Do you know that you can also experience the Goa wildlife safari at Night? Most of us don’t know that Night Safari exists. It’s a whole new experience of forests we can never see during the day.
As the evening approaches, the whole atmosphere becomes dense. The air becomes crisp, and at this time, many species emerge from their hiding spots. Around 70 percent of mammals are nocturnal, coming out at night to forage for food and to find a mate, making nighttime the perfect window to observe wildlife behavior that remains hidden during daylight hours.
This entire time can be perfect to witness the wildlife as well as observe their patterns of living in their natural habitat. These nocturnal animals rest during the day and wander through the forest, hunt, and eat when it’s lights out, creating a completely different ecosystem dynamic after sunset.
With a guided Night Jeep safari, you can feel the adrenaline rush through your system when you watch these night-prowling creatures. The Western Ghats region, where Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is located, serves as a biodiversity hotspot with unique nocturnal species that have evolved specialized adaptations for life in darkness.
Nocturnal animal sightings can be more challenging than diurnal ones, as animals may be more elusive and sensitive to disturbances during their active hours, making professional guidance essential for successful wildlife encounters.
You can experience this Night Safari adventure tour in India‘s Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Western Ghats, with Nature’s Nest’s Night Safari tour.
Nature’s Nest offers you Wilderness packages that let you explore the wildlife under the stars in an open jeep. You can discover nocturnal wildlife in the buffer zone of Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and nature’s hidden wonders by moonlight. This whole 2 hours of Night Safari tour unveils nocturnal wonders like Mouse Deer, Flying Squirrels, Owls, Slender Loris, and fireflies.
Guided Walks or vehicle tours will be conducted according to the package to look for the nocturnal wildlife in the forest areas during late hours. The monsoon night safari experience is available from June to September and is conducted in safe buffer zones and designated trails to ensure safety and zero disturbance to the natural habitat.
There are not just fireflies or glowworms but bioluminescent fungi and mushrooms that occur only during the monsoon season, creating a magical, ethereal experience unique to the Western Ghats during the rainy season.
All the different wild habitats of Goa, whether deciduous forests, open laterite plateaus or swamps, are thriving havens of magical biodiversity, making each night safari a unique adventure. The buffer zone concept ensures that wildlife encounters occur in areas where human presence is carefully managed, allowing animals to maintain their natural behaviors while providing visitors with safe observation opportunities.
The whole tour is directed by a professional who answers all your curiosities and makes your experience informative as well as fun. Expert naturalists share fascinating insights about nocturnal adaptations, animal behavior patterns, and ecosystem dynamics that transform your safari from mere wildlife spotting into an educational journey through one of India’s most biodiverse regions.
*Please note the itinerary and animal interactions are subject to change or cancellation due to weather conditions and safety concerns
7:55 pm: Arrival at Nature’s Nest Eco-Resort reception
8:00 pm: Briefing sessions with expert naturalists in the reception
8:20 pm: Get on the Sanctuary’s buffer forest trail by Jeep Safari with the naturalist for the evening’s awaited adventure. Start your Night Safari experience. Keep a keen eye on your surroundings and spot the nocturnal animals that dwell at night.
10:30 pm: After a thrilling adventure and wildlife photography, head back to the resort and talk about your individual experiences with your fellow travellers.
Night safaris offer an extraordinary opportunity to witness the nocturnal world of wildlife in their natural habitat. The Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, spread across nearly 240 square kilometers, is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Goa and home to leopards and sloth bears. Nature’s Nest’s night safari experiences take advantage of this rich biodiversity, offering visitors the chance to encounter these magnificent creatures when they’re most active.
Nature’s Nest Eco Resort in Goa is located next to Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary in the Western Ghats in Goa, offering guided activities with trained guides and naturalists. This eco-resort provides an exceptional base for exploring one of India’s most diverse wildlife sanctuaries through specialized night jeep safari packages.
The resort’s mud-lined air-conditioned cottages provide authentic Goan village-home comfort, while their expert naturalists ensure safe and educational nocturnal wildlife encounters. The sanctuary’s location in the Western Ghats creates the perfect environment for spotting elusive nocturnal species that remain hidden during daylight hours.
Nighttime wildlife photography presents unique challenges that require specialized techniques and equipment to capture the magic of nocturnal animals in their natural habitat. The low-light conditions, moving subjects, and need to remain unobtrusive to wildlife demand a different approach than daytime photography.
Understanding your camera’s capabilities and limitations becomes crucial when working in near-darkness, where every technical decision can make the difference between a stunning wildlife portrait and a blurry, unusable image.
Success in night safari photography depends heavily on preparation and the right gear. Unlike daytime shoots where natural light is abundant, nighttime photography requires you to work with minimal available light while maintaining image quality.
The key is to maximize your camera’s light-gathering ability while minimizing disturbance to the animals you’re photographing.
Patient observation and understanding of animal behavior patterns will significantly improve your success rate in capturing compelling nighttime wildlife photographs.
Using the above tips, you should be able to create lasting photos of your nighttime game drive and prove that you were there, witnessing the thrill and the drama and incredible struggle that ends only at dawn.
The Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary transforms into a completely different world after sunset, revealing a fascinating array of nocturnal creatures that remain hidden during daylight hours.
While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, night safaris dramatically increase your chances of encountering the sanctuary’s secretive residents. There are civets and slender lorises in the trees, making these arboreal creatures prime targets for nighttime observation. The slender loris, with its distinctive large eyes adapted for night vision, becomes active as darkness falls, moving slowly through the forest canopy in search of insects and small prey.
Mouse Deer is also found here, and these diminutive ungulates are among the most sought-after nocturnal sightings. Despite their name, mouse deer are the world’s smallest hoofed mammals, standing only about 25 centimeters tall. Their shy nature and small size make them incredibly difficult to spot during the day, but night safaris offer the best chance to observe these remarkable creatures as they forage for fallen fruits and tender shoots.
Flying squirrels add an element of magic to night safaris, as these gliding mammals emerge from their tree hollows to navigate between trees using their membrane-stretched limbs. The sanctuary’s dense canopy provides ideal habitat for these nocturnal gliders, and patient observers might witness their graceful flights between the towering trees.
The night also reveals a diverse cast of other creatures. Owls and Nightjar, or even Indian Porcupine, become active during darkness, while various reptiles and amphibians that prefer the cooler nighttime temperatures emerge from their hiding places. The forest comes alive with the calls of owls echoing through the trees, the rustle of small mammals in the underbrush, and the occasional glimpse of a snake or gecko hunting under the protective cover of darkness.
The immersive night safari transports you into the secret lives of animals, and it’s hard to match that kind of firsthand understanding. As sanctuary darkness falls, the jungle stirs with a symphony of nocturnal sounds from the haunting calls of owls to the rustling of unseen creatures in the underbrush.
With specialized lighting and expert guides, visitors gain exclusive access to a hidden world where elusive species emerge from their daytime refuges. You will get a real thrill with up-close encounters of nature’s most secretive inhabitants as they invite you into their true, natural states. Book your adventure today with Nature’s Nest and experience the adventure to live for in the wild.
Q: What is the duration of the night safari tour?
A: The complete night safari experience lasts approximately 2 hours. This includes a briefing session and actual safari time in the buffer zone.
Q: Is the night safari safe for children and elderly visitors?
A: Yes, the night safari is conducted in designated safe buffer zones with professional guides and naturalists. However, children under 8 years are not recommended due to the late hours and potential wildlife encounters. Elderly visitors should assess their comfort level with uneven terrain and extended outdoor activity.
Q: What should I wear for the night safari?
A: Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good grip, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts in earth tones (avoid bright colors). Bring a light jacket as temperatures drop after sunset. Avoid perfumes or strong scents that might disturb wildlife.
Q: Are wildlife sightings guaranteed during the night safari?
A: No, wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed as animals are wild and unpredictable. However, night safaris significantly increase your chances of spotting nocturnal species, such as mouse deer, flying squirrels, slender lorises, and various birds that are rarely seen during daylight hours.
Q: Can I bring my camera and use flash photography?
A: Yes, cameras are allowed and encouraged. However, flash photography is strictly prohibited as it can startle animals and disrupt their natural behavior. Use high ISO settings, fast lenses, and consider bringing a tripod for better low-light photography.
Q: What’s the best time of year for a night safari?
A: The ideal time is October to May, when weather conditions are pleasant and wildlife activity is highest. The monsoon night safari (June to September) offers a unique experience but may have limited visibility and trail accessibility.
Q: Is transportation provided to the sanctuary?
A: The safari begins at Nature’s Nest Eco-Resort, located adjacent to Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary. Transportation within the sanctuary is provided via guided walk or jeep safari as per your package selection.
Q: What happens if it rains during the safari?
A: The tour may be modified or cancelled due to heavy rain for safety reasons. Alternative indoor activities or rescheduling options are provided. Light rain may not cancel the tour, as it often increases wildlife activity.
Q: Are there any age restrictions for the night safari?
A: Children under 8 years are not recommended due to safety concerns and late hours. Participants should be physically capable of walking on uneven forest terrain and sitting in a jeep for extended periods.
Q: What’s included in the night safari package?
A: The package includes professional guide services, jeep safari or guided walk. Accommodation can be arranged separately at Nature’s Nest Eco-Resort.
Q: What should I bring for the night safari?
A: Essential items include a small flashlight with a red filter, a camera with spare batteries and memory cards, insect repellent, a water bottle, and a light jacket. Avoid bringing food items that might attract wildlife.
