Happy safari guides from Aardvark Expeditions
Aardvark Expeditions
- Located In:
- Size:
- 20-50 employees (Founded in 2008)
- Member Of:
- TATO & TTB
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $180 to $650 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
CA
Email Shelley | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Personal, flexible and friendly to ensure all needs are met.
Philemon came to our hotel at Arusha Giraffe Lodge to help us organize a taste of NE Tanzania within our limited budget. Philemon was flexible and informative when discussing our options. He treated us to some local culture during our stay as well which was above and beyond. Charles was our guide for Arusha National Park and a more passionate man would be hard to find. His knowledge and pride in Tanzania was astounding making you feel honoured to be there. Efficient, hospitable and professional people make Aardvark Expeditions the company to make your time in Tanzania a once in a lifetime experience.
US
Email Zairina | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent adventure and trip of a lifetime!
Last year, Philemon has helped me to organize a Kilimanjaro hike. The hike was scheduled in December 2017, although the booking was made months prior. Communication was great, and Philemon was transparent regarding what was included and what was not, and also his recommendations. No one could have done it better.
I chose the 6 day Machame route for Kilimanjaro, which offers 5 different terrains and beautiful scenery throughout the hike. My guide, Agrev was very knowledgable about the mountains and we chatted throughout the entire hike. The team consists of 5 porters and a chef. The team was very friendly and my stay on the mountain was very comfortable. The chef cooked delicious meals, 3 times a day for me. I truly enjoyed the varieties of what was served all the 6 days I was on the mountain. It was a successful hike and I summited on the 5th day.
Thanks to Aardvark for making my trip unforgettable, showing me your beautiful country and giving me the best experience. A shoutout and a big thank you to the guide, Agrev, the chef-Simon and porters (Musa, Chobiz, Tadois, Alfredi and Andrew) for a wonderful week in Kilimanjaro.
US
Email Viral | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Fraudulent Thief- Don’t Risk It
Here are the reasons why choosing this safari option is just not worth risking for your once in a lifetime trip:
1. Broken down cars (ours broke down and needed to be serviced mid-trip). He will try to say this didn’t happen - well, it did, and we have photos and videos to prove it. We had to wait so long before it was repaired.
2. Broken radio, You will be the only car in the park that can't communicate with other other guides in the park (which will severely limit your ability to see wildlife). We had agreed that a radio would be in the car - and he guaranteed this, but told us it was broken after we had driven 5 hours and were in the park so there was no turning back.
3, Tiny windows (like being in a plane), other operators have jeeps with windows twice the size. Im 5'9 and had to hunch to see anything. He will try to say Tanzania requires all cars must be the same model, this is just not true. Look at photos yourself!
4. Philemon tried to put up into a budget lodge after we specifically discussed the lodges we wanted to be in (and had a written contract). We agreed to the lodges and then he tried to make last minute changes to get us in a cheaper one. What a joke!
5. Philemon tried to cut out a full day of our itinerary (we paid for 5 days, but to save money on park fees etc, he tried to persuade us the safari was only a 4 day trip). We agreed to itinerary e tried to change when we were mid way through!
6. Philemon will require you pay in full upfront. And he is very sweet to work with to start, but once he gets paid in full, he will ignore you and you will receive terrible service from him.
There are so many other operators, just dont risk your once in a lifetime trip. We chose this company because of the tripadvisor reviews, but it appears that they may not all be true. While out on safari, we did meet several couples/families who had chosen Leopard Tours and seemed to love it. They had modern cars, working radios, and very intelligent and knowledgeable guides. We cant vouch for them since we didnt use them, but I would try anything else but this!
Really disappointed.
Just don't risk it.
IT
Email Vincenzo | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Best trip at the best price
Contacted on the advice of the Arusha Giraffa Lodge, we visited the Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Manyara parks with Aardvark Expeditions.
Result: three really incredible days !!!
Perfect organization. 2 overnight stays in lodges unexpectedly comfortable and beautiful as resorts (especially the Country Lodge Karatu), with swimming pools, restaurants and relaxation areas.
In addition to good dinners and breakfasts, even 2 rich lunches at noon.
During the excursions (full day), with appropriate off-road, we have seen lions, giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, imphala, gazelles, zebras, wildebeests, hippos, monkeys, hyenas, jackals, mongooses, birds of all kinds and even (from far away) 2 black rhinos. Wonderful baobabs.
A special mention for the driver / guide Livingston who besides being nice, really knew his stuff and made us fill up with animals always in absolute safety.
At the end of February the weather was excellent, the savannah was green and full of newborn puppies.
A heartfelt thanks and a greeting to Mr. Philemon (the manager) who has kept every promise, thus allowing us to live a wonderful and memorable adventure (which I would also recommend to those with children).
IT
Email Laura | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
What an experience!!
We did a 3 day tour: Tarangire park, Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara. I highly recommend it to anyone wishing to see up close animals such as lions, antelopes, gazelles, hyenas, monkeys, giraffes, elephants, ostriches and so on and so forth! Really a fantastic experience, conducted with professionalism and courtesy.
We were on an off-road with a sunroof, which allowed, from a safe and elevated point of view, to admire the flora and fauna of the places. Obviously it is advisable to wear comfortable clothes and a certain tolerance of dust that can enter the passenger compartment. I would also recommend a pair of binoculars to see the animals that are at considerable distances, such as rhinos!
Accommodation in comfortable and clean lodge (type tourist village level). Pic nic with abundant lunch box and water at will.
Perfect general organization.
CA
Email Victoria | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Love love love the safari
We had an amazing time on this safari. Philemon was great at planning everything. The mawae camps were beautiful. One evening we enjoyed a bonfire after dinner, the stars are amazing. Urio was a great guide and the vehicle was nice and spacious even with seven of us in it. We saw the big five on this safari plus many more. All in all ardvark is a great company to work with to plan your once in a lifetime safari
CA
Email Kelli and Karl | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Awesome 4 Day Safari!
We took a family vacation to Tanzania, with our three adult daughters and our two sons in law. It turned out to be an amazing adventure for the 7 of us. Everyone asks us what was the highlight of visiting Africa - a resounding THE SAFARI!!!
Aardvark Expeditions was there to answer all of our needs. When we arrived in Arusha Philemon came and met us at our hotel to finalize one aspect that needed to be completed, before we could go. After our return to Arusha he once again came to see how we had enjoyed our experience.
Our driver Urio was a wonderful addition to our safari, he was prompt and so helpful. I felt he was also very focused on our safety, at all times. And made sure we should be at our destinations in good time. We saw all the big 5. We took the time to stop and watch the animals in their natural habitats , whether it be lions eating a zebra, a baby lion trying to climb a tree or elephants on parade heading to the water hole. All in all it was a wonderful experience,
EE
Email Rein | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Wonderful Safari with our driver-guide Urio
The Safari tour was excellent, service in every stop very good and most probably the places to stay overnight as well
RO
Email Ghenadie | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Nice climb on Kilimanjaro
Had a well organised climb - all of us got to the top! The food was very good for such conditions. The guides and the whole crew very kind and helpful. Planning to try a safari next time.
DE
Email Adrian | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Trekking in Kilimanjaro
We were a team of 9 people and organized the trip by Aardvark as we already took a safari trip with them a couple of years ago. Every aspect of the trip was great organized by the Aardvark team. All of us made it to the top. Special thanks to Mr. Philemon, definitely to recommend!