Night game drives are a unique and thrilling way to experience the Masai Mara’s wildlife, offering a chance to observe nocturnal animals and the ecosystem after dark. Although night drives are not permitted in the Masai Mara National Reserve, neighboring conservancies offer this exciting activity from 7 pm to around 9-10 pm. Here’s everything you need to know about night game drives with MasaiMara.ke which are different from regular daytime game drives in Masai Mara.
What to Expect on a Night Game Drive
- Duration: Night game drives typically last between 2 to 3 hours, depending on the conservancy and your location.
- Unique Wildlife Sightings: At night, the Masai Mara’s wildlife behaves differently, and you’ll get to see animals that are usually hidden during the day.
Here are some of the notable nocturnal animals you may encounter:
- Aardvark – This elusive, insect-eating mammal is often spotted foraging for ants and termites at night.
- Leopards – Known for their stealth, leopards are more active under the cover of darkness and can be seen hunting or resting in trees.
- Hippos – Although they spend most of the day in water, hippos leave the rivers at night to graze on grasslands.
- Bat-Eared Fox – These small, insectivorous foxes with distinctive large ears are active at night, hunting for termites and small prey.
- Silver-Backed Jackal – A scavenger and hunter, the silver-backed jackal roams the savannah at night looking for food.
- Honey Badger – Fearless and tough, honey badgers are nocturnal creatures known for their fierce hunting tactics.
- Striped Hyena – Often seen scavenging, the striped hyena is a more solitary relative of the spotted hyena, and its nocturnal nature makes it a rare sight.
- Banded Mongoose – These social mammals are active at night, foraging in groups for insects and small vertebrates.
- Bush Baby – A small primate with large eyes, the bush baby leaps between trees and is often spotted due to its distinctive calls.
- Bush Pig – These wild pigs are mostly nocturnal and forage for roots, tubers, and small animals under the cover of night.
- Caracal – This medium-sized cat with tufted ears is a skilled hunter, often spotted hunting small mammals and birds at night.
- Genet Cat – Known for their agility, genet cats are excellent climbers and often seen at night hunting for rodents and birds.
- Cape Hare – These fast-moving hares are nocturnal grazers and can be seen darting across open plains.
- Porcupine – Large, quill-covered rodents that forage for roots, bark, and fruit during the night.
- Civet Cats – Civets are small, nocturnal carnivores with a distinctive musky scent, often spotted near waterholes or foraging on the forest floor.
- Aardwolf – A relative of the hyena, the aardwolf feeds primarily on termites and is often seen prowling at night.
- Owl – Several species of owls, including the spotted eagle-owl and barn owl, can be seen hunting during night game drives, their calls echoing across the savannah.
Land Cruisers for Night Game Drives in the Mara
For safety reasons, only closed-sided Land Cruisers are permitted for night game drives by the Conservancies. This is because closed-sided vehicles provide greater protection from wildlife encounters in the dark, particularly in situations where visibility is limited, and animals can approach vehicles unexpectedly.
The closed sides ensure that passengers remain secure and shielded from potential hazards, such as curious or predatory animals that may venture close to the vehicle during the night. Additionally, the closed design helps maintain a controlled environment inside the vehicle, keeping passengers comfortable in cooler nighttime temperatures while also reducing noise and light disturbances that could affect the wildlife around them.
Cost of Night Game Drives
- Vehicle Rental Cost: Renting a MasaiMara.ke Safari Land Cruiser for a night game drive costs $120 for the entire experience, whether it lasts 2 or 3 hours.
- Conservancy Entry Fees: In addition to the vehicle rental, guests must pay entry fees to the conservancies. These range from $60 to $120 per person, depending on the specific conservancy and its policies.
Pickup and Drop-off Details
- Pickup at Accommodation: To make the experience seamless, MasaiMara.ke provides pickup and drop-off services. Your driver-guide will collect you directly from your accommodation or camp in the Mara and take you on the night game drive.
- Custom Arrangements: If needed, custom pickup and drop-off arrangements can be made for specific locations, ensuring flexibility for your convenience.
Safety and Comfort
- Our Land Cruisers are equipped with safety features, including seat belts and roll cages, and come with an experienced driver-guide trained in nighttime driving and wildlife spotting.
- Blankets and refreshments are provided to ensure comfort during the cooler evening hours.
Important Note on Night Game Drives and Conservancy Regulations
While night game drives are an exciting way to experience wildlife in the Masai Mara, it’s essential to note that some conservancies require guests to stay in their accommodations in order to participate in game drives within their boundaries. This policy ensures that tourism in the conservancies remains sustainable and that the land and wildlife are managed responsibly.
Here are a few examples of accommodations that offer night game drives in specific conservancies:
1. Porini Lion Camp (Olare Motorogi Conservancy)
- Located within Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Porini Lion Camp offers both daytime and night game drives. Staying at this camp allows you to explore the conservancy, known for its large lion population, during the quieter nighttime hours.
2. Asilia Africa (Naboisho Conservancy)
- Asilia Africa operates Naboisho Camp and Encounter Mara, both located in Naboisho Conservancy, which allows night drives. Guests staying at these camps can enjoy exclusive access to this lesser-known, more private conservancy, where night game drives are a highlight.
3. Elephant Pepper Camp (Mara North Conservancy)
- Located in Mara North Conservancy, Elephant Pepper Camp is known for offering night game drives as part of its safari activities. The conservancy is home to a wide range of wildlife, and night drives offer the chance to see nocturnal animals in action.
4. Kicheche Bush Camp (Olare Motorogi Conservancy)
- Kicheche Bush Camp, also located within Olare Motorogi Conservancy, provides night game drives in addition to its daytime safaris. This camp offers a more intimate experience, with night drives providing a rare chance to observe predators as they hunt.
5. Mara Bush Houses (Mara North Conservancy)
- Mara Bush Houses (Acacia, Mara, and Topi houses) are located within Mara North Conservancy and offer exclusive night game drives for guests staying in these accommodations. The drives provide a great opportunity to spot elusive nocturnal animals.
6. Saruni Mara (Mara North Conservancy)
- Saruni Mara is another option in Mara North Conservancy that includes night game drives in its offerings. Staying at this lodge gives you access to guided safaris in one of the quieter, more private areas of the Mara ecosystem.
These accommodations ensure that guests not only enjoy night game drives but also support the conservancies’ efforts to maintain a balance between tourism and wildlife conservation. When booking, ensure you’re staying in an accommodation that allows access to night game drives within the conservancy of your choice.
Rules of Masai Mara Night Game Drives
Here are some key rules to follow during night game drives in the Masai Mara and its surrounding conservancies:
- Respect Wildlife: Always maintain a respectful distance from animals. Nighttime is when many species are hunting or resting, so avoid disturbing their natural behavior by keeping noise and lights to a minimum.
- Use of Spotlights: Guides must use spotlights responsibly. They should avoid shining lights directly into the eyes of animals, especially nocturnal hunters like lions, leopards, and hyenas, to prevent disorientation.
- Stay on Designated Tracks: Even at night, vehicles should stick to designated paths and roads. Off-road driving can damage the fragile ecosystem and disturb nocturnal animals.
- Limited Vehicle Speed: Drive slowly to avoid startling wildlife and to increase the chances of spotting nocturnal creatures.
- No Loud Noises: Conversations should be kept at a whisper, and loud noises avoided to maintain the tranquil environment of the bush and prevent scaring away animals.
- No Flash Photography: The use of flash photography is discouraged as it can disturb animals, particularly those that are sensitive to sudden bright lights.
- Time Restrictions: Night drives are typically allowed between 7 pm and 10 pm in most conservancies. Strict adherence to these time limits helps minimize the human impact on wildlife behavior.
- Use Eco-Friendly Vehicles: Whenever possible, use vehicles that minimize environmental impact, including those that are quieter and reduce emissions.
- Follow Guide Instructions: Always listen to your guide, as they are experienced in managing night drives and are familiar with the animals’ behaviors and park rules.
Why Choose Night Game Drives?
- Unique Experience: Night game drives offer a completely different perspective of the Masai Mara’s wildlife. Watching nocturnal animals hunt or move under the cover of darkness is an unforgettable experience.
- Expert Guides: With MasaiMara.ke, you’ll be guided by experienced Maasai guides who know how to navigate the conservancies and spot animals effectively using spotlights, ensuring you have the best chance of seeing wildlife in their natural nighttime habitat.
Book your night game drive with MasaiMara.ke and enjoy a rare opportunity to witness the magic of the African wilderness under the stars. Whether you’re looking for big cat sightings or simply want to experience the nocturnal sounds and sights of the Masai Mara, this is an adventure you won’t want to miss!
Some really nice and useful info on this site, besides I believe the style holds great features.
Thank you, I have just been searching for information about this topic for a while and yours is the best I’ve discovered so far. But, what in regards to the conclusion? Are you certain concerning the supply?
I’d have to examine with you here. Which is not one thing I usually do! I take pleasure in reading a post that may make folks think. Additionally, thanks for permitting me to comment!
I think this internet site contains some rattling wonderful info for everyone :D. “This is an age in which one cannot find common sense without a search warrant.” by George Will.
Nice post. I be taught one thing tougher on completely different blogs everyday. It will all the time be stimulating to read content from different writers and practice a little one thing from their store. I’d choose to make use of some with the content on my blog whether or not you don’t mind. Natually I’ll offer you a hyperlink in your internet blog. Thanks for sharing.
Fantastic website. Plenty of helpful info here. I am sending it to a few buddies ans also sharing in delicious. And naturally, thanks in your sweat!
Absolutely indited written content, Really enjoyed studying.
Saved as a favorite, I really like your blog!
I am often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has really peaks my interest. I am going to bookmark your site and keep checking for new information.
I’m really enjoying the theme/design of your site. Do you ever run into any internet browser compatibility issues? A couple of my blog visitors have complained about my website not operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in Safari. Do you have any solutions to help fix this problem?
I have been surfing online greater than three hours today, yet I by no means discovered any interesting article like yours. It is lovely value enough for me. In my opinion, if all webmasters and bloggers made good content as you probably did, the web shall be a lot more useful than ever before.
It’s laborious to seek out educated individuals on this subject, however you sound like you realize what you’re talking about! Thanks
Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.
Howdy just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you know a few of the images aren’t loading correctly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different web browsers and both show the same results.
When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get four e-mails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove people from that service? Appreciate it!
I have been exploring for a little bit for any high quality articles or blog posts in this kind of area . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this site. Studying this info So i am glad to exhibit that I have an incredibly good uncanny feeling I found out exactly what I needed. I so much for sure will make certain to do not overlook this website and provides it a look regularly.
I like the valuable info you provide in your articles. I’ll bookmark your weblog and check again here frequently. I’m quite sure I’ll learn lots of new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!
I was wondering if you ever thought of changing the layout of your site? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or 2 images. Maybe you could space it out better?
I have not checked in here for some time since I thought it was getting boring, but the last several posts are great quality so I guess I?¦ll add you back to my everyday bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂
I wish to express my gratitude for your kind-heartedness for men and women that really need guidance on the issue. Your real commitment to passing the solution across became really effective and has constantly made girls much like me to reach their ambitions. Your entire warm and friendly guidelines signifies a great deal to me and somewhat more to my mates. Best wishes; from each one of us.
You should take part in a contest for one of the best blogs on the web. I will recommend this site!
Thank you for some other informative blog. The place else may I get that type of information written in such a perfect means? I’ve a project that I am simply now running on, and I have been at the look out for such information.
As I site possessor I believe the content matter here is rattling magnificent , appreciate it for your hard work. You should keep it up forever! Best of luck.
Hello there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it’s really informative. I’m gonna watch out for brussels. I will appreciate if you continue this in future. A lot of people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!
Very clear web site, appreciate it for this post.
It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d definitely donate to this superb blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to fresh updates and will share this site with my Facebook group. Talk soon!
I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get got an nervousness over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come more formerly again as exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike.
Great site. Plenty of useful information here. I am sending it to several pals ans additionally sharing in delicious. And obviously, thank you on your sweat!
Hi there, simply become alert to your weblog thru Google, and found that it’s really informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful should you proceed this in future. Many people will probably be benefited out of your writing. Cheers!
I discovered your blog web site on google and test just a few of your early posts. Proceed to maintain up the excellent operate. I simply additional up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Looking for ahead to studying more from you afterward!…
I truly appreciate this post. I’ve been looking everywhere for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thanks again
It’s the best time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I want to suggest you some interesting things or advice. Maybe you could write next articles referring to this article. I want to read more things about it!
Hello. magnificent job. I did not expect this. This is a great story. Thanks!
you are really a good webmaster. The website loading speed is amazing. It seems that you’re doing any unique trick. In addition, The contents are masterpiece. you’ve done a great job on this topic!
Normally I do not read post on blogs, however I wish to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do so! Your writing taste has been amazed me. Thank you, quite nice article.
I like what you guys are up also. Such clever work and reporting! Carry on the excellent works guys I have incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it will improve the value of my website :).
you are truly a just right webmaster. The website loading velocity is amazing. It kind of feels that you are doing any distinctive trick. Furthermore, The contents are masterwork. you have performed a fantastic process on this matter!
You really make it seem really easy together with your presentation however I find this topic to be actually something which I think I would by no means understand. It sort of feels too complicated and very broad for me. I am having a look ahead on your subsequent put up, I will attempt to get the hang of it!
I got what you intend, appreciate it for posting.Woh I am pleased to find this website through google.
Really nice layout and great content, nothing else we need : D.
Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!
I like what you guys are up also. Such clever work and reporting! Carry on the superb works guys I have incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it will improve the value of my site 🙂
There’s noticeably a bundle to learn about this. I assume you made certain good points in options also.
I was recommended this web site by way of my cousin. I’m not positive whether or not this put up is written via him as nobody else recognize such special approximately my difficulty. You’re amazing! Thank you!
I just couldn’t depart your site before suggesting that I actually enjoyed the standard info a person provide for your visitors? Is gonna be back often to check up on new posts
I dugg some of you post as I cerebrated they were handy invaluable
I do love the manner in which you have presented this particular difficulty plus it does indeed present me personally some fodder for consideration. However, from what I have witnessed, I simply trust when other feedback stack on that people remain on issue and don’t start on a soap box regarding some other news du jour. Still, thank you for this outstanding piece and although I do not really go along with this in totality, I respect the point of view.
I am glad to be a visitor of this complete website! , thankyou for this rare information! .
On this website, you can easily access the most recent fashion news.
They cover everything from catwalk highlights to designer interviews.
The content is regularly updated, so you will always know what’s hot in the fashion world.
Whether you’re interested in style inspiration or want to stay informed, this site is definitely worth checking out.
Stay ahead with fashion trends in no time!
https://deepsubjects.net/showthread.php?tid=1581
Я боялся, что навсегда утратил свои биткоины, но специальный сервис позволил мне их восстановить.
Изначально я сомневался, что что-то получится, но простой процесс удивил меня.
Благодаря специальным технологиям, платформа восстановила утерянные данные.
Буквально за короткое время я смог вернуть свои BTC.
Инструмент оказался надежным, и я советую его тем, кто утратил доступ к своим криптоактивам.
https://www.akademiahomeopatie.sk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=49&t=107375
Hey there I am so thrilled I found your blog, I really found you by mistake, while I was researching on Askjeeve for something else, Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to say many thanks for a marvelous post and a all round interesting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to browse it all at the minute but I have saved it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a great deal more, Please do keep up the fantastic job.
Hi therе! Do you know if they make any pⅼugins to safeguɑrd against hackers?
I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve workeⅾ hard on. Any recommendations?