New Safari Trend for Night Wildlife Photography

Summary

Noctourism, a travel trend centered on after-dark adventures, is gaining popularity, with a 25% growth in 2024 and projected worth of $20 million by 2035. This trend appeals to photographers by offering access to different wildlife subjects, unique lighting, and unrepeatable shots. Key considerations for successful noctourism photography include looking beyond common animals for rarer nocturnal species, planning ahead by understanding destination-specific night drive regulations, and mastering techniques like utilizing eyeshine. It's also advised to leverage transitional sunset periods and listen for animal sounds to aid in spotting subjects, while carefully selecting lodges that permit extended night drives.

Key points

• Noctourism offers unique photographic opportunities with nocturnal wildlife and lighting conditions.
• Photographers should seek out less common nocturnal animals like civets and genets.
• Planning ahead is crucial, as night drive access varies significantly by African destination.
• Utilizing eyeshine and sound can help locate animals, and lodges in private concessions offer more flexibility.