SANParks.org Forums

We went on a late night drive at Tamboti about three weeks ago. The guide picked us up at Tamboti at 20:30 and we were back at 22:45. I also prefer the later drives. Gives you chance to braai before going on the drive. Also during the first hour of the sunset drive, the gates are normally still open for other vehicles which I dont' prefer, people rushing to camp etc.

On this Tamboti drive we saw a pack of 16+ wild dogs in the road, hyena, jackal, white tailed mongoose, genet, bushbabies etc. The only negative thing was that the guide seemed to have rushed the drive. We were driving very fast, passing by a few sightings of eyes because by the time you alert the guide that you saw something you are already almost half a kilometre pass.

Still an awesome drive. I phoned Orpen directly to book for the drive.

If you prefer a Night, morning or Sunsetdrive it is always an Individual oppinion. I would prefer a Nightdrive, mainly in the midle of Kruger z.B. Shingwedzi, Letaba. And the Northern Part like Punda Maria.

Maybe a nice Idea, plaese check it out. That is called a bushbraai. You will go out wioth a Ranger nad have a braai in the Bush. No Fence! my Parens are going to do it in August. think about it.

Personally I would do one from Malelane, mainly because they would tend to use the smaller trucks, which gives a more intimate experience.

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

Well, you'll have enough time to do all three kinds.
Yes, you should really, even to form your own opinion.
On the night drive bring the camera that goes to at least ISO 1600 without too much trouble and a shortish lens.
If you don't have that rather sit back and relax, it is really dark!
You should see plenty animals that you will not see during normal times.
I would do this one at Punda, we saw Suni (!) in December on the drive.

The early and late drives.
Start or finish of the night animals, plenty photos possible.
The rule is in place: Be @ the right place, @ the right time....

Hi Ralph and Lenny,

on our recent trip we did sunset drives at Lower Sabie, Satara, Letaba und Punda Maria and all were fantastic.
I liked them very much as we saw both diurnal and nocturnal animals.

As mentioned before - sunset drives and morning walks is a very good combination.

Many regards,

Andreas

I´ve just worked myself through all those helpful replies! Some great advice regarding activities in Kruger NP!

One more question regarding spotlights on sunset/night game drives: How many spotlights are there in the truck and am I allowed to take my own with me?

Safarigirl

It Varies between the different vehicles, the 10 seaters have 2 spotlights, I havent been on a bigger vehicle for a while but I think they have 3 or 4 spotlights.

You are free to bring your own torch if you would like from my experiences

Get to the drive start point early, other do.
You then have the choice of seats.
I usually sit next to a 'window' if I can.
Take binos, they help with distant sightings
Dress warmly, it can get very cold as the still air hits you, as the vehicle moves along.
Don't expect the boring 'big 5', but prepare for nocturnal animals and birds.
Otherwise you might get a stunning sighting, like a serval or civet, and not realize it.
Don't be shy.
Ask your guide any questions.
The others will benefit from the answers as well. They were too shy to ask.
Good luck - that is really what a night ride is about!

Hello Joubie

The sunset drive usually starts an hour before sunset and last for about 3 hours. The night drive is for 2 hours and starts from 20:00, depending on the camp.

I would also choose the sunset drive, it's more magical with the sun setting and we usually see preditors getting active just as the sun is setting. I haven't been on a drive in Talamati, but on a few drives in Satara, and you will not regret it.

Enjoy your trip

Hi Everybody
Thanks you so much for all your replies. Vinkie I had no idea that we could book in advance, one of the reasons we never got to go on a drive was because everytime we wanted to book they were full.
We are leaving tomorrow
I'm going to try book a drive today!

I really Enjoy drives from Berg en dal as there is always quite a bit of predator activty around the camp, and Raymond, Texan and Stanley are awesome guides.

The reason Crocodile Bridge would have been more expensive would have been if you are coming from outside the Park as they add conservation fee's onto the drive price

Good day All-

Are there tour operators in the park that do single day and/or night safaris? I am interested only in the guided tour - NO package - I do NOT need accommodation, food etc. I can not seem to find any info on this. I am assuming this must exist and that reservations would be a good idea. If you know of a day/night guide company or how I can look further into this I would appreciate your reply.

Thank you!
essie

Hi Essie,

As far as I know, no other tour operators are allowed to conduct any activities after gate closing hours except the sunset and night drives/Wildernis trails etc done by Sanparks themselves.
There are many operators that do full/half day drives but they would be restricted to the normal tourist roads, rules and regulations of the park.

Hi guys

Is there much difference between a sunset and a night drive. I see only a few camps list night drives. I really like the idea of a night drive with chances of bush babies, owls, genets, springhares ...

This may sound daft but is it better to go on a night drive for the night animals? It says the sunset drive stays out after dark, does this mean that I have as much chance on a sunset drive as a night drive but with the added chance of other animals before dark. Or would I be better on the night drive, is it more specialist, is it longer than the night part of a sunset drive, do they go to areas better for night animals.

Thanks mites

The sunset drive is usually a bit longer than the night drive. and its great to watch the sun go down in the bush .
You will see as many night animals on the sunset drive ( in the dark part) as you would see on a night drive. they use the same roads but not always a set route as they go to where they feel the best game is .