Do's and don'ts to ensure a rewarding night safari in forest

Forests come alive as night falls. Many animals and birds that cannot be seen during the day come out in search of prey at night and so, wild animals that are not normally seen during the day are spotted more frequently at night. Night safaris enable visitors to savour the forest in its elements. However, for a night safari in the wild to become rewarding, travellers should take some precautions. The easiest way to spot wild animals during night rides is with the help of light. But, at the same time, using bright lights and camera flashes is more likely to scare away the animals. It is better to watch the animals using the headlights of the night safari vehicle.

Observe animals without disturbing them
A practice followed in Africa during night safaris is to use a powerful light to detect animals early in the trip and to switch to a less intense pale red light by using a filter once the presence of the animals is detected. This helps to observe the animals without unduly disturbing them.

Just like light, loud talk too is to be avoided in the jungle. Talking, especially during night safaris, will drive away animals. Strictly adhere to the instructions given by the guides. Talk as little as possible. Even sudden physical movements may spoil the night safari. You might have seen pictures of people taking a ride in the jungle in open jeeps with cameras with long-focus lenses. Things are a little different during night safaris. Those who observe things with the utmost attention and in silence will be rewarded with good experiences. Panicking upon sighting an animal and making movements may have adverse effects.  Similarly, it is advisable to halt the vehicle and remain still if animals are sighted.

Be ready for chilly nights
The ideal way to know the forest is to merge with its nature. For this reason, one should not wear gaudy clothes as one would do at celebrations. It is also advisable to wear a hat and clothes that cover the entire body, considering the possibility of chilly nights. The forest is the home of wild animals. There is no compulsion for them to appear before humans who enter their territory uninvited. It is possible that while the animals may see us, we may not be able to detect them. Therefore, try to enjoy the trips in the forest to the maximum, be it night or day. It is a mistake to evaluate a forest trip based solely on the number of animals seen. One should enjoy the sight of tiny and big creatures, the rare flora, the sounds of the forest, and the glimmering stars and the moon peeping down through the foliage.