, bats, and aardvarks. Have you ever thought about what their world looks like at night? If your answer is yes and you are a tad bit curious, nighttime safaris are the perfect solution for you.
Why Go For Nighttime Safaris?
While daytime safaris are exciting, night safaris have their own charm because of the darkness. You might not see some of the most common animals or a kill out there at night, but you will see much more than that. Here are some of the reasons that might convince you to take a night safari the next time:
1. Spotting Nocturnal Wildlife
Nighttime is an opportunity for you to witness some of the most unique animals that you might not see otherwise. If you are a wildlife enthusiast, it will be fun for you to spot some wonderful (or weird) looking faces. For example, if you take a night safari in the jungles of Africa, be ready to greet Rufous-cheeked Nightjar, African Wood Owl, Barn Owl, Marsh Owl, African Grass Owl, Aardvark, Bush Baby, and even Porcupines.
2. Stargazing At Night
Who doesn’t love to watch a sky filled with stars? If you are all for the views of the starlit night sky, then going on a night safari is one of the best experiences you will ever have. In most places, the skies are usually clear due to lack of pollution and you can get insta-worthy clicks of the night sky. Think about it, spotting some unique animals with a bonus of starlit skies, isn’t it a win-win situation?
3. Sounds Of The Animals
Perhaps what takes a night safari from 10x to 100x is the thrilling sound of animals. When you are on a night safari, you can constantly hear the chirping of crickets, the howling of wild animals, the laughing of a hyena, and the footsteps of a wild dog. These sounds will always keep you on your toes and make you hyper-aware of everything around you.
4. Offers Different Perspective
Most of the animals are elusive during the day. During the night, their real hunting skills come on display. While the night might not be an ideal time to see them in action clearly, you can still spot their hideouts and shiny eyes from a distance. Moreover, most of these animals come out of their homes at night, so spotting them during the day is quite tricky. All of this provides a new insight into their behaviors and interactions.
Preparing For Nighttime Safaris
A nighttime safari is slightly different from a daytime safari for obvious reasons - darkness and safety. It is important to be prepared before embarking on this safari. Here are some of the tips that you should follow:
1. Wear Layered Clothing: Forests, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries are open spaces. These spaces can become quite chilly at night. Plus, a lot of insects like beetles and mosquitoes can become apparent in the night. To protect against both situations, it is advisable that you wear long-sleeved shirts and full-length pants.
2. Carry All Your Essentials: While most night safari tours provide night vision equipment, you should not take it for granted. It is better to be prepared from your end. So, take torch lights, insect repellent, night vision goggles, and a warm jacket with you.
3. Stay Quiet: Night animals have a higher sensitivity to noise. If you want to spot them and not scare them, it is best to stay silent when you are in the area. This will ultimately increase your chances of sightings.
4. Follow The Instructions: Your nighttime safari guide will know the terrain and behavior of animals quite well. It is best to listen to them and follow their advice. This will ensure that you have successful spotting and remain safe.
Conclusion
The unpredictability of a nighttime safari makes it even more interesting. If you are someone who loves adventure and challenges, a night safari might be a good decision for you. But, always keep in mind that you need to be respectful and responsible when you go out in their habitat. Be alert and enjoy the experiences that nature presents you with.