Aardvark Safaris

sold to Employee Ownership Trust

INDUSTRY

Luxury Travel Specialist

Avondale advised on the sale of Aardvark Safaris Limited to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).

Founded in 1999, Aardvark Safaris is a luxury travel specialist creating bespoke safari experiences across Africa and the Indian Ocean. With decades of expertise, deep local knowledge, and long-standing supplier relationships, they deliver exceptional, personal service, reflected in an impressive 80% repeat and referral rate.

For owner Alice Gully, an EOT was the perfect exit strategy: preserving culture, rewarding the team, and ensuring sustainable growth.

Avondale managed the entire process; feasibility, valuation, HMRC clearance, legal structuring, trustee setup, and employee communications, securing full commercial value and compliance.

This transition safeguards Aardvark Safari’s legacy and positions it for continued success. Avondale is proud to have guided this transformational journey.

“I had considered various options for the future of Aardvark Safaris and being the sole shareholder, I felt very invested in the team and ethics behind what makes us tick. Before I met Kevin and the team at Avondale, I could not find the right solution which would preserve the ethos of the company. However, an EOT is like a beam of positivity that enables the company to move forwards in a proactive and constructive way that looks after everyone who made the company what it is today. Thank you, Kevin, Maxine, and Peter for your guidance and keeping us on track.“

Alice Gully, Aardvark Safaris