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Arusha - Tanzania

Are Night Game Drives Allowed in Tanzania? [2025 Safari Guide]

Night game drives in Tanzania offer a completely different safari experience compared to traditional daytime drives. When the sun sets, the wilderness transforms, and many nocturnal animals that are rarely seen during the day become active.

However, not all national parks in Tanzania allow night game drives. While some reserves permit them, others — like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater — have strict regulations prohibiting night safaris to protect wildlife and maintain park safety.

12 day Tanzania premium lodge safari

1. Are Night Game Drives Legal in Tanzania?

The short answer is yes, but only in specific parks and private concessions.

  • Allowed: In selected parks, private reserves, and wildlife management areas where the authorities have issued special permits.

  • Not Allowed: In Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater floor due to strict conservation policies.

If you want to experience a night safari, you’ll need to choose your destinations carefully and book through operators authorized to conduct them.


2. Best Places in Tanzania for Night Game Drives

A. Tarangire National Park (Highly Recommended)

  • Why It’s Perfect:

    • Offers exceptional night safari experiences.

    • Famous for its large elephant herds, predators, and nocturnal animals.

  • Best Time: June to October (dry season).


B. Lake Manyara National Park

  • Unique Offering:

    • One of the few national parks in Tanzania where night drives are officially permitted.

    • Spot tree-climbing lions, leopards, porcupines, genets, and bush babies.

  • Best Time: June to October for better visibility and predator activity.


C. Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park)

  • Why It Stands Out:

    • Located in southern Tanzania, this vast reserve is ideal for night drives.

    • Offers a chance to see rare nocturnal species like aardvarks and civets.

  • Best Time: June to October when roads are dry and wildlife congregates around water sources.


D. Ruaha National Park

  • Perfect For:

    • Remote, wild experiences with fewer crowds.

    • Spot lions hunting at night, leopards stalking prey, and hyenas scavenging.

  • Best Time: July to October.

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