The secret stuff – things only the safari experts will know
76 years – that’s the combined experience of the Aardvark Safaris sales team. And that’s just ‘selling’ experience, not counting the number of years lived in Africa. It’s no wonder then, that they’re a mine of information on all things African – and have at their finger-tips lots of clever ways make a safari extra special. Here’s just a snapshot of how we live up to our ‘go with the people who know’ motto.
‘Free’ private vehicles and where to find them
Private vehicle at Sausage Tree Camp, Zambia
One of the greatest luxuries on safari is to have the freedom of your own vehicle and guide, a benefit widely available but usually at a significant additional cost. Aardvark Safaris know of a number of camps where this is included in the cost of a stay. Locations are as varied as South Africa, Zambia, Botswana and Kenya, and the camps range from simple mobile safari camps to lavish and luxurious lodges.
Best hides
Elephant sleepout platform at Kaingo Camp, South Luangwa, Zambia
A concealed hide is a superb place to while away an afternoon or spend a few hours waiting for that perfect photographic opportunity. A number of our favourite camps have them, usually beside water, and if there’s a specific animal or bird on your list, the team can give advice on achieving this. Some hides are relatively basic but others are now beautifully fitted out with comfort, as well as practicality, in mind.
Passionate about cheetah – take a private guide in Namibia
Cheetah tracking, Okonjima, Namibia
They’re perhaps most famously associated with the vast East African plains, but it’s Namibia that has the largest free living population of cheetah in Africa. It’s the best place to go if you really want to get up close and personal with these charismatic cats. As they roam over vast distances and aren’t territorial, they can be really tricky to find, but book a specialist cheetah guide and you’ll learn how to track these beautiful animals as well as fascinating insights into their behaviour and habitats.
Tables reservation at the best Cape Town restaurants
Babylonstoren, Franschhoek, Winelands, Cape Town
Cape Town is foodie heaven, but can be hellish if you can’t get a table in one of your top choices. As in many cities, the most famous are not always the best, and we will make sure that you can have the very finest on offer. The team at Aardvark Safaris can suggest the best right now and reserve tables for you too. Don’t forget the Winelands either, there are renowned eateries here – fully booked most of the time, unless you have a partner to help.
Exclusive migration safaris without the crowds
Zebra migration, Jack’s Camp, Makgadikgadi, Botswana
We love big herds of wildlife but we hate crowds of people and vehicles – the good news is that we know how to keep away from them, whether by choosing lodges and camps on private conservancies in East Africa, or recommending migrations that others know little, if anything, about. As an Aardvark Safaris guest you have the option of seeing migrations in Tanzania and Kenya, Botswana or Zambia, and surprisingly enough in coastal waters too.
Quickest entrances to the Sossusvlei dunes
Dead Vlei, Kulala Desert Lodge, Namibia
Most of us have seen the escapades of Dick Dastardly and Penelope Pitstop, and the scene at the entrance into Sossusvlei is reminiscent of the Whacky Races; a squadron of assorted vehicles line up, waiting for the gate to be opened, and then jostle for position as the flag is lowered. Aardvark Safaris can help you avoid this, by selecting one of a small number of lodges either inside the park or with private access that allows you to be 30 minutes or so ahead of the hordes. Believe me, there’s no better way to enjoy these magnificent dunes than being the first in!
Any questions?
If you’ve got this far and not found an answer to a question you have, or you think there’s something more about safari secrets that we should have included, please ask in the comments section below, or pop us an email. We’ll be sure to reply and may amend the article to include our answer.
For more information on the wildebeest migration in Tanzania and Kenya please see our specific wildebeest migration page.
What’s Next?
We would be delighted to help you plan a safari holiday, or answer any questions if you’re at an earlier stage. Please just send us an email or give us a call
Good stuff!