1 day
day 1: Night Game Drive Itinerary (Tarangire National Park)
Evening: Enter Tarangire for Night Safari
After sunset, you enter Tarangire National Park with a professional safari guide. As darkness falls, you begin your night drive using a spotlight to locate nocturnal wildlife.
Night: Wildlife Viewing & Predator Tracking
You explore different areas of the park, searching for nocturnal animals such as leopards, hyenas, bush babies, genets, civets, and owls. Lions may also be seen hunting or resting after their evening activity.
Late Night: Return to Lodge
After an exciting night drive experience, you return to your lodge or camp inside or near Tarangire National Park for dinner and overnight stay.
The cost of a night game drive in Tarangire National Park generally ranges from about USD 80 to USD 600 per person, depending on the type of safari package, level of comfort, and whether it is a group or private experience. Group night drives are usually more affordable, starting around USD 80–150 per person, while private night safaris with exclusive use of a 4×4 vehicle and professional guide can cost between USD 150–300 per person or more. Luxury packages that include accommodation in nearby lodges or tented camps, park fees, and additional services may reach USD 300–600+ per person.
The price is influenced by factors such as park entry fees, special night driving permits, vehicle type, and group size. Smaller private tours offer more flexibility and personalized wildlife viewing, while group tours reduce the overall cost.
Overall, a night game drive in Tarangire is considered a unique and moderately priced safari experience, offering excellent value for travelers who want to explore the park’s nocturnal wildlife and enjoy a different side of Tanzania’s wilderness after sunset.
Night game drive in Tarangire National Park
4×4 safari vehicle with spotlight
Professional English-speaking safari guide
Park entry fees (if included in package)
Bottled drinking water
Government taxes and conservation fees
International and domestic flights
Tanzania visa fees
Accommodation (unless part of package)
Personal expenses
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Tips and gratuities
Travel insurance
Optional activities not mentioned
Why Choose Night Game Drive in Tarangire
This experience is special because it allows you to explore the hidden nightlife of the African wilderness. Most safari animals behave differently at night, giving you a rare chance to see predators in action and nocturnal species that are not visible during daytime game drives.
It is ideal for adventure seekers, photographers, and repeat safari travelers who want something unique beyond standard daytime safaris.
Best Time for Night Game Drive in Tarangire National Park
The best time to enjoy a night game drive in Tarangire National Park is during the dry season from June to October, when wildlife is concentrated around water sources and nocturnal activity is at its highest.
During this period, predators such as lions and leopards are more active at night, increasing your chances of witnessing hunting behavior. Animals like hyenas, genets, civets, porcupines, and bush babies are also easier to spot due to clear visibility and dry vegetation.
Another good period is December to February, when the weather is warm and clear, offering comfortable night driving conditions and good wildlife sightings.
The green season from March to May is less ideal because heavy rains can make some tracks muddy and reduce visibility, although the park is very green and scenic during this time.
