From St Lucia: Isimangaliso Wetland Park Night Drive Safari

Exploring the wonders of South Africa’s iSimangaliso Wetland Park after dark is an unforgettable experience. Departing from the nearby town of St Lucia, this intimate night drive safari immerses guests in the park’s diverse nocturnal wildlife. With expert guides leading the way, visitors can expect to encounter elusive creatures like bush babies and leopards, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the starry sky. But the true thrill lies in the anticipation – what secrets will the wetland park reveal under the cover of night?

Good To Know

• Explore the iSimangaliso Wetland Park at night on a 3-hour guided safari, departing between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM from St Lucia.
• Spot elusive nocturnal wildlife like bush babies, aardvarks, and Africa’s Big Five using powerful spotlights in a small group setting.
• Enjoy an unobstructed view of the night sky, including the Milky Way, during the captivating safari experience.
• Pricing starts at Kč683 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and hotel transfers included.
• Prepare for the safari by dressing in warm layers, bringing a flashlight, and applying insect repellent for an enjoyable experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

The night drive safari in the renowned iSimangaliso Wetland Park offers a thrilling opportunity to explore the park’s nocturnal wonders.

The 3-hour experience departs from participants’ accommodations between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM, providing a small-group setting limited to 10 people.

A live English-speaking guide leads the safari, which features specially equipped vehicles with spotlights for optimal wildlife viewing.

Guests can expect to potentially spot a variety of nocturnal species, including bush babies, aardvarks, and even the elusive leopard.

With the chance to see Africa’s Big Five at night and enjoy the starry sky, this safari promises an unforgettable adventure.

Pricing and Booking

Given the popularity of this night drive safari, it’s likely to sell out quickly.

Prices start from Kč683 per person for this 3-hour excursion. A reserve now & pay later option is available, and guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The small group experience is limited to 10 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized safari.

All conservation fees, hotel pickup and drop-off, the professional guide, and gratuities are included in the price, making it a great value for money according to previous customer reviews.

Wildlife Sightings

One of the main draws of this night drive safari is the opportunity to spot a variety of nocturnal species. The vehicle is equipped with powerful spotlights, allowing guests to search for elusive creatures like bush babies, aardvarks, and the majestic leopard.

Some of the highlights reported by previous participants include:

1. Sightings of playful bush babies, with their large eyes and agile movements.
2. Glimpses of the stealthy serval, a medium-sized cat known for its long legs and exceptional hunting skills.
3. Observations of sleeping kingfishers, their vibrant colors contrasting against the dark night.
4. The chance to witness Africa’s iconic Big Five game species after the sun goes down.

Night Sky Experience

Aside from the wildlife sightings, the night drive safari offers an enchanting opportunity to take in the captivating night sky.

As the vehicle traverses through the park, guests can gaze up at the canopy of stars above, marveling at the constellations and celestial wonders.

The lack of light pollution in the remote wilderness provides an unparalleled view of the Milky Way, allowing visitors to truly appreciate the beauty and vastness of the cosmos.

Whether it’s spotting shooting stars or identifying prominent star clusters, the night sky experience complements the thrill of encountering nocturnal animals, creating an unforgettable safari adventure.

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Inclusions and Amenities

The night drive safari includes a comprehensive set of amenities and services to enhance the overall experience.

Key inclusions are:

1. All conservation fees are covered, so guests don’t have to worry about additional costs.
2. Complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off ensure a hassle-free start and end to the adventure.
3. A professional guide is provided to share their expertise and knowledge throughout the safari.
4. Gratuities are included, allowing guests to fully enjoy the experience without worrying about tipping.

These inclusions demonstrate the tour operator’s commitment to providing a well-rounded and stress-free night drive experience for guests in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

Customer Feedback Highlights

Guests consistently praise the night drive safari in iSimangaliso Wetland Park, awarding it an impressive overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 25 reviews.

Highlights included sightings of rare nocturnal creatures like bushbabies and serval, as well as sleeping kingfishers. Guests were highly satisfied with the transportation, rating it 4.9 out of 5, and the overall value for money at 4.7 out of 5.

Though weather conditions posed some challenges, the safari still provided positive experiences for visitors. The night sky and constellations also added to the memorable encounter in this unique South African wetland park.

Preparing for the Safari

Before embarking on the night drive safari, guests should prepare themselves for the excursion.

Some key tips to keep in mind:

1. Dress appropriately in warm, comfortable layers as temperatures can drop significantly at night.

2. Bring a flashlight or headlamp to navigate during the safari.

3. Apply insect repellent to ward off mosquitoes and other bugs.

4. Bring a camera or binoculars to capture the nocturnal wildlife and beautiful night sky.

Exploring the Wetland Park

Embarking on the nighttime safari, visitors enjoy the captivating landscape of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

The small group experience, limited to 10 participants, offers the opportunity to spot a variety of nocturnal species. Equipped with spotlights, the vehicles traverse the park, allowing guests to search for bush babies, aardvarks, and the elusive leopard.

The chance to witness Africa’s Big Five at night adds to the thrill of the adventure.

Complementing the wildlife sightings, the tour also provides the chance to enjoy the night sky and constellations, creating a multifaceted experience in the heart of the wetland wilderness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Reschedule?

The tour operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, so customers can easily reschedule if needed without penalty.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Night Safari?

The night safari has no age restrictions, but it may not be suitable for very young children. The experience is open to participants of all ages, though parental discretion is advised for those under 8 years old.

Can I Bring My Own Camera Equipment on the Safari?

Guests are welcome to bring their own camera equipment on the night safari. The vehicles are equipped to provide optimal viewing and photography opportunities to capture the diverse nocturnal wildlife.

Will There Be Any Opportunities to Get Out of the Vehicle?

The night drive safari experience is designed to be entirely vehicle-based. Guests won’t have any opportunities to exit the vehicle during the tour. The focus is on spotting nocturnal wildlife from the safety and comfort of the safari vehicle.

How Likely Are We to See the Big Five During the Night Drive?

The chances of seeing the Big Five during the night drive are reasonably good, as the tour is designed to target nocturnal species. However, wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, as they depend on various factors.

The Sum Up

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park Night Drive Safari from St Lucia offers a unique opportunity to witness the park’s diverse nocturnal wildlife. With expert guidance, powerful spotlights, and a stunning night sky, this intimate three-hour experience allows visitors to explore the hidden wonders of this remarkable ecosystem. Whether you’re hoping to spot the elusive Big Five or simply learn about the tranquility of the African wilderness, this safari is a must-do adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: