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.
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
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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.
Holiday ideas to see aardvarks in Tanzania
These trip ideas include places that will give you a chance of seeing aardvarks in Tanzania
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$9,100 - US$14,140 per person
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$17,280 - US$25,560 per person
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$8,500 - US$12,950 per person
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$16,370 per person
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$15,540 per person
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$12,970 - US$18,460 per person
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$10,740 - US$17,740 per person
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$15,130 per person
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$6,830 per person
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$6,230 - US$8,490 per person
Our top destinations for aardvarks
Read tips for spotting aardvarks in these countries and the best camps and lodges for sightings
