Noctourism drives the night safari travel trend in 2025

Ever wondered how a trip through the jungle would look at night? Scary? Maybe. But for many travel enthusiasts who wish to witness the wilderness differently, night safaris are becoming an experience to look forward to. Indore-based Shivang Mehra had a memorable experience when he went for his first night safari in November last year. “Our jeep was quietly moving through the buffer zone in Pench when the guard asked us to stay still. Suddenly, an Indian grey wolf, closely followed by her pups, crossed our path. It was magical,” he recalls. If you’re planning to embark on an after-dark escapade, a night safari should be on your bucket list. Here’s why.

Noctourism is driving the night safari trend
The rise of noctourism — a growing travel trend for 2025 — has pushed night safaris into the limelight. Travellers are increasingly drawn to destinations with minimal light pollution, seeking not just wildlife but also an unfiltered view of the night sky. According to a travel trends report, over 60% of tourists are now prioritising trips to dark-sky zones. Additionally, many Indian wildlife parks have expanded their night safari offerings to include buffer zones, ensuring sustainable practices while giving travellers a glimpse into the nocturnal world.

“I’ve always gone for daytime safaris but I plan on combining my love for the night sky with my next safari so I can experience the forest from a whole new perspective” — Sneha Pillai, a travel enthusiast

What to expect during a night safari?
Joydeep Mondal, who runs a bespoke tour agency Wildchasers India, says, “When I host guests for night safaris, we pause at a dry riverbed or by a lake on a full moon night, turn off the vehicle engine and lights so the visitors can absorb the sounds of the forest at night. After some time, the eyes get adjusted to the moonlight which makes it easy to see silhouettes of creatures without disturbing them.” He also adds that there are more tiger and leopard sightings in buffer zones now. “If you’re patient you’ll also get to see highly nocturnal creatures like porcupines, rusty spotted cats, civet cats, jungle cats and sometimes even the rare honey badger. Night safaris are also perfect for stargazing enthusiasts who love to marvel at the night sky.”

Day vs night safaris
While daytime safaris focus on spotting animals like tigers, deer, and elephants, night safaris offer a chance to catch a glimpse of the forest’s lesser-known, nocturnal inhabitants. Animals like jungle cats, wolves, civets, porcupines, and more are likely to be spotted at night. In addition, stargazing is another integral part of night safaris, thanks to low light pollution in forested areas.

“I was hesitant at first, but once we started, I was hooked to the experience! If you follow the rules and don’t disturb the forest and its inhabitants, you’ll get to see a whole new world after dark”— Keshav Gupta, a first-time night safari visitor

Night safaris in India
Pench National Park: The buffer zones offer a chance to see jungle cats, Indian grey wolves, and perhaps even a stealthy leopard.
Satpura National Park: Expect to encounter sloth bears, foxes, and a variety of owls.
Jim Corbett National Park: The night safari in its buffer zones lets you spot elusive creatures like leopards, civets, and porcupines while soaking in the quiet, mysterious vibe of the forest.
Panna Tiger Reserve: Spot Bengal tigers, wolves, Indian leopards, and the rusty spotted wild cat.
(Note: Check the latest guidelines and restrictions before booking a safari as operations may vary across parks)

International night safaris
Globally, you can visit destinations like the Singapore Night Safari, which includes tram rides and walking trails showcasing over 130 animal species, Sabi Sands Game Reserve in Africa where you can spot hyenas, leopards, and even pangolin, and the Alice Springs Desert Park in Australia that highlights unique desert wildlife, including bilbies and echidnas.

Things to keep in mind
Choose licensed operators
Dress to blend in. Avoid bright clothes
Avoid flash photography
Respect the rules of the forest
Carry a refillable water bottle
Collect wrappers and other waste in a bag
Dispose of trash in bins provided at the site
(As shared by safari operators)