Aardvarks in Africa
The aardvark is one of Africa’s most bizarre and enigmatic animals. A shy, nocturnal termite-eater, signs of its presence may be scattered about the bush but sightings remain an elusive prize.
Quick facts about Aardvark
| Scientific name: | Orycteropus afer | Habitat: | Grassland & woodland |
|---|---|---|---|
| IUCN status: | Least Concern | Adult weight: | 60–80kg |
The Aardvark is unique. Known variously as ‘anteater’, ‘ant-bear’ and ‘earth-pig’ (the latter being the translation of its Afrikaans name), it is not related to these namesakes but belongs to an ancient order of mammals (Tubulidentata), whose closest living relatives are the diminutive elephant shrews. The confusion is understandable: seen above ground, an aardvark appears assembled from other creatures, with a stocky, pig-like body, an anteater’s snout, a kangaroo’s tail and a rabbit’s long ears.
Entirely nocturnal, it inhabits open country, where it lives in burrows by day and emerges after dark to forage alone for ants and termites, using spade-like claws to break into termite mounds and licking up the occupants with its long, sticky tongue. Females give birth to their single cub underground.
50,000
Insects consumed nightly
13 metres
Max. burrow length
30cm
Length of tongue
7 months
Gestation period
Africa's top camps for seeing aardvarks
Based on 81 reports by our travellers since June 2018, the camps below have the best chances of sighting aardvarks. Simply follow the key below.
Best chances to see
Good chances to see
Some sightings
No sightings yet
Where to see aardvarks in Africa
Aardvarks occur in almost all Africa’s parks and reserves, but you’ll need serious luck to see one. Your only realistic chance is on a night drive – ideally in open terrain and during the southern African winter.
Top tips for viewing aardvarks
Aardvarks are widespread but shy. Their presence is often evident from their burrows, and their diggings around termite mounds. Look out, too, for their distinctive three-toed tracks. To stand any chance of seeing the animal itself, you’ll need to take a night drive. If you get lucky, stay quiet: aardvarks have acute smell and hearing and are quick to bolt for their burrows.
Certain locations are renowned for sightings – notably the semi-arid regions of southern Africa, including South Africa’s Karoo and southern Kalahari, Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Pans and Namibia’s Damaraland.
The cooler, dry-season months are most productive. Even if you don’t find an aardvark, keep an eye on their disused burrows, which may house anything from pythons and porcupines to warthogs and wild cats.
Holiday ideas to see aardvarks
Based on our travellers recent observations, these are the holidays which will give you the best chances of aardvark sightings
Crawshay's Zebra Safari
10 days • 4 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
This superb safari combines two of Zambia’s best national parks, the South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi. The camps are small and high quality with excellent safari guides.
US$10,460 - US$13,820 per person
Red Lechwe Safari
9 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
Superb guiding from three fabulous camps full of character in three contrasting areas for a fabulous safari to the Okavango Delta and Kalahari Desert.
US$10,800 - US$28,240 per person
Monteiro's Hornbill Fly-in Safari
9 days • 5 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
Stay in four of Namibia’s most famous environments on this fly-in safari. It would be hard to pack more variety into a trip of the same length.
US$9,970 - US$14,380 per person
Slender Mongoose Safari
5 days • 2 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
A detailed exploration of Lower Zambezi from two top-notch sister camps, each in a prime location in the national park. Expect a high level of care, first-class guiding and superb wildlife.
US$6,270 - US$8,400 per person
Steenbok Safari
9 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
A classic Botswana safari exploring the Moremi, Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta. Excellent wildlife viewing and a variety of activities from three of our favourite traditional tented camps.
US$7,260 - US$13,480 per person
Leopard Safari
13 days • 4 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT
Victoria Falls, Botswana and Cape Town – a classic southern African itinerary combining luxury, wilderness, safari and culture. We can't think of a better way to spend two weeks.
US$12,240 - US$18,030 per person
Kwandwe Self-drive Safari
3 days • 1 locations
PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT TO PORT ELIZABETH AIRPORT
An elegantly stylish lodge that is well suited to families, Kwandwe offers a range of safari activities and the chance to sight all of the "Big 5" during exploration of the Eastern Cape.
US$2,870 - US$4,460 per person
Our top destinations for aardvarks
Click below for detailed information about aardvarks in these countries, including our latest sightings data from the camps and lodges there.
