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Aardvark
Asset 27

Aardvark

Aardvarks in Tanzania

Despite being one of Tanzania’s most widespread large mammals, the secretive nature of aardvarks means they are rarely seen. Night drives provide the best chance of seeing these elusive and unusual creatures.


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Quick facts about Aardvark

Scientific name: Orycteropus afer Habitat: Grassland & woodland
IUCN status: Least Concern Adult weight: 60–80kg

Aardvarks are relatively common in Tanzania: they occupy a variety of habitats from open grasslands to dense forests, and can be found wherever termites are abundant and the ground is not too rocky. However their nocturnal habits make them hard to see.

Aardvarks routinely roam up to 5km each night in search of ants and termites, with their most active periods being between midnight and 05:00. Aardvarks dig their own deep burrows, which are often later used by other animals, especially warthogs.

Despite their relatively high population, they are particularly vulnerable to habitat loss and they are also hunted for food in rural parts of Tanzania.

130cm

BODY LENGTH

2-5km

DISTANCE COVERED EACH NIGHT

1

CUBS PER YEAR

50,000

Insects consumed nightly

Tanzania's top camps for seeing aardvarks

Based on 5 reports since Aug 2018, the camps below have the best chance of seeing aardvarks. Simply follow the key below.


Best chances to see

Good chances to see

Some sightings

No sightings yet

Top 10 camps for aardvark

% of travellers who saw aardvark

Top 10 camps for aardvark

% of travellers who saw aardvark

Where to see aardvarks in Tanzania

Aardvarks can be found throughout the country, however these shy nocturnal creatures are hard to spot. To improve your chance of seeing aardvarks in Tanzania stay at camps offering night drives.


Top tips for viewing aardvarks in Tanzania

Aardvarks are widespread across much of the country and can be found in all Tanzania’s national parks except for Rubondo Island and Gombe.

Not all camps offer night drives, so it’s worth doing your research beforehand: Kwihala in Ruaha and Kuro Tarangire could be good choices. There have been sightings around Arusha’s coffee plantations and camera trap data indicate fairly high populations in the Mahale Mountains and near the Zambian border.

You could improve your chances by looking during the day for claw marks around burrows and fresh signs of digging, but you might have the best opportunity to see an aardvark if you go after midnight, probably on private land.

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Holiday ideas to see aardvarks in Tanzania

These trip ideas include places that will give you a chance of seeing aardvarks in Tanzania


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Tinkerbird Fly-in Safari

8 days • 4 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Explore Tanzania’s famous northern circuit in Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Serengeti National Park. Four smart sister camps offer a high level of care, first-class guiding and a wide range of activities.

US$10,340 - US$15,100 per person

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Regal Sunbird Fly-in Safari

12 days • 5 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Experience the highlights of Tanzania with a safari in the country’s famous northern parks followed by historic Stone Town and the palm-fringed beaches of Zanzibar, staying in high-quality accommodation throughout.

US$9,320 - US$15,160 per person

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Gorillas and Serengeti Safari

11 days • 4 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Combine three iconic experiences – mountain gorillas in Rwanda, and the Serengeti plains and awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania.

US$12,620 - US$14,390 per person

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Marabou Stork Fly-in Safari

13 days • 5 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Four luxurious camps enable exploration of Tanzania’s north and southern regions. With a range of land- and water-based activities available throughout, decidedly comfortable accommodation and applicable long-stay discounts, this adventurous safari is excellent value.

US$16,050 - US$23,210 per person

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Superb Starling Fly-In Safari

7 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Explore Nyerere and Ruaha national parks from two luxurious sister camps within wildlife-rich locations. Both offer a range of land- and water-based activities, a superb standard of guiding and access to beautifully contrasting landscapes.

US$8,300 - US$11,720 per person

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Flufftail Guided Safari

10 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Stay in three unique camps as you safari across the Ngorongoro Crater and the iconic Serengeti Plains with your private guide and 4WD vehicle: a trip of comfort and autonomy, with excellent wildlife.

US$11,410 - US$16,860 per person

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Martial Eagle Fly-in Safari

9 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

This stylish fly-in safari visits two of Africa’s most iconic parks, the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and Tanzania's Serengeti National Park.

US$12,590 - US$18,010 per person

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Dik Dik Safari

12 days • 4 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Combine safari with peace and relaxation on Zanzibar’s white-sand shores during this exploration of Tanzania. Stay in three high-quality sister camps within Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park before concluding with a stay on Michamvi Peninsula.

US$8,750 - US$14,010 per person

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Turaco Safari

12 days • 4 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

This top-value holiday idea combines two safari areas with a week on the Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar. Photograph lions and elephants, then relax under the palms on a powder-sand beach.

US$5,460 - US$6,330 per person

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Red Colobus Monkey Safari

11 days • 3 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

This luxury holiday suggestion combines a wildlife safari in Ruaha National Park with a week on Zanzibar, exploring Stone Town’s narrow streets and relaxing on a palm-shaded beach.

US$6,020 - US$7,820 per person

View all holidays to Tanzania

Our top destinations for aardvarks

Read tips for spotting aardvarks in these countries and the best camps and lodges for sightings


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