Schotia night safari game drive: See nocturnal Big 5

Watch what lions hunt after dark in an open vehicle

A night game drive in an open safari vehicle at Schotia, near Port Elizabeth, where a qualified guide takes groups of up to 16 to see nocturnal animals (lions, hyenas, black rhino, aardvark) that stay hidden during the day. Dinner is included; pickup from your hotel is arranged; the guide speaks English and commentary suits all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Open vehicle safari game drive

• Join open safari vehicle
• See Big 5 animals
• Spot giraffes and antelope
• Observe night animals like hyenas and lions
• Learn about African galaxy from guide

The experience

The open vehicle is what makes the night drive work. Sitting exposed on the bench seats lets you turn in any direction to follow movement in the dark, and the guide (trained and mature, with 15 years in the industry) uses a spotlight to pick out the animals that emerge once the sun drops. You'll see the shy black rhino, which rarely appears in daylight, and watch elephants and antelope that graze and browse only at night. The Big 5 are all possible: giraffe and different antelope species are regular sightings, and lions hunting their prey under stars are the moment most people come for.

The drive runs 4 to 6 hours depending on animal activity and what the guide finds. Dinner is served as part of the booking. Your hotel pickup is included, so you don't arrange transport separately. The guide can also point out the African galaxy while you're stopped: a detail that turns a quiet moment into something more. Groups stay under 16, which keeps the vehicle from feeling crowded and gives everyone a sight line.

What’s included

• Dinner.
• hotel pickup from Port Elizabeth.
• open-vehicle ride with a qualified, English-speaking guide.
• access to nocturnal game sightings at Schotia.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 06:00 and 08:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (13 to 80 years) · Senior (85 and older) · Youth (11 to 12 years) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 5 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availableInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Addo travel center and adventure

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so you follow the commentary without effort. This suits anyone who wants to understand what they're seeing and learn about the animals' behavior at night, whether you're traveling solo, with family or in a group.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 12 years); Child (3 to 10 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What animals can I actually see on a night safari at Schotia?

Lions, hyenas, black rhino, aardvark, elephants, giraffe and antelope are all sighted at night. The shy black rhino is normally spotted only after dark, and you'll watch lions hunt their prey under stars: behavior you won't see during daylight drives.

How long does the night game drive last?

The drive runs between 4 and 6 hours depending on animal activity and where the guide locates sightings. The length varies by what you encounter, not by a fixed schedule.

Is hotel pickup included in the booking?

Yes, pickup from your Port Elizabeth hotel is included. You don't need to arrange separate transport to Schotia.

What's included in the price?

Dinner and hotel pickup are both included. The guide's commentary and the open-vehicle experience are part of the booking. Guide tips are separate.