night safari can walk

Night Safari Singapore: Our Reviews & How We Get There

In our Night Safari Singapore reviews, my wife and I share our personal experiences from our visit to the zoo, detailing what we enjoyed and what we didn’t.

Plus, I’ll guide you on how to get to Night Safari Singapore using MRT and bus , making your trip smooth and straightforward.

For me, this zoo is a top night activity in Singapore for its unique glimpse into the nocturnal animal world.

Let me share more about this zoo and the things you should take note before visiting. Let’s get started! 😊

What is Night Safari Singapore

Our night safari singapore reviews and impressions, safari ticket savings strategy, best time to visit night safari, night safari singapore map, catch the night safari tram ride early: a must-do experience, guide to walking trails, reserve early for show timings, dining option, photography tips, my suggested itinerary.

• By MRT and Mandai Khatib Shuttle

Comparisons with Daytime Zoo Experiences

Related posts.

Night Safari Singapore is the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park . Housing over 900 animals from approximately 100 species , it offers two main experiences : a tram ride or a walking trail .

On the tram, you can see a variety of animals like Malayan tigers and White African lions, each in their element under the cloak of night.

If you choose to walk, expect close encounters with creatures like sloth bears and Asian otters.

The journey is made even more memorable with captivating animal show, where the nocturnal talents of these creatures are displayed, adding an extra layer of wonder to your visit.

Time We Visit:

We visited the Night Safari Singapore during the earliest time slot at 7:15 PM. I highly recommend doing the same because you get to see the animals in much better light.

Our Tram Ride Journey:

We began our adventure with the tram ride. It’s a great way to get up close with the animals, although taking good photographs from the moving tram can be a bit challenging.

Animal Show Experience:

After the tram ride, I recommend checking out the Creatures of the Night show at 8:30 PM. It’s not only entertaining but also really informative, giving you a fascinating glimpse into the world of nocturnal animals.

Walking Trails Feedback:

Finally, we explored the four walking trails. It’s a chance to see different species of animals, many of them are active at night.

While some animals are easily visible, others are harder to spot. It requires a bit of patience, but taking your time to observe the animals is definitely worth it.

How Much Time We Allocated for the Park Visit:

We spent around 3 hours exploring the park, and it was time well spent.

There’s so much to see and experience, so I recommend setting aside at least this much time to fully enjoy the Night Safari.

Overall Experience:

We thoroughly enjoyed the Night Safari Singapore as a unique zoo experience. It’s a fantastic place to spend an evening, and adding it to our Singapore 5-day itinerary was a choice I’m happy about.

Also, a useful tip: don’t forget to bring a water bottle. You can refill it at the free water dispensers near the washrooms, which is both convenient and eco-friendly.

Thing We Didn’t Like:

There are some mosquitoes at the Night Safari, so I highly recommend bringing mosquito repellent. This small preparation can make your experience much more comfortable.

When you buy tickets at the Night Safari’s on-site counter, the regular prices are SGD $55 for adults and SGD $38 for children aged 3 to 12.

But here’s a tip: book the Night Safari tickets online here to enjoy special pricing. We did this and it was a smooth process.

You’ll receive e-tickets in your email, which you can simply show on your phone for a convenient and easy park entry.

For the best experience at the Night Safari Singapore , aim for the earliest admission time at 7:15 PM .

Going early helps you see the animals more clearly, as it’s less dark. This also gives you plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed.

Additionally, more animals are active during this time , increasing your chances of seeing high-energy animals in action.

The park is open from 7.15 PM until midnight, with the last entry at 11:15 PM.

Entry Time Slots: 7:15 PM, 7:45 PM, 8:15 PM, 8:45 PM, 9:15 PM & 9:45 PM

To effortlessly navigate Night Safari, I suggest downloading the zoo map here . This will make it easier for you to explore the park using just your smartphone.

It’s not advisable that you use a hardcopy map because it can be very hard to see and read it at night.

To make the most of your visit, I suggest having dinner early and lining up at the entry gate by 6:30 PM . This lets you catch the earliest tram ride at Night Safari and cut down on waiting times .

While it’s tough to take good photographs from the moving tram, the upside is that you can fully immerse yourself in observing and enjoying the animals. It’s a unique opportunity to see them up close without distractions.

The Night Safari Singapore offers 4 walking trails that allow you to see the animals up-close . These are Leopard Trail , Fishing Cat Trail , East Lodge Trail , and Tasmanian Devil Trail .

Each trail comes with a variety of animals. So, you just have to pick the trail that you are interested in.

1. Leopard Trail

The Leopard Trail lets you see nocturnal animals in action. You’ll spot popular cats like Sri Lankan leopards, clouded leopards, golden cats, civets, and lions.

But it’s not just about cats; as you walk further, you’ll also encounter porcupines, eagle owls, giant flying squirrels, and fruit bats.

2. Fishing Cat Trail

On the Fishing Cat Trail, you’ll find predators like striped hyenas and fishing cats. These animals are highly alert and strategic in hunting their prey. Keep your eyes open to catch their impressive moves.

Besides these, you’ll also see binturongs, pangolins, Asian otters, and more!

3. East Lodge Trail

The East Lodge Trail blends African and Asian wildlife, showcasing animals from both tropical and grassland environments.

Here, you’ll find Malayan Tigers, serval cats, sloth bears, and spotted hyenas.

Also, keep an eye out for unique species like babirusas, anoas, and bongos. If these animals fascinate you, this trail is a must-visit.

4. Tasmanian Devil Trail

The Tasmanian Devil Trail offers a unique chance to see wallabies, often with babies in their pouches.

This area, focusing on wildlife from Australia, New Guinea, and New Zealand, features charming animals like sugar gliders, barn owls, and possums.

You can also spot the impressive white-lipped python here.

To fully enjoy your Night Safari experience, don’t miss the “Creatures of the Night” show at the Night Safari Amphitheatre.

The show runs at 7:30 PM, 8:30 PM, and 9:30 PM. On Fridays to Sundays, there’s an additional show at 10:15 PM.

This show puts a spotlight on some amazingly talented animals. You’ll be entertained by owls, civets, and fennec foxes, each showcasing their adorable antics.

Remember, you can only book seats 2 hours before each presentation. So, it’s crucial to plan ahead and reserve early to ensure you get a spot.

You can enjoy dinner at Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant , located right next to the Night Safari entrance .

Designed in a rustic village style , the restaurant serves a variety of dishes, ranging from local specialties to international cuisine .

It’s an ideal spot for a quick snack or a leisurely meal, surrounded by the sounds of nocturnal wildlife.

When visiting Night Safari Singapore, it’s crucial to remember that flash photography is not allowed . This is to protect the animals, as bright flashes can startle and disturb them.

For night photography, here are some tips:

• Use a High ISO Setting: This helps your camera capture more light, making it easier to photograph in low-light conditions.
• Experiment with Exposure: Longer exposure can capture more details but requires a steady hand or support.
• Be Patient: Night photography requires time and patience. Wait for the right moment to capture the animals in their natural behavior.

For a better and more convenient trip to Night Safari, check out my recommended itinerary below. It’s designed to help you fully experience and enjoy every moment of your visit.

• 6:30 PM – Queue up at the entry gate of Night Safari
• 7:15 PM – Enter Night Safari and hop on the tram ride
• 8:30 PM – Watch Creatures of the Night show (25 Minutes Show)
• 9:00 PM – Stroll along Fishing Cat Trail, Leopard Trail, East Lodge Trail and Tasmanian Devil Trail

How to Get to Night Safari Singapore

Even if there’s no MRT station that takes you directly to Night Safari Singapore, no need to worry! You can easily reach the place from the MRT station then by bus.

1. By MRT and Mandai Khatib Shuttle

The best way to go to Night Safari is by MRT and Mandai Khatib Shuttle especially for first-time visitors.

Take the MRT to Khatib Station , then head for Exit A to board the Mandai Khatib Shuttle to Night Safari . The journey takes about 15 minutes and costs SGD $2 .

The shuttle operates from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM , with services running every 10 to 20 minutes .

Kindly take note that the Mandai Khatib Shuttle only accept EZ-link or NETS Flash card and it didn’t accept cash.

2. By Bus 138

If you’re staying close to Ang Mo Kio area , you can board the bus 138 go to Night Safari . The bus fare is SGD $1.72 (if pay by EZ-link or NETS Flash card) and SGD $2.50 (if pay by cash) . The one-way trip will take around 39 minutes .

If you’re paying with cash, it’s advised to use the exact fare, as no change will be provided.

To get on the bus 138, go to Ang Mo Kio bus terminal, which is connected to Exit C of Ang Mo Kio Station .

The bus 138 runs every 6 to 17 minutes from 6:00 AM to 11:45 PM.

If you want a comfortable way to get to Night Safari, then you can take a taxi. To save some money, you can take a taxi from the Exit A of Khatib Station and it costs around SGD $13.

• Singapore Zoo : Vibrant and traditional, it features a variety of animals in a lush, open environment with natural sunlight.
• River Wonders : Specializes in aquatic and riverine animals, showcasing a mix of land and water creatures.
• Night Safari: Focuses on nocturnal animals. It’s quieter, with a mysterious atmosphere, and animals are viewed under subtle lighting. The tram ride provides a guided tour through different zones, a feature unique to Night Safari.

In Summary:

Singapore Zoo and River Wonders offer a traditional zoo experience with a diverse range of animals.

Night Safari is perfect for exploring the nocturnal wildlife world, offering a serene and interesting experience.

We’ve come to the end part of our reviews of Night Safari Singapore. I hope that you find this helpful when planning for your itinerary.

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Night Safari

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No safari is complete without a night game drive – here are 10 of the best

By Stephanie Vermillion

Shivers sped down my spine as a hyena crept into our Jeep’s headlights in the night. Then another hyena joined, and further back, we saw a third and fourth set of eyes. We heard piercing cackles, and our safari guide Kebby Arabang, resident tour director for Abercrombie & Kent in Botswana , told us it was a hyena calling for back up in a stand-off with a lion.

We knew the lion – a lone male gorging on buffaloes near camp. We’d also seen the hyena – their den, their cubs, and their paw prints by my tent. I enjoyed dozens of game drives throughout my time in Botswana, but none left me as awestruck as this twilight expedition.

Around the world, a growing number of lodges now offer night safaris for travellers. These trips pair the animal kingdom’s after-dark excitement – up to 70 per cent of species are active from dusk to dawn, after all – with a soft place to land and dine between excursions.

Ready to book your adventure? Here are 10 of our favourite night safaris for watching wildlife via night-vision binoculars in Tanzania , exploring the moonlit Amazon via canoe, and more.

Stanley’s Camp

See the Okavango Delta after dusk

Okavango delta, botswana.

Botswana’s vast Okavango Delta is home to hundreds of diverse species, including many after-dark revellers: hyenas, lions, leopards, bush babies, and pangolins, to name a few. Night safaris aren’t allowed everywhere in the delta, but you can enjoy one with a stay at  Sanctuary Retreats’ Stanley’s Camp – the site of my eye-popping night drive on  A&K’s Botswana Safari in Style itinerary. The luxe tented camp flings you into the wild, with porches and a plunge pool overlooking a watering hole, plus inventive local and international cuisine made even more enjoyable by the soundtrack of nearby hippo grunts. The property’s private concession surrounds provide guests the opportunities for unique Okavango Delta experiences, from night drives to walking safaris.

Usangu Expedition Camp

Watch wildlife via thermal monocular technology

Ruaha national park, tanzania.

The new  Usangu Expedition Camp in southern Tanzania’s Ruaha National Park centres on citizen science, from big-cat collaring by day to watching and photographing wildlife with cutting-edge thermal monocular night vision technology after dark. These night safaris let you admire the animals without the disruptive beams of a flashlight, meaning creatures like leopards are undisturbed – and therefore more likely to attempt a hunt. While nothing beats watching African animals at night, recounting the tales by a starlit campfire back at Usangu is a close second.

Sacha Lodge

Admire the sights and sounds of the Amazon after dark

Yasuní national park, ecuadorian amazon.

Sunset sparks a frenzy of activity in the Amazon . You can see and hear the rainforest’s twilight festivities for yourself with a stay at  Sacha Lodge , an upscale escape nestled along Ecuador’s Yasuní National Park – one of the Amazon’s most biodiverse pockets. During the day, snag a bird’s eye view via Sacha’s 940-foot-long Canopy Walk bridge, then admire the world’s largest rainforest by night with an after-dark jungle hike or a starlit canoe trip to spot the caiman (a relative of the alligator), one of the Amazon’s largest known predators. Keep the fun going after hours with more listening games from your room’s private balcony.

Bori Safari Lodge

Search for tigers, leopards, and wolves with a naturalist

Satpura national park, india.

Few of India 's National Parks allow safaris at night – arguably the best time to see the elusive tigers – but, luckily, Satpura Tiger Reserve is one of them. Satpura night drives run through the park’s buffer zones, and offer the chance to witness a host of creatures: leopards, sloths, wild dogs, and, of course, tigers. Book a night at the eight-suite  Bori Safari Lodge , a tranquil getaway within minutes of the park gate that offers a plunge pool with forest views, al-fresco dining, and naturalist-led safaris around the clock.  

Rincón Del Socorro

See nocturnal species and stars in a biodiverse freshwater reserve

Iberá natural reserve, argentina.

More than 4,000 plant and animal species reside in  Argentina’s 1.3 million-acre Iberá Natural Reserve . Wildlife across the protected area’s streams, lagoons, swamps, and marshes have bounced back after decades of commercial hunting and illegal animal trading. Now, you can admire the biodiversity in one of the most mesmerising ways: a night safari, with on-foot or 4x4 vehicle excursions to see viscachas, grey foxes, and crab-eating raccoons.  AndBeyond offers the experience as part of select South America tours. Book your own trip to the reserve via the 11-room Rincón del Socorro , a reinvigorated cattle ranch that offers expert-led night safaris, onsite cycling trails, and a reserve-view restaurant with farm-to-table produce and traditional Argentinian barbecues. 

Mahali Mzuri

Search for lions, aardwolves, honey badgers, and bush babies under the stars

Olare motorogi conservancy, kenya.

Most wildlife travellers dream about visiting Kenya’s  Masai Mara National Reserve , but there’s a lesser-known and significantly less crowded safari escape just northwest of it: the 35,000-acre  Olare Motorogi Conservancy . The getaway, known for its action-packed lion viewing, protects the ecosystem’s animals and supports the local Masai people via community-based tourism . Unlike the Masai Mara National Reserve, night drives are allowed in Olare Motorogi Conservancy; they’re available via  Mahali Mzuri – Richard Branson ’s posh 12-tent safari camp. You may see big cats like leopards or lions, or rarer aardwolves, porcupines, honey badgers, and bush babies. But a night safari isn’t the only time to catch these elusive creatures. From the camp’s outdoor dining to each tent’s private viewing deck, you can see and hear the conservancy’s inhabitants around the clock.

Skinnskatteberg

Listen for howls on a wolf safari

Skinnskatteberg, sweden.

Sweden’s elusive wolf is easier seen than heard – and your best bet at either is after dark. On an overnight wolf safari with  Amazing Nature Scandinavia , expert guides take you out on foot, and in a van, through central Sweden’s liveliest wolf spots. Actually spotting the elusive wolves can be tricky, but there’s an 80 to 90 per cent chance you’ll hear their howls. This seasonal summer adventure pairs with camping in a wolf-pack area; bookend the trip with a stay at a unique central Sweden getaway like  Nasets Marcusgard . The forested property features quirky overnight stays – think: a cylindrical pine-flanked pod with potential deer and fox sightings from bed – with a central gathering place for meals, a heated pool and sauna, and a collection of onsite and nearby hiking trails.

Nam Et-Phou Louey

Cruise past leopards, gibbons, porcupines, and owls

Nam et-phou louey national protected area, laos.

A  late-night boat adventure through Laos’ remote Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park provides a first-hand glimpse at the country’s budding conservation success story. The trip starts with an evening boat ride, followed by a hike and dinner by a campfire, then the ultimate twilight treat: floating down the river beneath a blanket of darkness – with only one torchlight per boat to illuminate the potential leopards, porcupines, and gibbons en route. The journey concludes with a night in the park ecolodge’s traditional Lao bungalows.

Local guides run the tour with support from partners like the Wildlife Conservation Society; this tourism model encourages park-adjacent communities to protect the region’s endangered species.  Book it as a standalone expedition with pre- and post-trip stays at  Xayphasouk Hotel , a modest property with spacious rooms and a hotel restaurant in one of the closest main towns, Sam Nuea (around four hours away by car). Alternatively, join a Laos itinerary by tour operator  Audley for an overnight in Nam Et-Phou Louey, then connect to your choice of half a dozen other destinations throughout the country. 

Warrigal Highland Rainforest Reserve

Take a moonlit walk among Australian wildlife

Warrigal highland rainforest preserve, australia.

Admire the flying fox, tree kangaroo, ringtail possum, and a host of other tough-to-see Australian critters with a  Wild Watch night safari hosted by longtime birding and wildlife photography guide Jonathan Munro. The outing takes place in the largest single tract of tropical rainforest remaining in Australia , in the Misty Mountains southwest of Cairns (the gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef ). When the weather is crisp and clear, it's typical for those exploring to see 30 to 40 animals in a two-hour evening tour. Wild Watch also offers tours that display the area's orchids, butterflies, dragonflies, birds, reptiles, and more. Book a night nearby at the sleek new  Mercure Hotel Cairns, a bright and breezy 75-room getaway with a poolside restaurant serving fresh, locally sourced fare. The property, located near the main city centre, opened in January 2023. (Transportation is provided via Wild Watch.) 

Everglades National Park

See (and hear) the Everglades by night

Everglades national park, florida.

Most visit the biodiverse Everglades National Park by day, but half the fun is after dark – particularly on an  expert-led paddling tour . Possible nighttime wildlife sightings run the gamut: horned owls, bobcats, frogs, and even panthers. The soundtrack for the evening? A cacophony of lubber grasshoppers and frogs, who keep the entertainment going well into the morning. The tour runs for half the year, from December through March . Glamp nearby in Everglades Adventure Tours’ low-key Chickee Huts , a series of bungalows built by the Seminole Indians with thatched roofs, screened-in walls, and swamp and grassland panoramas. Alternatively, book a night at the luxe  JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort . Its upscale rooms – each with its own balcony – overlook the gulf and Marco Island’s powder-sugar sand. The property is roughly 35 minutes to the west of Everglades National Park.

A version of this article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveler .

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Costa Rica Travel Information

La Fortuna Night Walk: See the Critters of the Night

December 3, 2020 By Sammi 6 Comments

When the sun goes down, the jungles of Costa Rica awakens with the creatures of the night beginning their day. Many tropical animals are nocturnal and one of the best ways to experience the Costa Rican rainforest to its fullest is to take a night walk.

A guided night walk in Costa Rica will allow you to observe these night time creatures as they go about their day in the dark. We did a night walk in La Fortuna where we saw a handful of these animals. You can read more about it below!

La Fortuna Night Walk

We did the night walk with a tour operator who has their own private forest reserve outside of town. The property has very nice trails, gardens, ponds and a small outdoor eating area as they offer snacks and refreshments after the walk.

Interested in doing this night walk? Book it with our tour discount here!

The tour also included roundtrip transportation, flashlights and a bilingual guide.

As soon as we arrived at the property, our guide, Jairo, gave us our flashlights and explained to us what the night walk will be like. He warned us not to touch anything and to always follow him because there are creatures like snakes and spiders out there in the forest we don’t want to inadvertently run our hands over or step on!

As soon as his talk was over, we set off into the forest. I was so excited! I would never explore the jungle on my own in the dark and I couldn’t wait to see what we would find!

La Fortuna/Arenal Night Walk Animals

As La Fortuna is in the Northern Lowlands full of primary and secondary rainforest, the animals we could see were mostly snakes, frogs, insects and arachnids. I was especially looking forward to seeing frogs which I love.

We’ve had Jairo as a guide for many other tours before such as the Mistico Hanging Bridges , Arenal Volcano 1968 and the La Fortuna waterfall and he is hands down one of the best guides we know. Although he was disappointed that we didn’t see any snakes, we were plenty happy with the animals we did see that night which were many frogs, insects and a really cool reptile called Helmeted Basilisk.

We had never seen one of those before so it was very cool to see as it was perching on a branch right above our heads!

Here are some photos of the animals we saw. I didn’t take too many but we got a lot of video footage so I recommend to watch the video below 🙂

Video of the Arenal Night Walk Tour

Here is our short video.

We’ve done several nights walks in Costa Rica and the night walk in La Fortuna is a great one. Jairo is an excellent guide and we loved that he not only wanted to show us the animals, but he shared with us information about each one and their role in the ecosystem as he likes to emphasis on conservation and the importance of preservation of the rainforest.

Although our entire group adults, a night walk in La Fortuna would be an excellent activity for families in Costa Rica , especially with kids who love animals. This is a wonderful opportunity for the kids to learn more about nature, animals and rainforests and why protecting nature is so important. Plus they’ll get to see neat creatures like spiders, grasshoppers, walking sticks and other critters up close!

La Fortuna Night Walk Cost and Details

The cost of this La Fortuna night walk is $61 USD per adult and $52 USD per children up to 12 years of age. It includes roundtrip transportation, bilingual guide, flashlights and juice, coffee and snacks.

You will get picked up around 430 PM and return around 8 PM. The walk is a couple of hours long total but is an easy walk on a flat path. Closed toed shoes only, long pants and shirt recommended because there are a lot of mosquitoes.

Sample Itineraries Including the Arenal Night Walk

Since the night walk starts around 430 PM, you can definitely do other activities during the day.

• For a full day of nature, wildlife and hiking, you can visit Mistico Hanging Bridges in the morning, have lunch afterwards, do a sloth and bird watching tour after lunch and then do the night walk.
• Nature and wildlife: Safari float in the morning, lunch, rest and then night walk.
• For a combination of adventure and wildlife, you can go ziplining or canyoning in the morning, have lunch, rest at your hotel and then go on the night walk.

If you want to do any of these tours, we have a La Fortuna tours discount which you can get here!

Reader Interactions

DAWN CHRISTY says

July 22, 2023

Trying to decide which night walk is best. La Fortuna or Monteverde? What do you see differently at each one? We really want to see snakes and frogs.

I’d go with La Fortuna

Alisa harris says

January 1, 2023

If we want to see more mammals, would you recommend Monteverde for the night hike? Also, is that something that we can book through you for the discount happy new year! Alisa

January 7, 2023

Unfortunately we don’t have any discounts or partners in Monteverde but there are a lot of night walks there. You don’t see many mammals on night walks, the only one I saw was a sleeping sloth.

February 5, 2022

Would you recommend La Fortuna or Monteverde for a night tour?

Thank you! Khema

February 6, 2022

If you like more reptiles or amphibians, La Fortuna for me is better since it’s tropical rainforest, Monteverde is cloud forest

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Top 10 Night Safaris: When the (Wildlife) Freaks Come Out

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The freaks come out at night.

For hard-core wildlife enthusiasts, “night life” has a different meaning.

They know that to see an aardvark or a black-footed ferret or a long-nosed bandicoot, you have to be outdoors when the sun goes down.

Many wildlife reserves and guides now offer night safaris for those seeking quality views of nocturnal critters, particularly mammals. Still, in the wrong place, a night safari can feel like a cold, dark, aimless exercise.

But in these 10 places, you’ll see a whole new world.

Please note that using spotlights or even strong flashlights is not allowed in most national parks in the U.S. and other parts of the world. Please obey all local laws pertaining to spotting wildlife at night.

And I’ll acknowledge concerns over disturbing wildlife. Done responsibly, night safaris will pose minimal stress to animals.

Many of the destinations below are on private property. Night safaris have become an additional stream of income for these reserves — providing an impetus to conserve not only large, visible mammals but also smaller, more obscure species.

I’ve been on eight of the 10 safaris listed here, with the other two based on recommendations from serious naturalists. Please suggest your own favorites in the comments section.

Northern Cape, South Africa

Aardvarks and Black-Footed Cats

Seeing an aardvark on safari used to be regarded as roughly equivalent to seeing a unicorn. I’ve talked to people who have been on dozens of African wildlife trips and never seen one.

The online mammal watching community, which shares sightings of unusual critters around the world, has changed that. While the aardvark is still not easy to spot, there are places where it’s much less difficult. And one such place is the Northern Cape of South Africa.

In a country with famous parks like Kruger , the Northern Cape is often overlooked. But it too has excellent parks, including Mokala (which offers irregular night safaris). And then there’s the ranch with a cult following among serious mammal nerds: Marrick Safari camp near Kimberley.

Marrick may be the best place on earth to see an aardvark (we saw two over the course of four night safaris). It is also a great place to see black-footed cats , the rarest and most difficult to spot of southern and eastern Africa’s felines.

The list of elusive and/or rare nocturnal species you can spot here include bat-eared fox, aardwolf, Southern African hedgehog, Cape porcupine, long-eared mouse, common genet and Smith’s red rock hare.

We saw them all, and more.

No, your family and friends will have no idea why you’ve gone to the Northern Cape. But among mammal junkies, this place is spoken of with the kind of reverence usually reserved for the Sistine Chapel.

Northern Tropical Queensland, Australia

Marsupial Madness

Travel guides and cruise ship companies like to emphasize how difficult it is to see Australian wildlife. They’re wrong, on many levels — much of the country is one giant naturalist’s playground .

And that’s especially true if you go out at night.

Fortunately, Australian lodges and nature reserves have well-developed night safari programs. In Northern Tropical Queensland , it’s possible to observe platypus at dusk, then go to Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodge to see pademelons cavorting on the lodge lawns , then move to a night feeding station to watch sugar gliders, bandicoots and possums. And finish by taking a walk to see antechinus and giant long-tailed rats.

There’s tremendous diversity here. In a 90-minute walk on the private Warrigal Highland Rainforest Reserve, owned by birding guide Jonathan Munro , we saw three possum species – and that was a slow night. In other places, you can see a tree kangaroo, a striped possum or spectacled flying fox.

And in some camps, like the venerable Lions Den near Cookstown, you can sit on your deck enjoying a cold one while watching a parade of marsupials stroll by.

Aubrey Valley, Arizona

Return of the Black-footed Ferrets

Get your ferret kicks on Route 66.

The restoration of the black-footed ferret ­– an animal once feared extinct — is one of the great North American wildlife successes.

Arguably the best place to see that success is just outside Seligman, Arizona. Biologists love to have people interested in ferrets. In fact, one of the best opportunities to see them is during the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s annual spotlighting surveys . They need volunteers to run the program.

I visited a few years ago with mammal watcher extraordinaire Jon Hall during a wild road trip across the Southwest. About 10 minutes outside of Seligman, our spotlights picked up the telltale green eye-shine of the ferrets. We approached slowly, as area biologists had advised.

The ferrets were curious and climbed out of prairie dog holes to view us from about 5 feet away. Fantastic.

Kanha National Park

Giant Ox Alert

India’s reserves offer many wonderful opportunities to see nocturnal wildlife, but usually not in tiger reserves. That’s the case in Kanha , one of the most famous of these reserves.

But if you stay inside the national park at the budget Baghira Log Huts, just walking to the dining room in the evening is an adventure. The trail lights up with the eyes of sambar deer, Asian palm civets and wild boars.

And perhaps: a herd of gaur , the world’s largest bovine. A big male gaur can stand 10 feet tall and weigh 3,000 pounds. Seeing this wall of giant ox in your flashlight beam should give you pause — especially when you realize they can run faster than an Olympic sprinter.

Amazon Rainforest, Peru

Night Swimming?

I was lying on a wooden platform, waiting for a tapir to show up at a mineral lick. The mosquito net was suffocating, and I was soaked with sweat. Clothes-destroying sweat. The tapirs were not showing, perhaps because of how badly I stank. It dawned on me that this is not what most people would consider a fun vacation.

But I feel positively wimpy compared to biologist and author Vladimir Dinets, one of the world’s most accomplished wildlife watchers. He believes that to really do an Amazonian night safari, you have to swim rivers . He calls this “a comfortable and relatively safe way of getting around, and one of the best ways of seeing wildlife.”

Sure, the night trips run by lodges might turn up some interesting spiders, and even the occasional mammal.

But the Dinets swim expeditions seem to turn up the really cool stuff , day and night: bush dogs, harpy eagles, ocelots and tapirs.

I have no doubt of this. I also have no doubt I won’t be following him.

Pantanal, Brazil

Starry, Starry Eyes

During the day, the Pantanal is a birder’s bonanza and probably the best place to see a wild jaguar .

At night, the wildlife fun continues, with tapirs, small cat species, crab-eating foxes and giant anteaters. One of the world’s great wetlands, the Pantanal is traversed in the north via the Transpantaneira road. You’ll see critters all along its length, day or night.

Caimans are one of the most visible animals during the dry season, when they’re concentrated in small pools of water. At night, in the right spot, a spotlight will reveal enough caiman eyes to make you think you’re looking at star-filled sky instead.

Bat Caves, Worldwide

Flights of Millions

You don’t need a flashlight for this. Just show up at the entryway of a cave. (Please follow all rules to protect North American bats from white-nose syndrome).

There are good bat caves and roosts around the globe. You could even scope out a local barn or abandoned building.

At caves like Bracken and Frio in the Texas Hill Country, you can see 10 million or more Mexican free-tailed bats — one of the world’s great wildlife spectacles.

And whenever you have that many animals, you’ll also have others looking to feed on them. Depending on what cave you visit, look for raptors, giant frogs and snakes feasting on the bounty.

Sabah Rainforest, Malaysian Borneo

Flat-headed Cats and Clouded Leopards

This is one of my top dream destinations. It’s also one where you get the depressing feeling that it’s slipping away fast, as much of the forest is blitzed with palm oil plantations.

The reserves here are undoubtedly one of the most intriguing night safari destinations, with such unusual critters as binturong, slow loris and giant flying squirrels. Boats cruise the Kinabatang River at night in search of flat-headed cats, and new safaris are being offered focusing on one of the most elusive wild felines, the clouded leopard.

There’s even the remote chance of catching a glimpse of Sumatran rhinos — one of the world’s rarest large mammals. I wouldn’t count on it, but Vladimir Dinets managed to see one . Then again, he swims the Amazon.

Salt Licks, Kenya

Night Safaris in Luxury

If you don’t want to sweat in a night blind, or stumble around a rainforest, here’s a more luxurious option: stay in one of Kenya’s famous lodges built over salt licks.

These salt licks draw a variety of wildlife throughout the day and night. They are floodlit to allow easy viewing. You can even present the front desk with a list of animals you’d wish to be awakened should they show up during the night.

Lots of charismatic megafauna will show, including elephants, Cape buffalo and black rhinos. But you might get lucky and have great views of forest rarities like bongo and giant forest hog. Sign me up.

Your Backyard and Neighborhood

You don’t have to go on a far-away journey to enjoy a night safari. I’ve had some of my most memorable adventures on evening walks around the neighborhood, stumbling over skunks and once being charged by a red fox. On Halloween night, no less.

Just grab a flashlight and head outside. Scan the skies for bats at dusk, or enjoy an evening chorus of great-horned owls .

Catch fireflies. Set out a camera trap and see what wanders by. Head to a local park and look up for flying squirrels gliding between trees . Or watch underfoot for the sight of shrews and other tiny denizens. Listen for the reassuring peents of nighthawks.

As Richard Conniff says, the best wildlife watching is the wildlife where you are. When the sun goes down, adventures await — get out there and enjoy the night life.

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Nice article – just a note about night safaris in India – quite a few sanctuaries and national parks have designated areas now for night safaris. However its early days, in most cases using a spot-light is not allowed. In some community forests – one can go out in the night with spot lights.

The Forest authorities in India generally do not encourage night-spotting of mammals. In most areas if someone is found with a spot light in the evening looking for wildlife – the person, the driver, guide can be prosecuted.

The few areas, where it is possible – it is best to use a good local team, ensure that a written permission from the authorities are procured and then one can go out for night-activities.

IF I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH RACOONS COMING ON MY PROPERTY, AND I HAVE CAPTURED THEM AND TURNED THEM OVER TO AUTHORITIES TO RE-LOCATE THEM, AND STILL THEY ARE AROUND, WHAT AM I TO DO? I HAVE TAKEN THE ANIMAL FOOD AWAY FROM AREA, AND I HAVE FORCEFULLY CLOSED MY TRASH CANS. I LIVE IN A CITY OF ABOUT 31,000, IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA, CLOSE BUT NOT NEAR, A WOODED AREA OF HILLS AND A STREAM.

Nice article with useful pointers. I love night safaris.

Minor point – Gaur are commonly seen by day in many of the National Parks in India including Kanha.

This article information and images made me stunned.India is an energetic nation. The nation has substantial stores of backwoods and natural sanctuaries in india can be abused without limitations. These national parks give you an awesome opportunity to view the rarest types of peacocks, tigers, lions, pumas and other Asian species. There are various national stops in the nation that are effectively doing the errand of protection and reproducing them.

Great article, I hope it encourages more national parks worldwide to look positively at spotlighting.

I am a sucker for anything Australian. I still remember a night at Cape Willoughby on Kangaroo Island watching a family of possums completely unbothered by us. And viewing penguins in Tasmania return to the beach. Awe inspiring.

Great write up! Will add some of these wildlife watching destinations to our wishlist.

We’ve been lucky to see Clouded Leopard in Khao Yai national park on a night safari. But chances are slim. But Asian Palm Civet, Small Indian Civet, Small-toothed Palm Civet, and Large Indian Civet, Malayan Porcupines, Sambar Deer, Indian Muntjac, owls, Asian Elephants, Bengal Slow Loris, various snakes species, and sometimes even Dholes are not uncommon. It’s one of a few parks in Thailand where night activities are actually allowed, although restricted, by the national park department.

Continue Exploring

August 31, 2021

Story type: TNC Science Brief

After Dark Fun at the Night Safari: Tickets, Tips, & Things to Do

BY Pelago by Singapore Airlines

29 MAY 23 . 3 MIN READ . GUIDES

Night Safari Tickets

1. what's special about the night safari.

Opened in May 1994, the Night Safari (also known as Mandai Night Safari) is regarded as the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park . It is part of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve along with the Singapore Zoo , River Wonders , and Bird Paradise .

The Night Safari is home to over 100 species of animals including lions, elephants, hippos, leopards, and other nocturnal creatures. Here, you can choose to hop on a guided tram ride to journey across six geographical zones or walk on foot following four animal trails.

This open-air zoo will surely take you on a night of unforgettable wildlife adventure. As one of Singapore’s top attractions, it’s worth visiting, especially for families.

Use this map to plan your visit, and read on for everything you need to know about Singapore’s Night Safari.

2. What is the best time for the Night Safari?

The park is open daily (including on public holidays), from 7.15pm to 12am with the last entry at 11.15pm (only the restaurants open from 6.30pm onwards ). Considering the opening hours, the best time to visit would be between 7pm and 10pm, as it is not too early and not too late, giving you enough time to enjoy.

3. How long do you spend a night at the Night Safari?

Given the timings, you can explore the park for about five hours, but three to four hours should be enough to explore everything.

The guided tram ride lasts about 40 minutes. You can also embark on the walking trails to see the animals in their habitats up close. You will get to see different animals on the tram ride and along the walking trails.

A Night Safari itinerary:

1) Hop on a guided tram ride : Start off your Night Safari journey on a guided tram ride at the main tram stop located at the Night Safari entrance. This 40-minute tram ride will take you to six geographical regions, from the Himalayan hills to the Southeast Asian jungles.

Pro tip: Some animals like the Asian elephants and hippos can only be seen through the tram ride, so you should definitely make this your first order of business at Night Safari.

2) Watch the Creatures of the Night Show : The Night Safari show time is scheduled daily at 7.30pm and 9pm. You may opt to watch the 7.30pm schedule first before you explore the rest of the park or go on a tram ride and follow the walking trails as you wait for the 9pm schedule (find out more deets on animal shows here )

Pro tip: Due to the limited slots, you need to reserve your seats at least two hours in advance. Click here to reserve your seats at Creatures of the Night Show.

3) Walk the trails on foot : You may follow four different walking trails — Wallaby Trail , East Lodge Trail , Leopard Trail , and Fishing Cat Trail — to get up close with different sets of animals in their habitats.

Pro tip: To make your exploration more efficient, you may opt to start from either the Fishing Cat Trail (clockwise) or the Wallaby Trail (counterclockwise) . Download the Night Safari map ahead to help you map out your walking route.

4) Cap off the night by eating or shopping : Feeling hungry after your excursion? There’s plenty of Night Safari food options — eat local delights at the 300-seater Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant or have some ice cream at New Zealand Natural . You can also buy food souvenirs at the Night Safari gift shop . While you’re at it, why not bring home some cute animal plushies?

4. How much is a ticket to the Night Safari?

Night safari ticket prices.

Ticket prices may vary. Please click here for updated prices.

Night Safari tickets are priced from SGD49.50 for adults , and SGD34.20 for children ages three to 12 years.  You can check out the different Night Safari tickets online here .

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the ticket include a tram ride.

Yes, tickets already include the tram ride. Book your tickets here here .

What is better: Singapore Zoo or Night Safari?

Are you wondering whether Singapore Zoo is better than Night Safari? The answer actually depends on your preferences. If you are a night person, Night Safari is surely for you. But if you are a morning person who prefers to see more animals, then go to Singapore Zoo .

What is the difference between Night Safari and River Wonders?

River Safari is the former name of River Wonders , which is part of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve together with Night Safari , Singapore Zoo , and Bird Paradise (which will be renamed to Bird Paradise and set to open in the second quarter of 2023).

River Wonders houses unique species of animals from river habitats as well as Singapore’s resident giant pandas . Night Safari, on the other hand, is home to different species of nocturnal creatures and other wildlife animals .

What animals can you see at Night Safari?

You can see many different kinds of animals at Night Safari. These include Asian elephants, Asian lions, clouded leopards, fishing cats, Malayan tapirs, Malayan tigers, Nile hippos, pangolins, and sloth bears to name a few. Find out more about the Night Safari’s animals in our guide .

What do you wear on a Night Safari?

There’s no dress code on what to wear, but we recommend you wear something comfortable, including a good pair of walking shoes. As you’ll be exploring for long periods of time, it’s best to put on good footwear that will not hurt your feet. It is also advised that you wear insect repellent and light coloured clothes with maximum cover to prevent insect bites.

Can you go without a car?

Yes, you can go without a car. There are other convenient ways to get there. You can take the MRT, then a connecting bus that will take you to the wildlife parks. See the MRT routes here .

You can also take the Mandai Shuttle, a loop shuttle service from Khatib MRT Station (NS14) to the Singapore Zoo Coach Bay. It is available daily and costs only SGD1. Children below three years old ride for free.

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The magic of a night safari in Australia

By Author cristina garcia

Posted on Published: January 27, 2023  - Last updated: March 24, 2023

The world is a different place at night, where mysterious creatures roam unhindered by darkness. Stepping outside our comfort zone and into the night wilderness makes our dormant senses come alive. We suddenly hear every crack of a twig and brush of grass, we feel the closeness of trees around us, and the smell of life fills our nostrils. As our eyes adjust, blackness becomes shades of blue and violet, and mountains become silhouettes across a vast field of stars. This is the thrilling magic of a night safari : seeing the unseen.

There is an entire world of fantastic wildlife waiting for us if we conquer our fears and embrace the night, and there’s no better way to experience this thrill than a night safari in Australia. Carnivorous quolls, dining devils, little blue penguins, and pliable platypus plunking into a pond are just some of the many unforgettable experiences that await. Ready to see how the other half lives? Read on and find your dream night safari in Australia!

*This post is sponsored by Australian Wildlife Journeys * 

 Nocturnal animals of Tasmania

The wildlife of Tasmania is incredibly fascinating. From the little penguins  to the endangered orange-bellied parrot . But perhaps none capture the imagination like the largest of the Australian carnivorous marsupials: the Tasmanian devil.

Even though they occur across all of Tasmania, these endangered marsupials are incredibly difficult to spot! This solitary marsupial is nocturnal and spends the day hiding in caves, hollow logs, or dens. Primarily scavengers they consume anything from insects to fur seals, but birds and mammals make up the majority of their diet.

In 1996 the number of Tasmanian devils living in Tasmania was estimated to be more than 150,000. From 1996 to 2007, however, this figure dwindled by more than 50 percent. Today it is estimated that the adult population is between 10,000 and 25,000 individuals.

This sudden population crash was due to devil facial tumor disease (DFTD), an aggressive and transmittable parasitic cancer that produces large facial tumors on the head. The tumors grow large enough to interfere with the animal’s ability to eat, resulting in starvation and death.

A good place to search for devils is the Tasmanian highlands, a place like no other in Australia. Premier Travel Tasmania knows exactly where to find them and has put together an exciting 6-day Tasmanian Devil Encounter wildlife tour  to see the devils and other Tasmanian wildlife in the highlands. It also includes a visit to one of Tasmania’s natural wonders, the famous Marakoopa Cave. It’s the largest glow worm cave in Australia that’s accessible to the public.

The tour starts at Narawntapu National Park with an evening of wildlife spotlighting. This national park is home to a wide variety of wildlife due to its diversity of habitats, from coastal heathlands to dry woodlands and wetlands. During the tour, you’ll enjoy an evening picnic at a bird hide overlooking the lagoon where Tasmanian wildlife like pademelons , Forester kangaroos , echidnas ,   common wombats , eastern and spotted-tailed quolls,  and Bennetts wallabies  may appear while a symphony of frogs fills the air. As night falls, you’ll have a chance to spotlight secretive nocturnal creatures as they emerge from their daytime lairs.

Tasmanian birds found at Narawntapu include  honeyeaters , green rosellas ,  raptors , black cockatoos , robins , wrens , and fantails . 

Next, the tour takes you to Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, one of Tasmania’s oldest national parks, for two days of serious wilderness adventures. 

If you’ve traveled to other parts of Australia, the primeval misty forests of Cradle Mountain will seem like another planet. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a prime destination for watching nocturnal wildlife; a land of craggy mountains, deep valleys, button grass moors, heathlands, and ancient forests. It is also famous for having Australia’s deepest gorge, Fury Gorge, and Tasmania’s tallest mountain, Mt Ossa (5,305 feet). Visit during April or May and you’ll find the hillsides glowing in glorious reds and golds as the fagus trees (Australia’s only deciduous tree) give their best fall show.

From your lodge, you’ll embark on a night spotting adventure to see some of Australia’s most iconic marsupials:  Tasmanian devils , wombats , possums, wallabies , spotted tail  and eastern quolls . 

The next stop is the Central Plateau Conservation area, also referred to as the ‘land of a thousand lakes’. This is a wild, isolated area in the heart of Tasmania (not far from Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park), studded with alpine tarns, lakes, and sand dunes. This is the only place in Australia where alpine sand dunes exist! A magical place for wilderness enthusiasts, the Central Plateau is also a haven for wildlife.

Nestled in this unique alpine environment is the Thousand Lakes Lodge, a former Antarctic training facility that has been turned into an impressive and super-cozy off-grid wilderness lodge. Step out the door and find yourself immersed in the wilderness. The grounds are home to several unique species and you only need to take a short stroll to discover them. This lodge takes luxury safaris to another level!

It might be cozy in the lodge but don’t forget to wear appropriate clothing for this climate and a small torch.

Birders will rejoice at the sight of yellow-tailed cockatoo and the endangered Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagles . Or try your luck exploring the many lakes around the lodge for signs of the elusive  platypus , a highlight of your day adventures.

As darkness descends, wildlife watchers have the opportunity to join a night safari from the lodge and spot other Tasmanian animals like wallabies , long-nosed potoroos , spotted-tail quolls , ringtail possums , and Tasmanian devils . And if you’re really lucky, the Aurora Australis may light your way for a truly memorable nighttime adventure! 

Marching with little penguins

It may surprise you to learn that you can see penguins in Australia! In fact, the smallest penguin in the world lives here, and the best way to see it is at night. The little penguin, also called the little blue penguin and fairy penguin, can be seen at dusk while returning to their burrows and rookeries after a day of foraging at sea.

In Tasmania, there are a few places where you can spot them. This 5-day tour  with Premier Travel Tasmania will take you to the gorgeous Freycinet Peninsula where an encounter with these little fairy penguins will be the highlight of your stay.

The tour starts with a visit to Bonorong Sanctuary where you’ll get a night tour of the facility and will learn about Tasmania’s endemic animals.

The second day is spent at Freycinet peninsula, where you’ll take a cruise around its coastline exploring the spectacular Freycinet National Park from the water. Discover the unspoiled beaches where little penguins nest and the island where short-tailed shearwaters live. This area of the park is only accessible by foot or boat and therefore, is as wild as it can be.

At dusk, you’ll go on an informative walk on private property where little penguins have a colony. Watch them come ashore after a hard day foraging at sea and see how they settle down for the night by their burrows.

Other highlights of this tour are visiting the highest waterfalls in Tasmania, St. Columba Falls, a visit to the Bay of Fires conservation area, and its incredible orange-lichen-covered granite rocks. You’ll also spend a day spotting Maria Island’s common wombats, Tasmanian pademelons, Cape Barren geese, Forester kangaroos, and the Tasmanian devil.

Other wildlife seen on this tour are white-bellied sea eagles, purple swamp hens, black swans, brown falcons, royal spoonbills, and herons.

Searching for the elusive Christmas Island hawk owl

While Christmas Island is internationally famous for its red crab migration, the birding also attracts wildlife travelers from around the globe. The Christmas Island hawk owl is one of Australia’s rarest raptors and if you want to cross this one off your list, like all good things, you’re going to have to work for it.

First, you have to get yourself to Christmas Island, a tiny island just 10 miles across, lying more than 200 miles off the coast of Java in the Indian Ocean. 

Second, you need to search for the Christmas Island hawk owl… at night. Spotting this little owl is no easy task, and you will need to become a bit of a night owl yourself. Hawk owls shelter in dense forests during the day and are nearly impossible to spot with an untrained eye.

Third, maximize your chances of seeing one by joining a bird tour. The hawk owls do not use the same roost for many days in a row, but knowledgeable tour guides know their favorite places and can figure out their next move.

Indian Ocean Experiences leads one of the top wildlife tour companies in Australia, and their Christmas Island Birdwatching tour  has been specially designed to include an evening of searching for the elusive Hawk Owl. This tour made our list of top wildlife safaris in Australia,  and spotting a hawk owl in the wild is one of its many draws.

Also known as the Christmas Boobook, this small owl is only about the size of a pigeon, with big yellow eyes, gorgeous rusty plumage, and no ear tufts. Christmas Island hawk owls feed on insects, small lizards, juvenile rats, and birds. 

What’s most exciting about finding a hawk owl is the possibility of being able to watch their perch-hunting behavior. It moves from perch to perch while scanning for prey. When a tasty meal is located it swoops down upon it, snatches it up, and flies back up to another perch to consume it.

During this Australian safari tour, you will be accompanied by Lisa Preston, the manager at Indian Ocean Experiences and expert guide. Not only will she ensure you see a hawk owl (if your outing is unsuccessful she’ll take you again the next day), but she’ll be able to tell you all about their behavior and conservation. 

Christmas Island is also home to one of the world’s most famous rookeries, where 80,000 sea birds nest every year. This is your only opportunity to see Christmas Island frigate birds, golden bosuns, and the endemic  Abbott’s booby .

The endangered Abbott’s boobies spend most of their lives hunting at sea, and Christmas Island is the only place where they breed . The colony supports about 3,000 nesting pairs of these unusual-looking birds. 

The devils of Maria Island

The Tasmanian mainland is not the only place where devils can be found. Concerns about the decline in the Tasmanian devil population due to devil facial tumor disease led to the establishment of a breeding program on Maria Island, a small island just off the east coast of Tasmania. In 2013, 28 healthy Tasmanian devils were selected and released onto Maria Island as an insurance policy.

The Tasmanian devil program program was a success and today research teams estimate that there are about 60 Tasmanian devils on Maria Island. 

The Maria Island Walk has designed a 4-day walking experience  with a naturalist guide where you’ll have the chance to spot many nocturnal animals including this endangered marsupial. One evening, your guides will take you for a devil-spotting night walk in hopes of catching a glimpse of these elusive nocturnal creatures in the wild.

Sightings during these walks can be quite remarkable and unexpected, . One tour group had a truly memorable encounter when they came across a mother Tasmanian devil and her baby feeding on a dead beached seal. It doesn’t get better than this!

The first few days of the tour explore forested areas and the last evening is spent in more open habitat with a high chance of spotting nocturnal creatures. 

The amount of wildlife in Maria Island is incredible. Other fascinating wildlife you may come across include  pademelons , Pygmy possums , kangaroos , and  Bennett’s   wallabies. Bird species found in Maria Island are  yellow-tailed black cockatoos , white-bellied sea eagles , and the spectacular  flame robin .

Your beautiful accommodation for the first two days is in two exclusive wilderness camps. Both Casuarina Camp and White Gums Camp offer an intimate and immersive experience of Maria Island.

Tasmanian cheeses, an array of fresh local produce, and Tasmanian wines will be your companions as you unwind from your hiking adventures and wait for the night creatures to emerge. Don’t snooze yet thought! This is  when nocturnal animals begin to stir and start their day.

After dinner, marvel at the Tasmanian night sky from the deck of your hut. The sounds of civilization disappear like a distant memory as your dormant senses come alive. Notice how the fragrant smells of the wilderness transform as the sun goes down.  Sit quietly and let your eyes acclimate to the dark. Watch the stars multiply as the night creatures take shape. See what they see, hear what they hear, and smell what they smell. 

The winter months of June, July, and August also offer some exciting wildlife-watching opportunities. Wombats are accompanied by their young joeys, the Cape Barren geese are busy building their nests, Tasmanian native hens have territorial disputes, and Tasmanian devils are emerging from their dens. If this sounds like your cup of tea, check out the  Maria Island Winter Escape tour.

Night safari in Australia, the nocturnal rainforest 

Nights in the rainforest are mysterious and full of life. Daintree Rainforest in far North Queensland is no different. To avoid the searing heat of the day, many local species are adapted to a nocturnal lifestyle. 

FNQ Nature Tours is very excited to show guests the nocturnal wildlife of Queensland. Their Daintree afternoon and nocturnal tour, one of the most exciting Australian safaris, will give you a rare glimpse of nightlife in the rainforest.

When you enter World Heritage Listed Daintree National Park, you enter the lands of the local Kuku Yalanji people. Take in the history and beauty of the towering mountains and pristine forest. At 300,000 acres, this is the largest tropical rainforest in Australia. 

This day tour leaves in the early afternoon and is designed so guests can enjoy the different landscapes of the rainforest such as crystal clear streams, deep gorges, mountains, waterfalls, and dense forest.

You’ll visit the gorgeous Cape Tribulation beach and enjoy a cruise in a solar electric boat on the Daintree River. From the boat, you can spot huge  Saltwater crocodiles  along with local specialties like  Wompoo fruit doves , spectacled flying foxes , Boyd’s Forest dragons , Ulysses butterflies , white-lipped tree frogs , and azure , little & sacred kingfishers .

Now that you’ve seen the Daintree Rainforest in daylight, it’s time to experience it at night! The grand finale of this tour is a guided interpretative night walk. See how the other half lives when night falls, and have a chance to spot rare nocturnal animals like bandicoots , northern bettongs , and the Daintree river ringtail possum .  

If one day in the jungle doesn’t sound like enough, they’ve got you covered with the 4-day Nature, Wildlife, and Conservation Safari tour ! If you dream of seeing Australia’s nocturnal rainforest animals, this  conservation safari in Australia  is the way to do it. One night you’ll be based at the Chambers Wildlife Lodge, set in 20 private acres in Queensland’s Atherton Tablelands. From here you’ll visit two different locations with a local wildlife expert to spot local nocturnal wildlife.

You can also hang out at the lodge’s wildlife viewing platform which is spotlighted until around 11 pm. From here, guests can view uromys , antechinus , melomys , sugar gliders , bandicoots , and striped possums . This is a fantastic opportunity to not just catch a glimpse of these animals but to observe their interesting behavior and interactions. Bring your photo gear if you’re into night photography! 

During this night safari in Australia, you’ll have a chance to see nocturnal birds including the  lesser sooty owl , rufous owl , Papuan frogmouth , and Australia’s smallest owl, the Australian boo-book . During the full moon, guests will have the opportunity to hear the mating call of the orange-footed scrub fowl .

And on spring days you might be rewarded with the famous Victoria’s rifle bird’s  mating display. 

Other animals that inhabit the surrounding forest are the  Herbert River ringtail possum  and green ringtail possum ,  lemuroid possum , Lumholtz’s tree kangaroo , and northern coppery brushtail possums .

Embrace the night

It takes a special kind of person to venture out into the dark in search of elusive wildlife. If you’re that kind of person, then a night safari in Australia will be a thrilling experience for you. It’s a chance to see species that virtually no one ever gets to see, but more importantly, it’s a chance to re-awaken your dormant senses and feel like a part of the natural world.

If you’ve ever been on a night safari in Australia, please tell us about your favorite sights and your favorite places in the comments below!

Cristina Garcia

Zoologist and wildlife photographer. She has worked in the field with jackals, wolves, cheetahs, & leopards. She serves on the Board of Directors of SEE Turtles , a non-profit sea turtle conservation organization.

Read her posts at Travel For Wildlife and see more of her work at Truly Wild , & Our Wild Yard .

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Starlight Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

As the sun sets, the savanna awakens.

Witness the wild as it comes to life on an after-dark safari tour of Disney’s African savannas and wildlife! This popular, nighttime expedition is open to all Guests at Walt Disney World Resort.

Climb aboard an open-sided safari vehicle and feel the rush of night air as you rumble through lush scenery, scanning the horizon for over 30 species of African wildlife!

The Nightlife of Wildlife To make the most of your animal-viewing extravaganza, Guests will be provided with a night vision device! You’ll be astounded by what you can see: zebras, giraffes, wildebeest and antelopes—plus ostriches and over 20 other exotic African species that freely roam across the savannas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge .

Reservations and Important Details Reservations can be made on this page or in the My Disney Experience app .

This nighttime tour lasts approximately one hour. It’s available exclusively to Guests 8 years of age or older. Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a participating adult who is 18 years of age or older.

Know Before You Go

• Warning: This experience features a ride in a rugged safari vehicle over an open savanna. For your safety, you should be in good health and free from high blood pressure; heart, back or neck problems; motion sickness or other conditions that could be aggravated by this adventure. Expectant mothers should not participate.
• Late arrivals after the start of the tour will not be accommodated.
• Check in at the porte-cochere at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village, and plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the tour. Valid photo ID will be required to check in.
• There is a 24-hour cancellation policy. Full price will be charged/forfeited if the Guest cancels within one day or fails to show up for the reservation.
• Guests must be at least 8 years of age to participate in Starlight Safari, and Guests under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
• Guests using an ECV must leave their mobility devices behind at the Resort. They will retrieve them upon conclusion of the tour. This experience requires Guests in ECVs to transfer into an available wheelchair in order to participate in the tour.
• Nontransferable wheelchair Guests may remain in their wheelchair throughout this experience, however due to limited capacity on board the safari vehicle, all accommodation requests must be confirmed by calling (407) 666-6400.
• While safari vehicles are equipped for rain and wet terrain, experiences may be cancelled due to inclement weather.
• All aspects of the tour are subject to change without notice.
• Starlight Safari is a night experience, and Guests are responsible for transportation to and from Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Kidani Village.
• Allow up to 1.5 hours to travel to your destination within Walt Disney World Resort.

Related Activities

Savor the savanna, safety, accessibility and guest policies, make a reservation, times for starlight safari at disney's animal kingdom lodge.

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Teen girl dies at her parents’ home after night out with friends

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A teenage girl mysteriously died at her parents’ home hours after a night out at a bar with her friends.

Ava Hulett, 19, was with her group at Pelican Larry’s Raw Bar and Grill in Fort Myers, Florida , when she and another friend had medical emergencies, stated her family lawyer, Anthony Rickman.

The two teens were rushed to a hospital early on June 15.

Hulett returned to her family’s home in Estero, but her parents found her unresponsive just hours later, at 12.20pm. A sheriff’s deputy tried to administer life-saving measures until first responders arrived but she was pronounced dead 11 minutes later, the Tampa Bay Times reported.

‘Investigators learned she was a patron at Pelican’s Larry’s during the previous evening,’ stated the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

Rickman said: ‘She went from there to the hospital. They released her, and then she died a short time thereafter when she was released back home.’

Officials are investigating the death as a possible homicide.

But the sheriff’s office stated: ‘At this time, there is no indication that the staff at the business or its operations caused harm to their patrons.’

Hulett’s mother, Meagan Hulett, said her daughter did not kill herself and she does not believe she knowingly took a deadly substance.

‘She was conscious after the event and even said to me, “I don’t want to die,”’ she wrote on Facebook on Wednesday. ‘She was scared.’

The mother said she took her daughter home from the hospital and that the teen went to bed, only to be found not breathing when she checked on her again.

Police are investigation ‘other overdoses reported at the bar’, according to the post.

Hulett is the sister of Bradley Hulett, who was a 15-year-old Newsome High School student in Lithia when was he was accidentally shot dead by a friend while at the home of the son of a police officer in 2019.

‘No parent should ever outlive their children, and these two parents are outliving two of their children,’ Rickman said. ‘And it’s just horrific that they’re going through this again.’

The teen girl’s death comes only a few months after University of Missouri student Riley Strain went missing after being kicked out of a bar during a trip to Nashville. Strain’s body was pulled from a river after nearly two weeks of search efforts and his autopsy report released last week indicated that he died from intoxication and accidental drowning.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

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A full ‘strawberry moon’ will light up the sky Friday night. Here’s when to see it

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Mark your calendars and turn to the sky — there will be another exciting celestial event Friday night, right after the start of summer.

The full moon, called a “ strawberry moon ” because of its pink or reddish hue, is expected to appear right after the summer solstice, which marks the onset of summer and the longest period of sunlight of the year for the Northern Hemisphere, according to NASA.

The moon is expected at 9:08 p.m. Eastern Standard Time and will be opposite to the sun, according to NASA. In Los Angeles, the moon is expected to rise at about 7:24 p.m. and reach the highest point in the sky at 12:13 a.m. Local times can be found at timeanddate.com.

The full moon only occurs within a day of the summer solstice about every 19 to 20 years, according to Space.com . This time around, the moon is expected to appear full for about three days.

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The name “ strawberry moon ” comes from the Indigenous American Algonquin tribes to describe when strawberries ripen in June and are ready to be collected, according to the Farmer’s Almanac .

“Since the 2024 June full Moon happens on the solstice, the very day the Sun is absolutely at its highest of the year, this month’s full Moon on the 21st is the very lowest full Moon, indeed, the lowest we’ve seen in years,” the Almanac reported. “Just look at it! Because the Moon is so low, it will appear bigger than ever. This is called the ‘Moon Illusion.’”

The European name for this moon is the “mead” or “ honey moon ,” according to NASA. Mead, known in some countries as honey wine, is created by fermenting honey with fruits or other spices. Meanwhile, the term “honeymoon” dates back to Europe in the 1500s and references getting married in June because it’s the “sweetest” moon of the year.

The moon will take on a reddish orange color due to how low it will hang in the sky and its close proximity to the horizon. Because of how low the moon will be, that also means the sky will be darker due to lower levels of moonlight.

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Summer Lin is a reporter on the Fast Break Desk, the Los Angeles Times’ breaking news team. Before coming to The Times, she covered breaking news for the Mercury News and national politics and California courts for McClatchy’s publications, including the Miami Herald. An East Coast native, Lin moved to California after graduating from Boston College and Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. Lin was among The Times’ staff members who covered the Monterey Park mass shooting in 2023, which was recognized by the Pulitzer Board as a finalist in breaking news.

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June's Full Moon 2024: Follow these Rituals on Full Moon Night

T oday, on June 21, 2024 , the full moon is being observed. This day is also observed as Strawberry Moon. This day holds a great religious and spiritual significance as Full Moon is considered as the most auspicious day.

Tonight, star gazers can witness a beautiful moon and capture this celestial event in their I phones and DSLR's. Strawberry Moon is given by Algonquin tribes, signals the start of the strawberry harvest season.

On full moon night, the Moon appears in its own full size and showers positive energy on earth through its divine rays. Strawberry Moon is a perfect time for reflection and renewal and it has a deep connection with nature.

Here we are going to mention few ways and rituals to celebrate this Full Moon Night:

1. Moonlight Meditation

The people who overthink and have psychological issues, they must utilize this divine time for attracting divine energy. They just need to control their thoughts and meditate under the Moon's glow to set positive intentions.

2. Gratitude Ceremony

This is the time to say thank you to the almighty God for everything what you have in life. If you ever feel gratitude then do not keep it to yourself just use the Full Moon night for expressing gratitude to God. Write down what you are thankful for and express your gratitude and attract positivity.

3. Full Moon Bath

Full Moon is also one important ritual to follow. Those who are more sensitive and emotional, they can enjoy a relaxing bath with herbs and essential oils to cleanse your energy.

4. Nature Walk

This Full Moon night has a lot of benefits so one more important thing you can do is take a moonlit walk to ground yourself and this is the perfect time to connect with nature.

5. Release and Let Go

This night is perfect for releasing your bad energy and negativity. So people are suggested to write down your fears, problems on a paper and burn what you wish to release.

6. Create Moon Water

Take a Jar full of water and leave that jar under the moonlight to absorb its divine energy and use it for drinking or watering plants and you can also use that water for bath and get extra energy as this water can help you cleansing your mind and body.

7. Love Ritual

Light the candle and then spread rose petals around it take a love crystal in your hand which is known as rose quartz then focus on the love you want to attract or you can use this remedy to strengthen your love. People are advised to meditate on positive things.

June's Full Moon 2024: FAQs

When is Strawberry Moon in 2024?

Strawberry Moon is going to be observed tonight, on June 21, 2024.

When is Full Moon in June 2024?

June's Full is being observed tonight i.e., on June 21, 2024.

How to celebrate Full Moon?

People perform various puja rituals such as observing satyanarayan vrat, manifestating their wishes, worshipping Lord Vishnu and also by offering water to Moon God.

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Nick Castellanos rallies Phillies to walk-off win over Padres

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Rare 1-3-5 triple play helps phillies topple tigers.

The Phillies pulled off the first triple play in the majors this season, Bryce Harper drove in five runs and Philadelphia cruised past the host Detroit Tigers 8-1 on Monday night.