An exceptional safari experience, from planning to the final game drive!
My family and I took a nine-day safari through Tanzania in October 2026, visiting Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and the Serengeti. After researching more than 68 safari operators, I can confidently say that choosing Aardvark Safaris was one of the best decisions we made.
Expert advice that makes a difference
Planning a safari can be overwhelming. After two years of research, I still struggled to understand how destinations, camps, guides, and itineraries would translate into an actual experience. Jo and Christine patiently answered our questions, revised our itinerary, and helped us make informed decisions based on our family's priorities rather than simply selling us a package.
Jo helped us determine that Tanzania was the right destination and recommended Tarangire, a park we knew relatively little about. It ultimately became our favorite! We loved its quieter atmosphere and had numerous leopard sightings. Without her advice, we might have missed one of the highlights of our trip.
Jo also thoughtfully explained the trade-offs between larger lodges and smaller, more intimate camps. Her recommendations on itinerary length and pacing proved spot-on: our nine days provided plenty of wildlife encounters, flexibility to relax, and no feeling of being rushed.
Exceptional service and problem-solving
Jo and Christine were professional, responsive, and attentive throughout the planning process. They answered our many detailed questions, communicated important travel requirements proactively, and remembered our preferences.
When Qatar Airways changed flights we'd booked independently, Jo helped coordinate alternative internal flights with two different Tanzanian airlines. Without that assistance, we risked disrupting the four-day vacation we had planned after our safari. She genuinely looked out for our interests, even when the issue involved flights Aardvark hadn't booked.
An unforgettable safari
Our guide, Sammy of Nomad Tanzania, was outstanding. His wildlife knowledge, spotting ability, enthusiasm, and skill at positioning our vehicle transformed our game drives. He adapted to our interests and explained animal behavior rather than simply pointing out wildlife.
One unforgettable highlight was watching a lioness hunt near zebras, including a young zebra, while a gazelle appeared to interfere. Sammy narrated the unfolding behavior for about an hour and a half, keeping us fascinated even after the initial hunt was disrupted. This was exactly what we hoped for: witnessing wildlife in its natural environment while learning from an expert.
Seeing rhinos was another personal highlight, given their endangered status. We also enjoyed incredible encounters with leopards, elephants, lions, hippos, and many other animals. We saw the Big Five and returned with memories we'll be discussing for years.
Would we book again? Absolutely!
I recommend Aardvark to first-time safari travelers, families, and anyone who wants an itinerary thoughtfully tailored to their interests. Their pricing was competitive among the operators we seriously considered, and their expertise helped us understand where our money would be best spent.
The person who referred me to Aardvark had booked two safaris with them. Now I understand why! Our family is already discussing another safari together, and we'd happily work with Jo and Christine again.
If you're overwhelmed by the many safari destinations, operators, and camps available, I strongly recommend speaking with Aardvark Safaris. Their expertise, patience, attention to detail, and commitment to understanding your priorities made an extraordinary difference to our trip.
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