Night flights over uninhabited terrain or over a large body of water are effectively IFR flights, since the lack of lights on the ground make it difficult to discern the horizon. Also, it is very easy to fly into clouds because they will not be visible. The disappearance of ground lights or the appearance of a glowing area around navigation lights is a good indication that you have entered a cloud. A 180-degree turn should  be initiated immediately. Most ICAO member countries do not allow VFR flights at night. Filing an IFR flight plan is the safest approach. If flying VFR, make sure to study the VFR Sectional charts to become aware of terrain features and obstructions along the route. IFR charts can also be consulted to determine safe altitudes to fly.

Mountain flying at night is definitely not recommended. At night mountains and ridges will appear as dark areas and blend in with the night sky, hiding ascending terrain. If you become disoriented and are concerned about flying into terrain, fly directly toward any light you can find. If it flickers or disappears, there is an obstacle between you and the light so you should select another one. Once you have located a unobstructed light, you can shuttle climb to reach a safe altitude. This is accomplished by flying toward the light for one minute, then making a 180-degree turn and flying that heading for one minute, then turning back toward the light until you are high enough to clear any obstacles in the area. In urban areas pilots can judge whether or not they are clearing a ridge by noting whether more and more lights or fewer and fewer lights are becoming visible on the opposite side.