Aardvark Safaris Tanzania Staff & Guides
Aardvark Safaris Tanzania
- Located In:
-
United States
- Size:
- 10-20 employees (Founded in 2002)
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $190 to $300 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Karen B | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Aardvark Tanzania Safari Experience Personalized to Your Interests
Aardvark Safaris created a safari experience unlike any other. Gus Mwangotya, the owner and primary guide is exceptional. We previously met Gus on Safari with one of the big commercial Safari companies and became life long friends. He started his own company Aardvark and it offers all the same first class treatment and accommodations we previously experienced but now he has the ability to personalize and customize rather than follow the "script". Safaris are intimate, no big groups. Gus a native Tanzanian pursued his masters degree in environmental studies in the US at Prescott College in Arizona. He speaks perfect English as well as several other languages. He is so accommodating - going above and beyond on every little detail. He is charismatic and fun with a great sense of humor. My husband and daughter and I wanted to be out on Safari dawn to dusk every day and he accommodated this with enthusiasm always looking to show us new and exciting things every day. We saw more animals and birds with Gus than ever before - he has an uncanny ability to know where to find them in their habitats at different times of day.
Aardvark will customize the Safari for you any way you want or you can choose from any of their established tours - and they will still personalize for you . So different than the big commercial Safari companies.
Our last day there Gus arranged a true bush dinner for my daughter's 30th birthday - it was an experience of a lifetime and a complete surprise to all of us. What a way to end our 10 day trip. We will be back soon booking with Aardvark - none better!
Be sure and get the right Aardvark Safari (there are a number of Safari companies with Aardvark in their names)
US
Email Will Flemer | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Truly Wonderful Experience
This trip with Aardvark was absolutely amazing. Augustine, trip leader and owner of Aardvark, is one of the nicest and warmest people I've ever met, and his knowledge of wildlife and conservation is expansive. He loves what he does, and it makes for a much more personal and rich safari experience than can be had anywhere else. Aardvark focuses on eco-tourism, not just sightseeing, which is more sustainable and respectful approach to running a safari. Our other driver, Junior, was also incredibly knowledgable and kind. I really can't praise both of them enough for how much they accommodated us, while also being respectful of wildlife (i.e., not getting too close just to get a picture). I won't go on safari with anyone else.
US
Email Tammy Gu | under20 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible Safari
I can't imagine a first introduction to the beautiful landscapes, wildlife, local people, and conservation practices of Tanzania more incredible and in-depth than the one I experienced with Aardvark Safaris Tanzania. Augustine Mwangotya is one of the kindest, most welcoming, and most knowledgeable people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. For the two weeks that I spent in Tanzania with Aardvark, Augustine was not only our group's tour leader, but our teacher and more importantly, our friend. Because Aardvark Safaris Tanzania practices eco-tourism, our safari was not only a photographic opportunity, but also an educational one in which we all attempted to truly respect Tanzania's wildlife and understand the varied lifestyles of the country's people. I am constantly missing our Aardvark tour guides and when I again return to Tanzania, I will, without a doubt, be going with Aardvark Safaris Tanzania. Thank you so much for the experience of a lifetime!!
US
Email Carolyn Clement | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Dream Come True
I can not completely articulate the gift of replenishing my soul, my faith in people, and the breathtaking landscape that Gus provided on our 10 day excursion. The education and perspective given to me and my 17 yr old daughter was incredibly impactful. We had the pleasure of Gus planning spectacular days, lovely overnight stays, and a contagious compassion for nature and his love for tanzania's beautiful people, animals and environment. After our journey we felt very educated on different tribes, bio-diversity, full of incredible information on all the animal species and kingdoms as well as conservation.. Gus presents his information in a fun, passionate way that leaves you wanting to learn more, see more while embracing every special moment. We felt incredibly safe and well taken care of. I would never re-visit without Gus being by my side because of his enthuasiasm, kindness and unbelievable spirit. We felt like family by the end of our excursion. Gus is very special, smart, compassionate, humorous and has a special spirit. Aardvark is the very best and I believe they make the safari experience the best it possibly could be!
US
65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic Experience
Augustine and Walt, and the drivers provided us with the trip of a lifetime. The total experience was beyond my wildest expectations. The accommodations where great and their locations where perfect. To be in Tanzania and view the wildlife and meet the people was everything you can imagine and more. I would highly recommend Aardvark Safaris Tanzania to give you the perfect African experience.
US
Email Kenna | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Experience with Knowledgeable Guides!
This experience far exceeded any expectations we had. Augustine and David were two of the most informed guides. Any questions we had they could answer. They made sure our experience not only covered the large animals but also the smaller flora and fauna as well as the human experience in Africa with visits to the Masai Village and Oldupai (Olduvai) Gorge. The places we stayed couldn't have been more magical. The staff at all the locations were very helpful and nice. The food was amazing (and plentiful!). Planning on going again!
US
Email Grete Zemans | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Augustine is an outstanding teacher; he made the adventure more perfect than we could have dreamed.
I wanted the 6 high school girls, 2 moms and a teacher to have the experience of a lifetime: to see the BIG 5 and the little 5; to learn about Tanzanian culture - its' history and its' current challenges; to meet some Tanzanians and experience their welcome and warmth; and to depart deeply touched and wanting to return. Gus, and his Aardvark Safaris Company, made all our dreams come true. Gus is uniquely well educated and has a comfortable teaching style and a great sense of humor. Having gone on 3 other safaris, with other companies, Aardvark has my unqualified recommendation.
US
Email Laura | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Exceptional Tanzanian Experience
We have now travelled with Aardvark Safaris Tanzania twice, and would do so again without question. The knowledge, experience and great personalities of everyone involved in our trip made it a very special two weeks. The schedule was adapted to meet our group's interests, and our guides never hesitated to take time to allow us great experiences and photos. They did an amazing job of allowing us to enjoy the moment, like stopping to watch elephants bathe, while keeping us remarkably on schedule. Additionally, they went of their way to understand our interests, and ensured that we had the best chance to see what we were hoping to see. There are not enough superlatives to describe the trip and the people. Having travelled with other safari companies, we can say confidently that no other compares!
US
Email Kay | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Once In a Lifetime Bucketlist Experience
As others have indicated, for me this was the experience of a lifetime. Augustine and David were exceptional guides. They were able to answer all of our questions and their knowledge of the animals, birds, flora and fauna were amazing. Food and Lodging were exceptional. I particularly enjoyed the Simba Lodge. The rooms were lovely and the view with zebras and wildebeests was spectacular. On the cultural side, the visits to the Hadza and Datoga villages gave us a true glimpse into tribal life. I can't say enough about Augustine and David's abilities with their vehicles. We encountered some truly trying driving conditions and came thru with flying colors. Thanks again Aardvark Safaris for a truly amazing experience!!!
US
Email Steve Van Slyke | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Can't Imagine a Better or More Comprehensive Safari
Our tour covered Arusha, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Oldupai Gorge, the Serengeti, Lake Eyasi and visits to the Hadza and Datoga people. We saw virtually all of the big mammals and many small ones as well like Banded Mongoose, Cerval Cats and Bat-Eared Foxes. With the hawk-like eyes of our driver-guides Augustine and David we also saw and identified several hundred species of birds. We were also informed about the tree and plant life we saw along the way.
We were amazed at how Augustine and David were able to take shortcuts through the bush where there seemed to be hardly any tracks let alone roads. Their driving skills in pouring rain and slippery mud were amazing.
The places we stayed, a mixture of luxury lodges, permanent and mobile tent camps were all fantastic, with great food and service.
Aside from being great drivers and guides, I can't imagine more knowledgeable naturalists among their competition. Whether you're a serious birder, botanist or just want to see the wildlife of Africa, Aardvark will fulfill your needs.