Snapshots
Leaving for an adventure but need a quick night safari guide? Use this as a checklist! After dark, parks and forests seem very different, so it is important to understand what to do in a night safari! While nocturnal animals like lions, tigers, and other big cats are the major attractions of day safaris, it is at night that these animals go out hunting or mating. Night safaris need a great deal more care and attention, but there are many more creatures to see as well. Even while it's exciting, animals in the forest get less used to humans after nightfall, making them more frightened and vulnerable, when safari-goers disregard their habits and protocols. Taking the family along with you? Make sure you read through this night safari guide!
Here’s what NOT to do at a night safari: Night safari rules!
DO NOT leave children unsupervised
The fact that children are exploring the outside and developing an interest in their environment is wonderful, but we must ensure their safety. Make sure they are always monitored and that you keep an eye on them! This is an important night safari rule!
DO NOT speak loudly
Nighttime safaris are ideal for seeing animals without disturbing them, in contrast to daylight safaris when you may have a more relaxed chat with your guide. Nocturnal ecosystems are sensitive, and animals may flee if disturbed by loud noises. Follow your guide's signals for quietness and speak only in a whisper.
DO NOT use flash
At night, a torch is your sole reliable tool for seeing wildlife. Using them or taking photos with a flash during a night safari is not a good idea since they might frighten the animals. On a night safari, the headlights of the vehicle are the sole source of light at most wildlife reserves, allowing you to see anything that may be in your path. Using a brighter light to locate wildlife and then switching to a red-filtered light after the animal is found seems to annoy animals significantly less, therefore, this is one method in Africa that is more animal-friendly. Also, if you want to see animals in their natural habitat, it's best to avoid harsh lights. If animals don't see their presence as disturbing, they will carry on with their activities. Again, this is an important part of the night safari guide!
DO NOT feed the animals
We know that some animals look cute, and you cannot help yourself but feed them, but remember, you are doing more harm than good! While on a night safari, it is absolutely forbidden to feed the animals. Wildlife may experience gastrointestinal distress or worse health complications as a result of consuming human food. Additionally, animals' normal foraging behaviours might be disrupted, and they can become dependent on people for food if they are fed. Be mindful of the rules at all times and never give food to an animal you see. Remember this, as it is an important night safari rule!
DO NOT disobey the safari guidelines
For the sake of everyone's safety, including the animals and tourists, night safaris are meticulously planned. Walking off the trails could potentially put you in danger, as you never know what dangers lurk around the corner or if you upset the wildlife. To maintain a safe and considerate experience, always adhere to your safari guide's instructions and remain on designated pathways.
DO NOT wear flashy clothes
Save the flash for the dinner post safari, as wearing simple and subtle clothing is key! Camouflage or simple black clothing is one of the most important night safari essentials! Safari adventures might be derailed by bright or reflective attire, which attracts the attention of wild creatures and spoils the experience. Choose deeper, more subdued hues, such as greens, browns, and greys. There will be less reflection from the cars because these colours go better with the nighttime scene.
DO NOT make random movements
If you've ever gone on a daytime safari and seen a lion or tiger, you might have noticed that there are a lot of people in jeeps, all standing at eye level and reaching out with their high-quality cameras to take the greatest photos. During a night safari, when extreme stillness and vigilance are required, such activity is completely unacceptable. Wild animals may be easily shocked since they aren't used to seeing people in the woods, particularly during the night. Patil says that when you see an animal, you should not make any needless movements in the car. Keep your body steady and take it all in.
DO NOT miss out on the subtle moments
A night safari, like a day safari, is about more than just seeing big cats. The large cats aren't the only intriguing things to see at a park. Night hikes during the monsoons are sometimes accompanied by the possibility of spotting various reptiles and herps, including frogs, geckos, snakes, and lizards. Night safaris in the Sahyadris and the Western Ghats are a fantastic way to see massive displays of fireflies. Another exciting thing to do at night is moth night trapping, which is shining a light and watching as moths swarm towards it. But be careful—watch the moths for half an hour or so, and then switch off the lights to let them leave. The clear winter sky lets you see more stars on night safaris. Now this is one of the fun night safari rules!
DO NOT flout park rules
To keep guests and animals safe, each night safari has its own set of regulations. There may be severe repercussions if you disregard these regulations. When your safari guide or park personnel give you instructions, make sure you pay close attention and observe them. This includes rules regarding photography, noise levels, and safety precautions.