When we are asleep, the only sounds at Mattikoko Safari Camp may be a chorus of Kassina Frogs and distant Hyenas calling. But Aardvarks are quietly going about their business under the cover of darkness. By day, these nocturnal engineers stay hidden in their burrows, conserving energy and avoiding the harsh African sun. But as darkness falls, they emerge to forage, moving with purpose across the savannah. To see an Aardvark is rare, to capture an Aardvark on Camera is very rare!
Amazingly, one of our GardePro PIR trail cameras captured a very fleeting glimpse of this nocturnal mammal. Blink and you may miss it, but it is unmistakably an Aardvark! It was so close to the Mattikoko Camp entrance it had everybody buzzing, even our Maasai friends. We knew they were around as evidence of their work was all around us. Earlier in the day, Moses and Alan were absolutely nerding out on the savannah with guests, inspecting the freshly dug holes with tracks and tail marks intact revealing their tireless excavations.
Aardvark excavation
Aardvark fieldcraft with Moses
Aardvarks dig primarily to reach termites and ants, their dietary staples. Once abandoned, their burrows become homes for a surprising variety of other species. Hyenas, porcupines, warthogs, snakes, and even smaller mammals are quick to move in.
Reviewing our trail camera footage and seeing creatures we might otherwise never see is fascinating. Our guests really enjoy the opportunity to see the rare, the hidden, and the quietly extraordinary moments.
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Wow, seeing an aardvark on camera is amazing! I love that you can review the footage with guests — it makes the experience feel really special and real.
I wish I could travel on your safaris, you make the trips into such an experience while others are just ogoing through the motions. I travelled with [REDACTED] to Finland and their attitudes and interaction were atrocious. Keep up the good work, I know a couple of people I have travelled with in the past who are travelling with you now, hopefully one day I can attend.
Do the animals take an interest in the cameras? Great to see and I loved the hippo grazing too on the other post you made. Would love a safari with you both followed your social media for a long time
Not really, we have lots of footage and some animals come very very close but that seems to be because they are feeding from branches on the tree or scent marking the tree where the camera is attached. I can’t remember if we’ve had any direct interaction with the camera. I’ll have to check as we post more footage. It would be great to see you – we could do some morning zumba on the savannah!
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