Air Partner Magazine A/W 25 - Magazine - Page 34
N O C TO U R I S M
A F T E R - DAR K ADV E N T U R E S R E V E A L A S I DE
O F T HE AN I M A L K I N G D O M T H AT I S RAR E LY S E E N
Wildlife watching from
Little Kulala retreat, Namibia.
Memories Aicha Luxury
Camp, Wadi Rum.
© Wilderness Resorts
Little Kulala
D E S E R T S TA R G A Z I N G S A FA R I S
W I L D L I F E WO N D E R S
Days in Jordan’s Wadi Rum are extraordinary – best spent marvelling
Noctourism opens up a whole new world of opportunity for wildlife
at the Mars-like landscape, traversing rippling red dunes in 4x4s,
lovers. From guided night walks in the jungles of Madagascar to
or galloping across open plains on an Arabian horse. But, as the
evening game drives on the African savannah, after-dark adventures
sun sets, this protected desert becomes even more spectacular,
reveal a side of the animal kingdom that is rarely seen. In Africa alone,
transforming into a stage for one of the world’s most impressive
around 70% of species are most active at night, including elusive
celestial shows.
creatures like the honey badger, bush baby, and porcupine, as well as
Entirely untouched by light pollution and designated as an
savannah royalty like lions, leopards, and hippos.
International Dark Sky Reserve, words simply can’t do the sheer
Unlike traditional game drives, which are restricted to daylight hours
volume of stars or beauty of the Wadi Rum night sky justice.
in most national parks, night drives take place in private
High-end camps elevate the experience with astronomer-led
conservancies. Here, authorised drivers and specialist guides are
stargazing safaris, helping you identify Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s
trained to track nocturnal creatures with minimal disruption, using
radiance, and the famous constellations shining brightly above.
Later, savour a gourmet Bedouin-inspired feast by the 昀椀re before
retreating to your suite at Memories Aicha Luxury Camp, where the
panoramic dome tents make the bejewelled sky your ceiling.
red-昀椀ltered spotlights to illuminate the wild without disturbing it.
Departing at sunset with a nightcap in hand, you’ll watch as the
African sky turns from amber to inky-black, anticipation rising as the
nocturnal world gradually unfolds around you. It’s a raw and utterly
remarkable experience – and something that will stay with you forever.
