aardvark safaris tanzania

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FAMILY SAFARI

Full itinerary, date and price.

Highlights:

• Enjoy activities & experiences for all ages
• Hike to a beautiful waterfall in Arusha National Park
• Take a break from the heat of the day with a midday swim in Tarangire
• Meet the local Ikoma people and listen to stories and learn traditional Tanzanian games
• Sit around the campfire at night and reminisce about the details from your exciting day

Areas Visited:

• Arusha National Park
• Tarangire National Park
• Ngorongoro Highlands
• Ngorongoro Crater
• Serengeti National Park
• Grumeti Private Reserve

Days 1: Arrive to Arusha Depart your country of origin and begin your journey to Tanzania. Once you arrive to Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by Aardvark Safaris staff and transferred to your lodge where you will enjoy a late night snack & restful night’s sleep before beginning your adventure the next morning. Overnight: Arusha Lodge

Day 2: Arusha National Park Just outside of Arusha city, you will find a special gem of a National Park. Arusha National Park offers lush mountain forests that are home to the endangered colobus monkey and an estimated 575 bird species. Here, you will head to the foothills and embark on a serene hike, following a gentle uphill trail to the Tulutuluisia Waterfall where you will have beautiful views of the park’s diverse landscapes. The trail is a beginner’s level trail and is great for all ages! Overnight: Arusha Lodge

Day 3: Tarangire National Park After breakfast, you will hop in the safari vehicle and begin to make your way to Tarangire National Park, Tanzania’s fourth largest National Park. The drive is picturesque and soon you will begin to see the diverse scenery Tarangire has to offer, including the dramatic baobab trees. In the evening, sit around the campfire, telling stories and reviewing your great day, while taking in the beauty of the star-studded sky. Overnight: Maramboi Tented Camp

Day 4: Tarangire National Park Enjoy a full day exploring Tarangire National Park, one of the best places to view elephant herds. Keep your eyes peeled near Tarangire’s riverbanks looking for lions, leopards, giraffes, gerenuks, reedbucks, and even the rare fringe-eared oryx. Lunch will be served at Tarangire Safari Lodge, where the kids will enjoy cooling off in a swimming pool during the heat of the day. Overnight: Maramboi Tented Camp

Day 5: Ngorongoro Highlands Continue your journey by traveling west through the rolling hills and vibrant colors of the Great Rift Valley as you make your way to the Ngorongoro Highlands. After months of anticipation, you finally get to meet your pen pals today! This visit to their school is often a highlight, as the kids learn from each other’s cultures and interact in activities, from soccer to arts and crafts. After you visit at the school, you will check into the award winning lodge, Gibb’s Farm, which offers you and your family the perfect blend of relaxation and activities. Choose from a variety of afternoon activities including biking, bird watching, spa services, coffee roasting, tea on the veranda, a visit to the artist in residence, and more! Overnight: Gibb’s Farm – Conde Nast Traveler’s 2014 Gold List Winner – Best Hotel

Day 6: Ngorongoro Crater The Ngorongoro Crater is a geological marvel boasting several vegetation zones from lakes to forest to savannah. Despite its limited size of only 10 miles wide, the Crater is home to about 30,000 animals, including lion, hippo, the rare black rhino, hyena, wildebeest, zebra, African buffalo and much more. You will enjoy a full day of wildlife viewing in Ngorongoro Crater, today. Overnight: Gibb’s Farm – Conde Nast Traveler’s 2014 Gold List Winner– Best Hotel

Day 7: Serengeti National Park After breakfast at Gibb’s Farm, make your way into the Serengeti, a pristine and unique sanctuary that will give you a glimpse into “the world as it was in the beginning.” Once to Serengeti, you will have a full day of wildlife viewing and taking in your exquisite surroundings. You will arrive at your new camp in time to wash up and enjoy some snacks before dinner. Overnight: Serengeti Katikati Camp

Day 8: Serengeti National Park After your morning game drive, set out on foot to the local village where you can learn more about Tanzanian life. The people who inhabit this village, the Ikoma, are known for their drumming, dancing and storytelling. Relax at your camp in the evening while the kids learn traditional Tanzanian games. Today would be a great day to experience the Serengeti from the air with one of our hot air balloon excursions!  Visit our “Extensions” tab for more information. Overnight: Serengeti Katikati Camp

Day 9: Serengeti, Grumeti Private Reserve After breakfast, you will start your drive to Grumeti Private Reserve in western Serengeti, an exclusive area for Private guests in the Serengeti ecosystem. Your family will appreciate the opportunities to stretch their legs and explore the area on foot. Overnight: Sabora Camp

Day 10: Serengeti, Grumeti Private Reserve This remote and pristine region is a private reserve – its unique geography and its location outside the park make it a perfect destination for families who wish to enjoy a true wilderness and exploration experience. In the afternoon, you will learn more about the local people by visiting their villages. Later, the cultural exchange continues, as your new friends gather around the campfire at your camp to share traditional folklore stories. Overnight: Sabora Camp

Day 11: Arusha Depart on a scenic flight late this morning, arriving in Arusha in time for a farewell lunch, some souvenir shopping, and a dayroom to prepare for your flight home this evening. Your Aardvark Safaris guide will make sure you have everything you need before transporting you and your family, to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. Dayroom: Mount Meru Hotel

Lake Manyara A small park, but one not to be missed! Lake Manyara lies on the western wall of the Great Rift Valley at 3,150 feet altitude. It is noted for its elephant population and tree-climbing lions. The park has 88 square miles of lakes where abundant flamingos and hippos inhabit the lake shores. Days: 1 370 USD per person

Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Excursion Enjoy a bird’s eye view, as you peacefully float above the stunning Serengeti, just as the sun starts to rise and the animals below become active. The hour-long float trip will provide you with endless photographic opportunities and an experience of a lifetime. Once back on land, celebrate with a champagne (or orange juice for the young ones!) toast and full breakfast in the bush, prepared just for you! 545 USD per person Advanced reservations required

Post-Safari Extension: Volunteer Service Want to give back to the local community of Arusha? We can arrange a volunteer opportunity for you that will not only be rewarding for the local Tanzanians, but an experience you will never forget. From visiting the orphanage Aardvark Safari’s founder, Augustine, and his wife, started and currently run, to visiting local hospitals, schools or villages, we will set up a volunteer experience that perfectly suits your interests and passion. Suggested Days: 3-5 260 USD per person

Post-Safari Extension: Zanzibar What better way to conclude and reflect on your safari adventure, by relaxing on the pristine beaches or pools of Zanzibar? Zanzibar not only offers a leisurely beach getaway, but has many exciting activities to choose from, the whole family will love! You may choose to try out the diving and snorkeling, or guided reef & village walks, or perhaps kayaking. You definitely won’t want to miss visiting Stone Town and its world famous spice tours, and its narrow streets, shops and markets. Experience the sights, sounds and spices of the capital by ending your family’s memorable journey, in Zanzibar. Suggested Days: 3-5 1980 USD per person

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Knowledgeable, Friendly, Attentive, Fun... - Aardvark Safaris

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I took my two young adult children on a 3-week trip to Tanzania (December 2023 - January 2024) that... read more

Our primate safari to Uganda organised by Jo at Aardvark safari’s was superb. This was our third... read more

Knowledgeable, Friendly, Attentive, Fun Guides

Aardvark Safaris Tanzania LTD was recommended to us by some friends. They told us they LOVE Gus (Augustine) and I can sure see why! Gus worked with us to create the perfect safari within our budget. Gus was waiting for us at the airport, took us to our hotel and joined us for dinner. He explained what to expect and had hotel staff leave our itinerary in a very professional folder on our bed. The next morning we started what became the most incredible experience of my life. We flew to the western part of the Serengeti and as soon as we got into our tour vehicle began to see amazing animals--zebras, lions, hippos, and more. Gus was incredibly knowledgeable--he had so much information about each animal as well as birds and plants. Thankfully, he held much of the information until we saw a particular animal, bird, or plant (or I would have been overwhelmed). I can't say enough good things about this tour company. Gus was funny (as was his driver, David), informative, attentive, and also patient with us. He knew where to go so that we would likely see specific animals, and was polite with other tourists & guides. He took us all over Serengeti National Park, Oldupai Gorge, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire. Knowing we were interested in photographing the animals we saw, Gus and David made sure we had good angles to take photographs of the amazing animals and provided sand bags for our huge lenses. It's obvious that he truly cares about the preservation of the animals as well as the people of Tanzania. At the end of the trip, we visited an orphanage that was started by his wife that is for children with AIDS. These children have been abandoned by their families, but are cared for with love by the staff at St. Lucia. Gus contributes a portion of his income to support this orphanage. I absolutely recommend Aardvark Safari Tanzania and Augustine Mwangotya if you are considering a safari in Africa.

I had never been to Africa before and was quite excited about my trip. From the moment my sister and I arrived in Tanzania, it was wonderful. Augustine picked us up at the airport and took us to our hotel. When we got to our room, there were thoughtful gifts for us, along with a lovely welcoming note and pertinent information. Wow! I was so impressed! The attention to detail to make our safari special was present every day. Augustine was so organized, so helpful and considerate. He and his drivers were so knowledgeable and lots of fun. I can’t thank them enough for making my African trip a most fabulous experience. You will be SO VERY PLEASED if you travel with Aardvark Safaris!!!

I just returned back from Tanzania (15days Wildlife Safari ) along with my best friend Sally from the United States. We had wonderful time in Tanzania with best tour guide (Augustine, a.k.a "Gus" from Aardvark could not let even a mosquito bite on our safari trip. (what a wonderful person) Very knowledgeable and pays attention to every detail. I give 10/10 to Gus and 100/100 to Aardvark safaris Tanzania. Memorable and surely i will come again and again.

Super knowledgeable staff, best taste of all experiences, accommodations surpassed our expectations. Prompt pick up from Augustine at the airport, met the rest of our group happily camped out at a gorgeous hotel in Arusha. We met, cheers and woke up the next morning, off for our adventure. We couldn't have been taken on a more comprehensive safari. Of course the wildlife is like nothing else in the world, birding, elephants, and lions roaring at night. Accommodations were from farm houses to tented camps, Adding in the Masai and where Lucy was discovered was amazing. Happy hours were always fun too! Our visit was actually December/January 2015. The choice for this date was not available below.

We have been fortunate enough to travel to east Africa 4 times, two of them with Aardvark Safaris in Tanzania, and if we have the chance we would absolutely travel with them again! The difference between Aardvark and other safaris we took was the connection with the people and the land. We didn't just see sights, we experienced them. From a late afternoon spent with elephants quietly feeding in the golden light all around us to the early morning drive as first ones in to Ngorongoro to see lions hunting, the memories that Augustine and his team helped us enjoy will last a lifetime. We can't recommend them enough.

I was part of a group of students and teachers from my high school who went to Tanzania over spring break. Aardvark Safaris took care of everything, hotels, food, activities etc. It was nothing short of a life-changing experience. The tour guides are incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and hilarious. They have tons of stories, they've been doing this for years. And no words can describe the people, places, and animals of Tanzania.

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Aardvarks in Tanzania

Despite being one of Tanzania’s most widespread large mammals, the secretive nature of aardvarks means they are rarely seen. Night drives provide the best chance of seeing these elusive and unusual creatures.

Quick facts about Aardvark

Aardvarks are relatively common in Tanzania: they occupy a variety of habitats from open grasslands to dense forests, and can be found wherever termites are abundant and the ground is not too rocky. However their nocturnal habits make them hard to see. Aardvarks routinely roam up to 5km each night in search of ants and termites, with their most active periods being between midnight and 05:00. Aardvarks dig their own deep burrows, which are often later used by other animals, especially warthogs. Despite their relatively high population, they are particularly vulnerable to habitat loss and they are also hunted for food in rural parts of Tanzania.

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Tanzania's top camps for seeing aardvarks

Based on 5 reports since Aug 2018, the camps below have the best chance of seeing aardvarks. Simply follow the key below.

Best chances to see

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Top 10 camps for aardvark

% of travellers who saw aardvark

Where to see aardvarks in Tanzania

Aardvarks can be found throughout the country, however these shy nocturnal creatures are hard to spot. To improve your chance of seeing aardvarks in Tanzania stay at camps offering night drives.

Top tips for viewing aardvarks in Tanzania

Aardvarks are widespread across much of the country and can be found in all Tanzania’s national parks except for Rubondo Island and Gombe. Not all camps offer night drives, so it’s worth doing your research beforehand: Kwihala in Ruaha and Kuro Tarangire could be good choices. There have been sightings around Arusha’s coffee plantations and camera trap data indicate fairly high populations in the Mahale Mountains and near the Zambian border. You could improve your chances by looking during the day for claw marks around burrows and fresh signs of digging, but you might have the best opportunity to see an aardvark if you go after midnight, probably on private land.

Holiday ideas to see aardvarks in Tanzania

These trip ideas include places that will give you a chance of seeing aardvarks in Tanzania

Tinkerbird Fly-in Safari

8 days • 4 locations KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Explore Tanzania’s famous northern circuit in Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Serengeti National Park. Four smart sister camps offer a high level of care, first-class guiding and a wide range of activities.

US$9,100 - US$14,140 per person

Regal Sunbird Fly-in Safari

12 days • 5 locations KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Experience the highlights of Tanzania with a safari in the country’s famous northern parks followed by historic Stone Town and the palm-fringed beaches of Zanzibar, staying in high-quality accommodation throughout.

US$9,320 - US$15,160 per person

Gorillas and Serengeti Safari

11 days • 4 locations KIGALI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Combine three iconic experiences – mountain gorillas in Rwanda, and the Serengeti plains and awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania.

US$12,620 - US$14,390 per person

Marabou Stork Fly-in Safari

13 days • 5 locations KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Four luxurious camps enable exploration of Tanzania’s north and southern regions. With a range of land- and water-based activities available throughout, decidedly comfortable accommodation and applicable long-stay discounts, this adventurous safari is excellent value.

US$17,280 - US$25,560 per person

Superb Starling Fly-In Safari

7 days • 2 locations DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Explore Nyerere and Ruaha national parks from two luxurious sister camps within wildlife-rich locations. Both offer a range of land- and water-based activities, a superb standard of guiding and access to beautifully contrasting landscapes.

US$8,500 - US$12,950 per person

Flufftail Guided Safari

10 days • 3 locations KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Stay in three unique camps as you safari across the Ngorongoro Crater and the iconic Serengeti Plains with your private guide and 4WD vehicle: a trip of comfort and autonomy, with excellent wildlife.

US$12,970 - US$18,460 per person

Martial Eagle Fly-in Safari

9 days • 3 locations NAIROBI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

This stylish fly-in safari visits two of Africa’s most iconic parks, the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and Tanzania's Serengeti National Park.

US$10,740 - US$17,740 per person

Dik Dik Safari

12 days • 4 locations KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Combine safari with peace and relaxation on Zanzibar’s white-sand shores during this exploration of Tanzania. Stay in three high-quality sister camps within Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park before concluding with a stay on Michamvi Peninsula.

US$8,750 - US$14,010 per person

Turaco Safari

12 days • 4 locations DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

This top-value holiday idea combines two safari areas with a week on the Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar. Photograph lions and elephants, then relax under the palms on a powder-sand beach.

US$5,460 - US$6,330 per person

Red Colobus Monkey Safari

11 days • 3 locations DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

This luxury holiday suggestion combines a wildlife safari in Ruaha National Park with a week on Zanzibar, exploring Stone Town’s narrow streets and relaxing on a palm-shaded beach.

US$6,020 - US$7,820 per person

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Our top destinations for aardvarks

Read tips for spotting aardvarks in these countries and the best camps and lodges for sightings

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Giant Aardvark Adventure is tour organizer for Kilimanjaro climbs and wildlife safaris in Tanzania, with 20 years of experience in the field.

Our expertise are destinations, culture and wildlife of tanzania – book with us for unforgettable adventure., mountain trek packages, 7 days lemosho package kilimanjaro climb, 7 days machame package kilimanjaro climb, 6 days umbwe package kilimanjaro climb, 6 days rongai package kilimanjaro climb, 6 days marangu package kilimanjaro climb, our safari packages, 3 days safari to tarangire, ngorongoro crater and lake manyara, 6 days safari to tarangire, lake manyara, serengeti and ngorongoro, 7 days safari to tarangire, lake manyara, serengeti and ngorongoro, 8 day tanzania and zanzibar experience, solo africa safari trips.

Are you looking for a solo trip? You are not alone, with a lot of travellers now preferring taking things on their own for maximum experience and without interruptions, safari gives you an opportunity to embark on a solo trip and reap the benefits like:

Taking things at your own pace, focus on your interests and what experiences matters to you most while avoiding ruining your Africa trip through the incompatibility problem with strangers.

Ngorongoro Crater

Mount kilimanjaro national park, lake manyara national park, serengeti national park, tarangire national park, our reviews.

Vi hade en fantastisk upplevelse på Kilimanjaro tillsammans med vår guide Eli som var både trevlig, professionell, kunnig och vi kände oss väldigt trygga och väl omhändertagna med honom som vår guide. Utöver hans långa erfarenhet som bergsguide har han även en universitetsutbildning i wildlife biology och han delade generöst med sig av sin kunskap om djur och natur, växter, bergarter mm som vi såg på vägen. Turen var mycket välplanerad och vandringen gjordes i en takt som anpassades utifrån vår förmåga och dagsform.

En helt oförglömlig upplevelse där vi fick njuta av Kilimanjaros fantastiska natur, vackra vyer och oändliga vidder. Eli förgyllde upplevelsen för oss och vi kan varmt rekommendera honom som guide. Stort tack!

Hi Mosha. I want to let you know how fondly I think of you since coming back to the “states”. You were so supportive and helpful during the trek up Kili. You have the kindest demeanor! It is hard to imagine getting to the top without your support and positive attitude. With your knowledge and attention to detail, I know you will continue to succeed in all your endeavors. With best wishes, Lisa Phillips

How do I even begin to describe how amazing Mosha and his team were??? First things first, I would not have made it without them. I had never hiked a mountain before or even really considered it. I went in blind and came out ON TOP and with a magical group of  mountain men that I will never forget. Mosha and his team helped me in every way every single day: water, food, health check-ins, oxygen levels, breathing/walking tactics. From the moment I woke up to the moment we went to sleep the crew was so attentive. Mosha specifically has vast knowledge of the mountain and plant life and was always eager to share and to answer my questions. The late night/early morning start to summit, we began in the cold darkness (11pm).. single file.. step by step following each others head lamps. This 9 hour experience was one of the most challenging, most absurd things I have ever done. While it was the most beautiful view I will likely ever see: The rising sun behind me over Africa as we all shuffled up the mountain… the lack of Oxygen at this altitude was a mental/physical challenge I have a hard time even describing. Every time I considered what I was actually doing I would just simply weep to myself… and there were plenty of moments that I considered trying to hide along our route to just go to sleep… forever haha. Through reaching those lows came the most beautifully transformative moment: Mosha and his team walking beside us (next to the path on much more challenging terrain), having taken all of our day packs onto their own backs (Mosha himself carrying 3 day packs at once in order to make it easier on us)… THEY BEGAN TO SING! A silent, cold, early morning hike to the roof of Africa led by the song of Kilimanjaro Mountain Men! … Absolutely incredible!

I will absolutely be back and I will never climb Kilimanjaro without Mosha by my side! Highly recommend.

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AARDVARK SAFARIS was born from the conviction that nature-based tourism is a key element in preserving and enhancing the wildlife and cultural resources of Tanzania.

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Latest user review, extremely knowledgable, friendly, efficient and very environmentally conscious..

I could not more wholeheartedly recommend a tour company!!! Very open communication before and during, organized, clean vehicles, and the staff knowledge was just amazing. We were driving back from a day trip in Mzomazi Park, and our...

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