While often sighted during the day, major predators such Lion, Spotted Hyena and Leopard are mostly on the prowl at night, aiming to use the cover of darkness to their advantage. They are not the only ones. Smaller predators such as the elusive African Wildcat, the Serval and the African Civet are special creatures of the night, as are the Large- and Small-spotted Genets, and the Black-backed and Side-striped Jackals.
Under the moon and starlight, it’s also time for the Porcupine, Honey Badger, Aardwolf and the Aardvark to begin their solitary foraging. Others live in families and groups, and as the night settles in, they too emerge – Lesser and Thick-tailed Bushbabies leave their nests high in big trees to look for insects, tree gum, fruits and seeds. On the ground, the bushveld is dotted with Scrub Hares and Springhares, which are actually rodents with a kangaroo-like jump.
Venturing into the Kruger on a SanParks night game drive is a prime noctourism experience giving you a rare and completely different perspective on what it is to be immersed in the wilds of Africa. Amongst the shadows, there’s a magical cast of characters going about their lives. There’s a deeper silence that is broken every now and then by stranger sounds – the mournful cries of fiery-necked nightjars and evocative hoots of Spotted Eagle Owls, the eerie shrieks of jackals and cackling whoops of Spotted Hyenas. And it’s not uncommon to hear the powerful roaring of Lions shattering the stillness of the night – an unmistakable, primal sound that can carry from kilometres away. Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or a first timer, a night safari in the Kruger will unlock new and unforgettable mysteries.