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
FR
Email C&B | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unforgettable honeymoon
Aardvark is a very trusted company to have an amazing safari tour. Philemon made us a special program according to what we asked for.
We took a 5 days safari program and we could visit the Lake Manyara National Park, The Serengeti and the Ngorongoro.
Livingstone, our driver, was amazing during all the journey. He knows absolutely everything about animals. He made our safari unforgettable.
You can choose and trust Aardvark if you plan go on a safari in Tanzania.
Email Dr Dave Haran | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
The trip to Tangarire and Ngorogoro was fantastic.
Two of us went on the weekend safari to Tangarire and Ngorogoro. Don had just climbed Kilimanjaro so was looking for R&R. I have a long attachment to Africa.
The trip was astonishing from the first entry into Tangarire. Settling down by a watering hole were a pride of lions snoozing after a kill. But they hadn't counted on this Bull elephant wanting a drink! What a show watching the Bull chase away the lions much to the relief of thirsty zebra and wildebeest. The trip continued in brilliant fashion thanks to the knowledge and keen eyesight of our driver.
The organisation of the trip was ideal with an overnight stay at a lodge complete with bar good food and swimming pool.
Phil the director of Aardvark went out of his way to a accomodate our needs for the trip.
I would highly recommend this company to everyone.
DE
Email Sven Hase | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic 2 days in Tarangire and Ngorongoro National Park
We had originally booked with another organizer of a 4-day tour. But this did not come about through inadequacies on the part of the organizer. Fortunately, our hotel, Tulia Hotel in Arusha, Philemon recommended us. Within 1 hour we planned the trip and booked.
Then it started. On time we were picked up with an old, well-maintained Land Rover and we drove on the first day in the Tarangire National Park. Our guide was just great. Ridden peacefully, answered questions at any time adequately, witty and simply an expert in the national park.
We did not really expect to see much on the first day, but we had such incredible luck and saw everything we wanted. It was just amazing. The animals, the nature, the whole scenery ... madness!
We stayed at a lodge half way to the Ngorongoro Crater. Everything perfect and great food.
Early in the morning we went to the crater. Just the ride on the crater rim was so impressive and would have been enough for the day. What kind of nature.
When we arrived down in the crater we were just overwhelmed by the mass of animals.
There was a fascinating silence interrupted by animal sounds.
Simply very, very impressive, fascinating, uplifting ...
You just have to see it.
Therefore, I can only recommend Aardvark Expeditions Limited and Philemon Joel.
CA
Email John and Jean | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent trip, flexible planning!
This was our first trip to Africa. We stayed for 4 weeks, one of which was devoted to a 7-day safari to Tarangire, Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater. One of those days was devoted to exploring the city of Arusha.
Philemon planned an excellent safari for us. The accomodation ranged from luxurious to very good considering the location when staying in the middle of the Serengeti. Most camps or lodges brought us as close to the local wildlife as we cared to be. The game drives allowed us to see all of the big animals one associates with these parks as well as allowing us to become familiar with many others. Our driver/guide was patient and accommodating and we also learned a lot about local culture in conversations with him.
Philemon made our trip easy by arranging airport transfer on arrival, accommodation at the beginning and end of our trip as well as the safari trip itself and he remained flexible to changes in our schedule. For example he provided support for an extra day in Arusha as we had an evening flight leaving JRO.
We happily recommend Aardvark Expeditions to anyone looking to plan a trip to Tanzania.
NL
Email Eric Oosterveen | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Outstanding trip by Aardvark to visit Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater with excellent guide
My wife and I went on the weekend safari to Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater with Aardvark.
There are a lot of companies who can arrange a safari tour for you. We didn't have any experience with the companies so through the internet we became in contact with Aardvark.
Philemon responded very quick by mail. Further contact was by WhatsApp. This contact was very good and quick. Philemon offered even to visit us to discuss the safari.
In a short time we had planned the safari and the overnight stay at Ngorongoro Farmhouse including the price.
We left at Saturday morning and the guide was waiting for us perfectly on time. The guide Urio was very kind.
We started at Tarangire and we have seen a lot of different animals. It was very busy at the entrance of the park, but Urio took care of the documents in 5 minutes. Urio was not for 'convoy' driving, he managed to avoid al busy roads and he took his own way in the park with a speed that we had all the time to look at and look for the animals. He also looked with us for the animals. His knowledge of the animals and the surroundings was very good and you could ask him everything.
At the picnic in Tarangire he even had a plaid on the table for us!
After Tarangire we went for the overnight stay to Ngorongoro Farmhouse. The stay in the lodge was excellent, the food was good and in the early morning at 06.00 am the lunchbox is prepared in front of you with things you like.
With a short drive we went in to the Ngorongoro area. From the entrance of the park it was a drive of 50 minutes to the entrance of the crater.
The crater was astonishing, what a view at the top and inside the crater. Again Urio got us into the park and out of the 'traffic' of all other visitors very fast, and he took the time to drive through the crater to look for many animals. We again spotted a lot of wonderful animals. The lunchsite was perfect, also the plaid we could to sit on, at the lakesite with hippo's in front of us!
After lunch we wanted to see de rhino but we had no luck.
Great thanks to the organization of this trip by Philemon and our friendly guide Urio.
I would highly recommend this company for everyone, the details of this safari made it perfect.
US
Email Rennie Kienitz | 50-65 years of age
great service and great experience with this company
from the very first day I contacted Philemon he always tried his very best to answer all my question and gave me all the details about the trip that I need I had requested a certain guide and he delivered on that also. I was totally blown away on how my team treated me and took care of me especially on summit day they really stepped up on that day and made sure I reached my goal without risking my safety the rest of the team was great also they worked non stop every day it was amazing how hard they worked and the food was unbelievable I did not expect to be feed that much and the cook was also amazing on his meal selection. It was just a great experience working with Philemon and my team I will never look anywhere else when I head back next time.
DE
Email Theo | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great experience on the Kilimanjaro
My Friend and I came to tanzania to work in a hospital for one month. We did this clinical traineeship for our medicine studies and wanted to climb the Kilimanjaro first.
We didn't plan anything in Germany before so we needed someone, who could arrange everything. We had no climbing gear like sleeping bags or hiking sticks as well.
Philemon (the chef of aardvark eypeditions) was very professionell and managed to get us all the climbing gears we needed without paying anything extra. Furthermore, He could arrange the tour within 7 days. We booked it in Arusha but the crew picked us up in Moshi and it was no problem because we had Philemons Whatsapp number, so we could Talk to hin anytime.
The Crew (nine porter, one cook and two guides) was super nice and they took very good care of us. The guides were good informed, speaked good enough english and handled every Situation very professionell. The food was very tasty and sometimes even to much.
All in all was the Tour very nice, well planed and the team was great. The price was okay and Philemon was a great organizer.
I can totally recommend aardvark expeditions.
DE
Email Jan | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great planning and great adventure (Safari at Arusha National Park and climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro)
Me and a friend of mine came to Tansania for volunteering. We thought about climbing Mt Kilimanjaro but did not plan anything before we flew over. When we arrived at Arusha we talked with our hotel staff about our plans and they connected us with Philemon and Aardvark. When we met with Philemon the planning and negotiation process about the two tours were easy and transparent. Philemon was very open and did not push us to any premature decicsons. Moreover, it was possible to book a Tour that starts in a week, so very spontaneous.
Safari Arusha National Park:
We got picked up at our hotel in the morning on time by our Safari driver and drove to the park. The Safari itself was great. We saw giraffes, buffalos, antelopes, zebras, warthogs, flamingos, monkeys etc...
We made a lunch break and a lunch box with enough water were included.
After the driving Safari we also did the walking safari. I would strongly recommend that! While walking you can really get into the nature and get close to the animals. Especially many giraffes were to be seen. Our ranger who took us on the walking Safari was great and could answer almost every question perfectly. After that we got dropped of at our hotel again.
Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro (Machame Route 7 Days)
First of all, we didnt have any climbing gear, so Philemon organized everything (without any increase in price). At our first day we got picked up at our hostel at Moshi and started the climb. We took the machame route and 7 days. The route was very beautiful and the extra day was good for acclimatization. Our crew was very nice. The two guides were very well trained and guided us safely to the top. We had to take 9 porters for all of our stuff. When we planned the tour, Philemon expected it to be only 6 or 7 porters. So we had to pay a little bit more tip than expected. (Thats the only negative thing i can think of). After the climbing we got dropped of at our hotel in Moshi again.
All in all both trips were great and I will remember them all of my life!
US
Email Chete | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Fantastic!
Really great and awesome experience!! With many safari companies, we were really apprehensive choosing one but Aardvark company really made our trip. They went over and beyond to make sure we had a great time. Philemon the manager and Orio our driver were superb in every way - picking us and dropping us off at the airports( we came through the two different airports) as promised. The lodges we stayed in were really nice. The lodge in Arusha simply spectacular - excellent food and service - at affordable price. Our driver Orio very well versed in the local history and of the parks. I can't say enough how much we enjoyed our trip and many thanks to Aardvark. The trip was very affordable (compared to others we saw online) and well worth every penny. We'll be back!! Chete.
US
Email Dottie K | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Great company and great experience
As a solo female traveler, I chose Aardvark Expeditions Ltd. because I wanted to book an extensive and safe, adventure filled trip to Tanzania. I, also, wanted to use a company that was locally owned by a Tanzanian, and not a US or UK based company, all for a reasonable price. Aardvark Expeditions exceeded my expectations on all fronts. From the first email, the owner of the company, Philemon Joel, responded to my every question promptly and respectfully. My entire trip was arranged for me starting with a hike to the summit of Kilimanjaro, then to a safari, then to a relaxing beach on Zanzibar. The price tag for all of this was much less than other companies I researched, sometimes by almost half. All in-country travel was included in the price, so I had no need to arrange for taxi service at airports. All meals while on the mountain and on the safari were, also, included. My hotel, Arusha Giraffe Lodge in Arusha was wonderful! Comfortable and cheap with a very attentive staff. I was picked up by my guide, Freddy, and the rest of my porter team to head to the mountain. My climb up Kilimanjaro was amazing. Freddy was extremely knowledgeable about the mountain and had been to the summit over 250 times. I was provided with fresh fruit and veggies daily, along with hot water for tea, coffee, or hot chocolate every morning and night, as well as daily water to wash. The meals were delicious, variable, and filling and the team was strong and kind. With the help of Freddy and Chobias, I was able to make it all the way to the top. My safari guide was, also, very knowledgeable about each eco-system at all of the parks we visited, including Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara. The accommodations while on safari were fabulous and very comfortable and all the delicious meals included. I was able to view, close up, all the animals one would want to see while visiting this area of the world, including; elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebra, etc. Transportation to Zanzibar went with no problems, and I was picked up to spend 1 night in Stonetown at the Tembo House Hotel which was beautiful and right on the beach and had a historic walking tour arranged, and then transferred to the Z Hotel in Nungwi Beach for 3 days of rest and relaxation. Aardvark Expeditions kept me safe, kept me happy, and made it affordable for me to take the trip of a lifetime. Thanks Philemon for all your hard work arranging all of this for me. I will be back!