Testimonials

First let me convey my appreciation on the way in which you handled a difficult situation. I know this took considerable effort on your part, and it did not go un-noticed.

The trip was great, but we all agree the Skeleton Coast was the highlight of the trip. Bertus, aside from being a “super pilot” and a great guide, is a real gentleman, one of the nicest men I have ever met. I am proud to have met him, and will never forget what he has added to our lives.

Thanks again for all your help.

Charles & Christina Beck

We were lucky enough on our trip up Kilimanjaro to be accompanied by Victoria herself who was doing her research on the area the best way possible, by doing it herself!  The guides, the porters, and the crew at the base camp were without exception incredible. The organization was impeccable and we felt tremendously well looked after for our entire time on the mountain. Walking into the fully prepared camp shortly before dusk after a hard day's trekking it was a wonderful boost to the spirits to see the entire group of guides and porters standing waiting for us and singing as we arrived.  The omnipresent cup of tea was also greatly appreciated! We really can't say enough good things about the entire team. When we return to Africa for our next big adventure we will undoubtedly be using Aardvark Safaris who looked after us amazingly well before, during and after our trip.

Jon and Allison Beer, New York, USA

John, thank you for arranging a phenomenal experience for my Dad and brother. They lodges were great and accommodations and food were first class. They enjoyed the fishing - my brother caught an 11 pound tiger. They have memories forever and the experience has changed their lives!

John Jennings, San Diego, California

The easiest most stressless wedding around!  From leaving the UK to arriving back everything was expertly organised in a friendly and professional manner.  Nothing was too much hassle and we had the most memorable fews days of our lives.

Flora and Tom Corbett, Inverness, Scotland

I have had a dream of Africa in my mind for 40 years. This dream came true on my honeymoon to Lewa.

All the colours, the smells, the magnificence of the animals in their natural surroundings, the sensation of a real, untainted existence, and the people.

A big thank you to the people at Ardvark and especially to the kindness of the friends we made in Lewa Wilderness Trails for fulfilling my lifelong dream!

Charlotte Kennedy, Seville,Spain

Our family's two weeks in Kenya and Rwanda were absolutely amazing!  Beautiful countires, beautiful people, beautiful culture.  And most importantly, we were well taken care of and very safe with our accommodations coordinated by Aardvark Safaris. We even joked on the plane flights home that we felt more safe there "in the bush" than in our hometown cities in the US.  Aardvark is definitely top-notch and I would recommend them to anyone and everyone.  My parents have now visited Africa four times through Aadvark - I think this is a true testament to how well they take care of their clients.

Aubrey Mercer, Portland, Oregan

We have been on two trips with Aardvark now - one to Rwanda (gorilla trekking), Tanzania and Zanzibar and one self drive to Namibia. Both trips were entremely well organised, drawing on local knowledge and Victoria and her colleagues spent time getting to know exactly what we wanted from our trip, and although not the cheapest holiday, they have been truly amazing experiences.

I'd challenge any Africa enthusiast not to find trekking the Virunga with mountain gorillas or ballooning over the Namib desert life enhancing experiences. We are currently thinking about where Aardvark can take us for our next African adventure.....

Alison Tattersall and Chris Fox, London

The trip planned for us by Aardvark Safaris was flawless, a word I rarely use.

All the accommodations were much more than merely comfortable; they were extraordinarily comfortable. The meals were unexpectedly superior, in some case worthy of note in Zagat.

Most important of all was the timing of everything, because I was constantly concerned about our schedule. For example, I remember being on the tarmac of one isolated airstrip waiting for a plane to pick us up at 1:20 PM. At about 1:12 PM we saw a small speck in the sky advancing toward us, soon becoming recognizable as an aircraft. At 1:16 PM it touched down; at 1:18 we along with our bags were loaded onto the plane; and promptly at 1:20 PM we in the air.

My wife and I do not have enough complimentary things to say about Aardvark Safaris.

Bob Herman, Beverly Hills, California

Although this was our third trip to Africa, this was our first experience working with Aardvark Safaris, in particular John Spence and Charlotte Opperman. We gave them an eclectic outline of our trip objectives, wanting to see aspects of Africa which we had missed on prior trips. Starting with the Schoeman’s Skeleton Coast Flying Safari in Namibia, multi-sport safari’s in Zambia and ending with gorilla trekking in Rwanda.

Each country, each camp, each safari was beautiful and the trip wildly exceeded our expectations. While our choices created a tough travel schedule, Aardvark had just the right mix of travel and down time. The camps were spectacular and the guides at each stop made the entire trip very memorable. I don’t want to give away too many secrets for those of you going to the Skeleton Coast..but flying with the Schoeman’s is a magical adventure. Camps in Zambia allowed for walking, canoeing, driving and fishing all in the beautiful environs of the Lower Zambezi River. And, after long years of wanting to see the gorillas, Aardvark knew of and placed us with the best guides and the spectacular new Sabinyo Silverback Lodge. There is nothing like returning to a wonderful late lunch and a warm fire in your cottage to top off a tough day of hiking on the volcano to see the gorillas. Thanks to John and Charlotte and the entire Aardvark team, the trip was a spectacular success…we are already dreaming of our next trip to Africa which will definitely be with Aardvark Safaris.

Ken and Jacki Widder, Rancho Santa Fe, California

When my wife first brought up the idea of taking our family to Africa in 2003 my primary concern was safety. I made a number of inquiries and found Aardvark Safaris. In our first conversation I was emphatic that I didn't want any problems or security issues. John Spence took my concerns seriously and we spent three of the greatest weeks as a family in Kenya.

My children were 22 and 17 and the experience truly changed, and enhanced them as people. They loved everything about the trip. We had no problems of any kind. Our drivers and planes were waiting for us in every stop on our journey. We had such a good time that we spent a month in 2006 in Kenya, Tanzania, and Zanzibar. The only mistake we made was not listening to all of Aardvark’s advice. We plan on returning for a third trip.

The McNamara family, San Diego, California

Having waited twenty five years to take what I had always considered a holiday of a lifetime, I chose the organization who would put this together for me very carefully. After reviewing personal references and visiting their website and then, much to my surprise and the final deciding factor, a visit to my home in the States by John Spence to meet with me and create a holiday tailored to my exact needs and specification, I chose Aardvark Safari's to make this dream come true.

Nearly a year has gone by since my trip, but there isn't a day that goes by that I don't consciously revisit the amazing country of Zambia and the four locations John chose to meet my demands. Having taken over four thousand photos, my ipod, iphone and computer play slideshows of sights, sounds and vistas that I could only dream about prior to this trip.

John's personal visit was invaluable, by the time he puts an itinerary together for you, he knows what you like. I don't think the time spent in Zambia could have been any better. During our two weeks, we saw not only the big five but every other species you can imagine. One thing I do want to point out is how safe it felt out there. At night you could hear elephants eating the leaves from trees just outside your tent, and sometimes the distant roar of a lion or other animal, but the camps are so secure and the staff so attentive that not once did we feel threatened by animals or fearful in any way in this distant land. The people were wonderful and friendly to a fault. I guess you can tell I enjoyed myself, so am more than happy to recommend John and his team. If they can arrange a trip for you that is as good as mine, you'll be writing the next review.

Philip Fraser Andrews, Los Angeles, California 

Richard, we had a wonderful time! We traveled off the beaten path in search of the migration and a crossing (crocs tearing apart wildebeest!), found cubs and kills and all that good stuff, searched and found early man tools, drove through burning fields (the boys loved that!), played soccer at a Masai village and then purchased one of their goats for dinner!. Our guide Ninian was just sensational with the boys and it made a big difference. We all loved Sayari Mara. Nice tents without being over the top, good food and casual friendly staff. A vast area to discover from there; no feeling of going on the same roads on each drive.

The mobile camp was also nice (charming people) and nice to be alone, but pretty bare bones. I was ready for something more deluxe and Beho Beho certainly fits that bill! Breezes in Zanzibar was an excellent call. Just right for the kids with lots of freedom and activities. Scuba, windsurfing etc. Nice spa for Linda and me! We loved ending there.

So all in all, a great trip had by all and thank you very much for spending the time you did to organize it for us.

Wish I was there right now!

Sandra Dritley, California

John, we all want to thank you for putting together such an outstanding safari for us. There were several times where we said, "John really knew what he was doing." The camps, the people, and the wildlife were brilliant and importantly, were done in the proper order. The subtlety of knowing the camps well and understanding what we wanted made for a comfortable and interesting holiday. It was the vacation of a lifetime... until we go again. Thanks again,

Steve Lahre and family, San Diego, California

Richard, Kenya was just sensational and everything worked perfectly. We saw most of what I wanted although the migration seemed to take place very early but that is fine, animals have a mind of their own. The contrast between Sabuk & Saruni in terms of location, wildlife etc. was great. We are looking at getting back next year and trying Tanzania or Botswana maybe starting in the Mara again.

Englehardt family, Singapore

I have travelled with Aardvark several times and without exception found their advice unbiased and helpful. Unlike some operators they are not frightened of advising against lodges which they feel would not suit me – an invaluable asset when travelling as a lone female in Africa and one that much prefers small bush camps and feels uncomfortable with luxury at the expense of wildlife. Aardvark found me my own heaven on earth – Mwagusi in Ruaha with a close second being Old Mondoro in the Lower Zambezi. Their arrangements have always worked smoothly leaving me with no worries and more time to gaze with wonder at the unfolding panorama that is the African bush.

Mary Guy, Lincolnshire, England

Thank you so much for organising such an honeymoon.  Every detail was well thought out and the properties you chose were of very high quality.  This was a trip we will never forget.

Brad and Adriana Markel, Calgary, Canada

I've been meaning to contact you since getting back...Namibia was FANTASTIC! We all agreed it was one of our best family holidays. Thank you for organising such a wonderful trip. Accommodation and game viewing exceeded all expectations. Okonjima was brilliant and Etosha just incredible. At one waterhole (Kalkheuwel) we saw loads of animals including 56 elephants. To see them appear through the bush single file is not a sight we will easily forget.

We really couldn't have been happier with everything you arranged. it all went like clockwork.

The Capes family, Hampshire, England

Thank you again for such a wonderful trip - we will highly recommend Aardvark and Kasaka to anyone who is interested, and especially if they have concerns about taking kids on safari.

Our two children had the experience of their lives and really thrived during their stay - if anyone says that children are not able to go on safari we would love to tell them about how well it went for us.

The Griffin family, London, England

Our first trip to Africa was in 2004 to Cape Town, the wine districts and Botswana. Further adventures followed to Namibia, Kenya, Zambia and recently another to South Africa. Everything happens with an Aardvark trip. On one occasion our flight was so badly delayed at Heathrow that we would obviously miss our connection at Johannesburg. Even at 10pm the Aardvark machinery clicked into place and by the time we eventually arrived in Windhoek, the private charter had been re-arranged. The camps are first class, the arrangements work and other people we have met always seem to be as happy as we are with the Aardvark Team. We can thoroughly recommend Aardvark Safaris - our one remaining challenge is to actually see an Aardvark!

Martin and Valerie Slade, Sevenoaks, England

San Camp is a great little camp - the meerkats on our heads, walking with the Bushmen and quad biking into the salt pans was absolutely fantastic.  Our game drives and trip out on the water in a dug out canoe at Pom Pom were wonderful. At Savuti we spent hours with a pride of lion and their kill and tracked leopard and cheetah to mention just a little!

Thorntree River Lodge was different again. We enjoyed a helicopter trip over the Victoria falls, Hamish the hippo who grazed the lawns at night, a trip to a local village and the elephant ride! 

All in all, the trip was fantastic. We enjoyed every minute and have already recommended your company to all who have asked about our holiday of a lifetime! Thank you so much Jo and Aardvark.

Kathleen Huey, Saffron Walden, England

The depth of knowledge and attention to detail Aardvark provides is outstanding, no hard sell just un-biased genuine advice. I would not use anybody else.

Philip Ellick, London, England

We have travelled with Aardvark twice and on both occasions they have surpassed our expectations - not only do they send you to places you were unaware of but they have been there themselves and know what you can expect. It's not just about the places, but the camps and guides they select show you the real Africa - the spirit and welcome of the continent.

As an example, I will never forget playing 'hunt Henry', when one of our guides pretended to steal our goats and then with the help of the other guides, my boys and myself tracked Henry and captured him with our spears! Great fun and a good use of the bushcraft skills we had been shown.

Mike Armstrong, Leeds, England

I just wanted to drop you a line to say thank you for our wonderful honeymoon. We left Vuyatela on Tuesday after the most incredible week. We have wanted to go on a safari holiday for a number of years and our honeymoon gave us the perfect opportunity. Vuyatela exceeded our expectations on every level. The people are so genuine and kind, we felt at home immediately. The scenery and animals were just amazing – lions attacking buffalo on our first drive, the beautiful one-eyed leopard with her kill, and a herd of elephants sauntering past as we lay on our deck. Our surprise private dinner and petal-filled bath was such a lovely touch and made us fall in love with Vuyatela even more.

Thank you all so much for a truly exceptional honeymoon, and we really hope to come and visit again.

Lindsay & Simon Hunter, London, England

We are just back from a wonderful trip to Zambia and Malawi and I wanted to put on record our thanks for organizing the trip for us.  As you will remember, when I first contacted you we had decided we wanted to go to Africa and go on safari but had no idea where to start – not even which countries would be best for us.  Your advice on what would best suit our requirements, including keeping our two teenage girls happy was invaluable. 

The Cowper family, Herts, England

I would like to say a big thank you to Aardvark, and Victoria in particular, for making our first trip to southern Africa such a great success. My 16 year old daughter and I wanted an individual safari experience, with less time in the car and more time walking and canoeing through the wilderness. From the first phone call to receiving the travel documents our personal objectives took centre stage. Zambia met all our expectations and more, we not only saw a wide range of animals, including lions and leopards, but we saw them on foot and from canoes, which was what we had set out to do. The lodges, which Aardvak had chosen for us, were small and individual; they blended beautifully into the African bush and we felt perfectly safe. We will be back for more!

Ernst Schlogelhofer, London, England

I emailed Aardvark initially with a rough idea of what I wanted to do for my holiday. The help I had in the following couple of weeks was superb, with honest advice about the different options. The beauty for me was that I could come home and check my emails at night, think about what was on offer and reply with my thoughts - and Alice would work on that the next day. It worked so well for me, plus small things like the suggested packing list etc. made it much easier as it was my first time doing this sort of holiday.

Claudia Nisbett, Berkshire, England

I know Vicky found you very easy to work with and that compared to other companies you seemed to quickly understand our interests and needs and were able to design a honeymoon which fitted just right.

Andy & Vicky McCracken , London, England

All in all a great holiday and quite a shock to get home to cold and Pennine snow.  Thanks for all your superb organisation, as usual!

Peter and Cathy Smith, Cumbria, England

I knew nothing about Africa and so the thing that I appreciated the most about Aardvark was their willingness to spend time discussing what I liked and did not like. Also, I kept changing my mind and they accommodated all my changes with equanimity.

It is because of this approach that we had, in the words of my daughter, “the best holiday ever”. And that is from a 14 year old on a two week holiday with just her parents, and no access to the internet, to mobile phones, or to hair straighteners. Mind you, we didn’t tell her about the lack of electricity until we were packing!

Maria Gee, Berkshire, England

Our holidays are always organised at the very last minute and Aardvark rose to the challenge to arrange the holiday of a lifetime with only ten days notice.  The choice and variety of places was perfect for our needs, plenty of action, so much to see, new experiences and memories which will never be forgotten.

Thank you all so much for giving us all such a wonderful time together as a family and so many happy memories and pictures of our once in a lifetime holiday.

Sarah and Stephen Vantreen, Devon, England

The team at Aardvark were wonderful in planning and arranging our trip to Tanzania, nothing was too much trouble or too difficult to do. They directed us towards camps that were perfect for what we were looking for - sumptuous luxury (me), intrepid adventure (the rest of the family). But even the intrepid adventure was luxurious – delicious food and, amazingly, hot showers in a camp with no running water.  At the luxury end there was wonderful adventure and incredible animals.

The Whalley family, Roxburghshire, Scotland

Finally, thank you so much to you and Gale for your patience in changing the trip so many times and even having to deal with us missing our flight.  I have been regaling my friends and colleagues with the details and have been delighted to recommend you.

The Youngs, Glasgow, Scotland

All in all my dreams and expectations were not only fulfilled but surpassed. Taking the children was no problem at all, they had a great time, which they still talk about, and of course we can’t wait to go back.

Geoff Hall, Shropshire, England