Happy safari guides from Aardvark Expeditions
Aardvark Expeditions
- Office 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)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
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!!!
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!
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.
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).
US
Email Hema | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Kilimanjaro and Safari
We came to know about Aardvark Expeditions and Philemon Joel through one of my friend who had already climbed Mount Kilimanjaro with this Tour Company which is based in Arusha, Tanzania.
It was our first trip to Africa and I was extremely apprehensive initially. Philemon Joel was very friendly and meticulous that gave me confidence. We told him all the activities we wanted to do and the number of days we could spare. He came up with a thorough itinerary that covered everything from the moment we land at the airport, the local transits and lodging for our 6 days hike to Mt Kili (Machame Route) and 5 days Luxury Safari (Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater Tour and Tarangire National Park).
It is important to take a good company for the hike and Wildlife Safari. Aardvark Expeditions' porters, the drivers, the guides were extremely friendly and knowledgeable. On the hike the guide monitored us daily for any signs of altitude sickness and made sure that we had acclimatized well. We had an absolutely fantastic time climbing Kili and were thrilled to reach the top after a very long and hard climb on the final ascent morning. we were so well looked after, fed and never had any worries at all throughout the 6 days. In particular would like to reiterate how great our guide Merinyo Lucas was. We know we would not have made it to the top without his guidance and support. The food and service was excellent. Philemon took care that all of our dietary needs (vegetarian). I could not believe that I was enjoying a sumptuous meal at more than 10000 ft. It kept me motivated and energized.
Philemon Joel is very dedicated to his business, in the matters of customer satisfaction, right from the beginning , I could communicate and he understood and fulfilled every single request of mine. Hiking Mt Kilimanjaro and Safari had been a dream of mine and my sincere thanks to Philemon to have given me the most amazing trip!!
CH
Email Jakob Michael van den Bos | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
From booking to actual safari an excellent experience.
When contacting Aardvark Expeditions, Philemon was very responsive and all my questions were answered quickly. He picked us up at the airport, briefed us before and debriefed us after the safari, he showed real interest in our experiences and valued us as customers.
I think, that they offer real great value, all our expectations where more than fullfilled. Safaris are not cheap but I think, that Aardvark has very good offers on a lower budget. We went on a 6D5N lodge safari to Tarangire, Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro. We had an exceptionally nice and good driver who showed us all the views an Animals we wanted to see and even more. All accomodations were very good and some were outstanding.
35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Top choice!
We chose Aardvark because they are a local company and their price was by far the best.
The company was great to deal with and they always responded very promptly and thoroughly to our queries.
The trek itself was spectacular. Our guide had a great knowledge of the mountain and plants and made sure that we were well looked after. The food and porters were outstanding and we really enjoyed the experience.
Two tips if you are climbing Kili, read the equipment list on the website and make sure you are well prepared. And secondly, remember that you'll be required to tip the crew at the end of the trip so take some money with you! It works out to about $250-300 pp. This is standard for most companies and a great way to reward to crew for all their hard work!
SE
50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Aardvark Expeditions - Highly recommendable
Me and my family had the most wonderful safari experience in Tanzania with Aardvark Expeditions. Philemon Joel (the manager) was very patient to answer all our questions before we made our reservation with him. He met us at the bus terminal late in the evening in Arusha and took us to our hotel and had a detailed information before our trip. He also provided us with a fantastic safari guide - Samuel - who took us to three parks (Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater Tour).
Highly recommendable as a trustworthy safari company in Tanzania, price-worthy and flexible tour operator with high reputation.
SE
Email Christian | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Great service
Philemon took great care about us. Very happy with our safari!
LU
Email Mr. Damara Adhia | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Safari Experience
Had a 5D/4N safari trip with my wife and 2 y.o son in November.
Philemon was fast response and very helpful in arranging our family trip.
Our guide and driver Julio was amazing and took a very good care of us during the trip.
Highly recommended.
