Why Aardvark Studios? How It All Began.

It all began in 1999, when (then) 24yr old Lien van der Linde, together with sculptor and artist, Patricia Victor, built the biggest, and now most beloved and well-known, cement Aardvark (“Thakadu”) in Botswana, and probably in the world – Standing 4m tall, 4m wide and 12m long, they welded and hand-sculpted this monumental structure in a mere 2 months, from steel, wire, and cement, to be part of a roadsign attraction project for Uncharted Africa Safari’s “Planet Baobab” lodge near Gweta.

Captivated by the vast beauty of Botswana, and inspired by the build of the giant Thakadu and termite structures, Aardvark Studios was established in 2020, by Lien van der Linde (Creative Director) and Henry Smith (Technical Director). The dream? To create high-quality, bespoke, hand-made homeware, textiles and products – that reflect Botswana’s vibrant people, fauna, and flora.

Our mission is to establish a unique, Botswana-inspired interior decorating culture that sources locally, and can offer design-solutions for lodges, businesses and cultural hubs in Ngamiland. At Aardvark Studios, we respect and appreciate local artisans, providing a much-needed studio space for craftsmen and -women to hone their skills – and generate an income that can support families and dreams. All our items are produced in a sustainable manner, to meet the ever-changing international tourist appetite for locally produced products of high quality. The greater vision is that Aardvark Studios establishes its textiles as world renowned designs that are recognised as “Tswana Print” and become the preferred supplier of unusual artifacts, sculptures and large outdoor features – all proudly made in partnership with local artisans, designers, crafters and creative thinking individuals that love what they do, and do what they love, and financially thrive being who they are in the world.

Aardvark Studios brings Botswana to you through nature-inspired, hand-printed textiles. Local Flora and Fauna, such as the humble Mophane tree, the Okavango Delta’s exuberant Tswii, and the magical, often unseen creatures that live amongst its flowers and leaves and rivers, are chosen as an ode to our natural world. Lino stamps are hand carved and individually made, high quality base fabrics prepared and uniquely hand printed in the organic way of nature, transforming often drab locally found raw safari materials into something totally fab for the contemporary palette. These authentic treasures are created locally, here in dusty Maun town at the end of the world, handcrafted by talented local artisans, so that you can own a piece of beautiful Botswana to take home with you! From bespoke, handmade soft furnishings to large-scale refurbishments – Aardvark Studios’ skilled artisans will take your dreams from drab…to fab!