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What to See
Meerkat
[ Suricata suricatta ]
Alert desert dweller with a team-first mindset.
As the morning sun warms the earth, a tiny figure rises on hind legs — scanning the horizon with unwavering focus. The meerkat, ever watchful, stands sentinel for its clan. In this moment, the wild reveals its quiet brilliance — a creature small in stature, yet mighty in spirit.
The African meerkat is a charismatic member of the mongoose family, instantly recognisable for its upright stance and alert gaze. Measuring 25–35 cm (1 ft) in length and weighing under 1kg (2½ lbs), these slender mammals sport tan fur with dark stripes and expressive black eye patches. Meerkats thrive in arid savannahs and open plains, where sandy soil allows them to dig elaborate burrow systems for shelter and safety.
Meerkats are diurnal and highly social, living in tight-knit groups called mobs or clans. They feed mainly on insects, but also enjoy small reptiles, eggs, and fruit. Each group has a sentinel — a lookout who warns others of danger. Their complex communication and cooperative behaviour make them one of Africa’s most fascinating small mammals, with a lifestyle built on teamwork and vigilance.
For those looking for an almost guaranteed interaction with these friendly and jovial band, a visit to the dry and arid areas of the Kalahari in Botswana are a real highlight of any trip.
Do see our following guides for all the best parks, best camps & lodges and recommended safari trips to take in the Africa Meerkat.
Where to go in Africa
What are the best parks & regions for seeing African Meerkats in 2026/27?
A glance at some of the best hotels & lodges for Meerkat in 2026/27.
Don't miss our full Where to Go On Safari guide for a full details and ideas......
What are the Best Camps & Lodges for African Meerkats for 2026/27?
We highly recommend the following camps & lodges for Meerkat for 2026/27. These are all tried and tested by The Africa Specialists™ so don’t hesitate to call us with any queries over them or to check latest prices, excursions and availability for you to your schedule.
Don't miss our full Top Five Safari Hotels & Lodges in Africa guide for 2026/27
What are your best itineraries and tailormade trips to see African Meerkats in 2026/27?
A run through of some of the sample itineraries we have prepared over the years. Please note that we only tailor-make our safaris so these should be used as a guide for both the itinerary and pricing.
A Mobile Camp Exploration
Kwando Linyanti and Selinda, The Okavango Delta
From $6,000 per person
See the Trip
Desert and Delta
Chobe National Park, The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, The Okavango Delta
From $6,500 per person
See the Trip
Botswana Highlights
Chobe National Park, The Okavango Concessions, The Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls
From $4,000 per person
See the Trip
Do visit our Africa Safari Finder page to find more trips and locations...
What are the “Big Six” safari animals you must see in 2026/27?
There’s every chance, with a little planning and help from The Africa Specialists™ that you can see every one of your favourite “Big Six” animals in 2026/27. Use our following wildlife guides to the Big Six to get started…
Why travel with The Africa Specialists™?
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Expert knowledge
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Please call us any time on USA +1-917-336-2937 or drop us a note via our contact us page.
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