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Aardvark on Camera

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.

From Blog Inspiration to Safari Adventure!

Wild at Mattikoko – The Great Migration

26th August 2026 & 2027
7 or 11 nights available

Wild at Mattikoko – The Great Migration

26th August 2026 & 2027
7 or 11 nights available

Supporting conservation and communities through ethical safaris. Join us on unforgettable photography safaris led by professional guides and photographers.

Fresh Aardvark excavation

Aardvark excavation

Aarvark fieldcraft!

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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Alan Hewitt

Director, African Photography Safaris. Wildlife photographer and private safari guide. Beer expert, fieldcraft junkie and nerd.

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Comments

8 responses to “Aardvark on Camera”

  1. Emma Novak avatar
    Emma Novak

    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.

    Reply
    1. Alan Hewitt avatar
      Alan Hewitt

      Thanks Emma, yes it’s good fun – a bit of anticipation, surprise and discussion thrown in too.

      Reply
  2. Terry avatar
    Terry

    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.

    Reply
    1. Alan Hewitt avatar
      Alan Hewitt

      Thank you Terry – I’ve redacted the name of the company you travelled with but we’ve heard this a lot. Would be great to take you with us one day!

      Reply
  3. zumba Mel avatar
    zumba Mel

    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

    Reply
    1. Alan Hewitt avatar
      Alan Hewitt

      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!

      Reply
  4. Iain Easton avatar
    Iain Easton

    Love this, we hear so much through the night which is part of the experience. It’s great that you share this with guests

    Reply
    1. Alan Hewitt avatar
      Alan Hewitt

      Thanks Iain, the footage is great to look at as a group.

      Reply

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