Be part of a world-first adventure: a nighttime safari in Scotland’s Highlands. Explore the Dornoch Hills after dark, with Connell Outdoor Pursuits using cutting-edge thermal imaging to reveal pine martens, wildcats, and deer in their natural habitat. Ideal for families, NC500 travellers, and wildlife enthusiasts looking for an authentic Highland experience.
In this guest blog, founder Kurt Connell shares the story behind this innovative safari and how Scotland’s Highland wildlife truly comes alive under the stars.
World-First Nighttime Safari in Scotland’s Highlands
At the heart of Connell Outdoor Pursuits, we are creating a genuine Highland experience – something that lets people come up here and really feel what life is like in this part of the world. For me, it’s about giving visitors that sense of authenticity and letting them step into the landscape the way we know it every day. Outdoor sports such as archery are still core to what we do here in Dornoch, but over time, my background in gamekeeping and wildlife management has led me toward something that captures a different kind of magic: nighttime safaris.
Gamekeepers are always out at night. The technology – especially thermal imaging – has changed everything. I remember being out with some friends and we all said the same thing: more people should have the chance to see this. Driving around after dark allows you to experience wildlife in a completely different way. That was the beginning of our nighttime safaris.
One of the great things about the safari is offering an activity that people can enjoy in any weather, even through the winter months. The whole experience is from inside the jeep, so it’s ideal for people with limited mobility. It still feels like being outdoors, but without the difficulty of navigating rough ground in the dark. The rest of the world may be asleep, but the wildlife is still busy.
Explore Scotland’s Wildlife Under the Stars in the Dornoch Hills
It’s part nighttime tour, part wildlife experience. The landscapes here take on a different character at night – still, quiet, a bit mysterious. The thermal imaging technology allows us to observe animals in their natural habitat, watching their nighttime routines without human disturbance. We’ve seen pine martens, badgers, otters, and all sorts moving through the darkness. Wildcats are a big attraction. They’re incredibly hard to find, but we’ve been lucky and have managed to spot a few. It’s a special moment every time.
A lot of the fascination comes from watching what animals actually get up to when they don’t know anyone’s watching. You might see a fox pouncing from a wall, or deer moving across a field. During the rut in September and October, it becomes even more dramatic. We often come across roaring stags holding females around the vehicle. Hearing their call is a powerful experience from just a few metres away.
Family-Friendly Jeep Safari with Thermal Imaging Technology
The kit we use adds to the fun. Inside the truck we’ve got a dome camera connected to a screen and a joystick setup. While I’m driving, the customer takes control of the camera. There’s even a Wi-Fi network so people can download the app to their phone and use that to control the camera too. It’s a great family friendly activity and kids especially love it – families end up fighting over the joystick! It’s good fun, whether you’re a nature lover or a tech enthusiast. We were the first to offer this kind of tour, and we’ve been proud to keep developing it.
Alongside the safaris, we keep things varied with what I call the triple-A experience: that’s archery, axe-throwing and our newest addition, air-rifle shooting. These are really popular activities for people who want to get outside, breathe the fresh air and learn a new skill.
Perfect for NC500 Travelers Seeking Unique Highland Experiences
We’re lucky here. The landscape in East Sutherland is so varied and beautiful. It’s amazing how much you can experience without travelling far at all. In one small corner you can find so many different environments, each with its own wildlife and atmosphere. Scotland is great for that. This whole area is fantastic, and sharing it – especially at night, when it reveals a different kind of magic – has become one of the best parts of what I do.
Inspired by the magic of the North Highlands after dark? Connell Outdoor Pursuits creates bespoke adventures for visitors to Sutherland, including world-first nighttime safaris, archery and clay shooting sessions, private 4×4 scenic tours, and tailored activity packages. Discover an authentic Highland experience and create moments you’ll treasure forever. Find out more on the Connell Outdoor Pursuits website here.
