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 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 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!
CH
Email Polina | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best possible start into a new year
We hiked up mount Kilimanjaro on the Machame route and reached the summit on day 6 of the hike. This was followed by a 2 day safari in Ngorongoro crater and Tarangire National Park.
Philemon of Aardvark Expeditions organized an unforgettable start into the new year for us. The communication with him and the organization of our stay was impeccable. He was always reachable and on time. Everything went very smoothly.
Philemon put together a great team of guides and porters who made our hike on mt. Kilimanjaro possible. Matthew and Fred guided us up to the peak, while taking our abilities and stamina into account. At all times we felt safe and in good hands. We also had a great time, joking around and learning about Tanzania, mt. Kilimanjaro, its flora and fauna. The support of the whole team, the very delicious and fresh food, prepared by our chef Erick and the great equipment (tents, mats, toilet, etc.) made the hike very comfortable and enjoyable for us. We did not have to worry about anything. Seeing the sun rise while hiking up mt Kilimanjaro is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
After this memorable moment of our lifes we went on a 2 day safari in Ngorongoro crater and in the Tarangire National Park. On just one day we saw 4 of the "big five". We were very close to the wildlife. It was an incredible experience, which we will remember for ever.
The accommodation Philemon chose for us in Arusha (Tulia) and the lodge during the safari were amazing.
Overall the entire trip exceeded our expectations in all regards. Thank you Philemon and team for creating this unforgettable experience for us!!!
CH
Email Rimma | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best trip of my life
Our Kilimanjaro climb and then three days safari that we booked with Aardvark Expeditions were unforgettable! The whole trip was very well organized, Philemon answered our questions in detail in a very short time and gave us good tips. Our escort team was very friendly, competent and helpful. My daughter and I felt very comfortable and well looked after during the ascent to Kilimanjaro. We learned a lot about nature, life and the culture in Tanzania and had a lot of fun. Our cook Erik surprised us every day with a new delicious dish. And so we were well strengthened and made it to the top. We thank all team members for the unforgettable experience!
The subsequent three days of safari were very impressive and went just as smoothly. Thanks Philemon! The Aardvark expedition did an excellent job.
Email Ian (and Jenny) | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Glad we chose Aardvark!
My wife and I considered dozens of tour companies. Glad we went with Aardvark! We told the Manager (Philemon) our budget and preferences, and within hours he replied with a customised itinerary that met our needs. He provided a great, well-stocked Landcruiser with lots of space. Our driver (Donatus) was very friendly, professional, and was honestly masterful at spotting wildlife we otherwise would have missed. He genuinely wanted us to have the best possible safari experience and really went out of his way (and off the beaten track) to achieve that. Also, the hotels they arranged looked good on TripAdvisor, but were even better in person, and the “budget” tented lodges in the parks seemed pretty luxurious to us! One recommendation would be for the driver to share more information at the start of the journey and at the start of each day, so we’d know more about driving durations and what routes in the parks we was planning. The distances are vast, and if you’re not careful you can get pretty wiped out, but if you proactively ask for this, I’m sure Aardvark would accommodate. Thanks for the memories!
FR
Email Nat. | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent service
We booked a safari for the Arusha National Park at the last minute. Philemon was very accomodating and managed to fullfil all our requests (such as drop off of some of us at the airport and others in Arusha). The driver was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. In addition to having a beautiful visit throughout the park, we also learnt about plants, local culture, and many other.
Highly recommended