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Meerkat
Asset 28

Meerkat

Meerkats in Namibia

Living in large family groups or clans, meerkats are highly social, desert-dwelling animals found throughout the Kalahari Desert. There are a few hotspots in Namibia where meerkats may possibly be seen.


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Quick facts about Meerkat

Scientific name: Suricata suricatta Habitat: Semi-arid desert
IUCN Status: Least Concern Weight: 650g

There are two sub-species of meerkat found in Namibia. The southern African meerkat, Suricata suricatta suricatta, with its slim frame and slender tail, is found in the eastern Namibia around the Kalahari Desert. In western Namibia, in Damaraland and the Namib Desert you find Suricata suricatta majoriae, which is generally paler in colour and has a sturdier build.

Despite Namibia having two meerkat subspecies, sightings of this charming mammal remain rare in the country. For your best chance of seeing meerkats in Namibia head to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, which borders South Africa and Botswana. Or if seeing meerkats in the wild is a top priority consider skipping Namibia and heading to Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Pans.

50 days

PUPS WEANED

5

AVERAGE NUMBER OF BURROWS

300m

DISTANCE AT WHICH AN EAGLE CAN BE SPOTTED

30g

PUP WEIGHT AT EMERGENCE

Namibia's top camps for seeing meerkats

Based on 42 reports since June 2018, the camps below have the best chance of seeing meerkats. Simply follow the key below.


Best chances to see

Good chances to see

Some sightings

No sightings yet

Top 10 camps for meerkat

% of travellers who saw meerkat

Top 10 camps for meerkat

% of travellers who saw meerkat

Where to see meerkats in Namibia

While meerkats are found in several regions of Namibia, sightings tend to be few and far between. To improve your chances visit a lodge with a habituated family group.


Top tips for viewing meerkats in Namibia

Naturally wary of humans, wild meerkats will often run and hide, however you may spot them in the Kalahari region, particularly in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Look out for groups darting across the road or sentinels perched on high bushes.

The best way to see meerkats in Namibia is often to stay at a lodge with a clan of habituated meerkats nearby. Lodges include Bagatelle Lodge in the Kalahari, where meerkats are often seen foraging around the lodge among the red dunes. Alternatively, Omaanda Lodge near Windhoek is working to habituate a local meerkat clan and they offer a ‘Meerkat Manor’ experience where you can photograph them at the burrow. Another option is Rostock Ritz in the Namib Desert. Here they have an enclosure where they are rehabilitating unwanted pet meerkats with the aim of returning them to the wild.

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Holiday ideas to see meerkats in Namibia

These trip ideas include places that will give you a good chance of seeing meerkats in Namibia


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Black-faced Impala Guided Safari

13 days • 6 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

A unique mix of luxury and adventure in our original, and perhaps most varied, destination on a privately guided Namibian overland safari. Perfect for families, friends or couples travelling together.

US$10,120 - US$13,340 per person

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Goshawk Fly-in Safari

12 days • 6 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

Discover Namibia’s remarkable landscapes, fascinating wildlife and unique cultures on this luxury adventure flying between a selection of the very best camps and lodges in the country.

US$12,140 - US$20,070 per person

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Quiver Tree Self-drive Safari

14 days • 7 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

An offbeat Namibian self-drive adventure exploring the epic Fish River Canyon and fascinating Kolmanskop ghost town in the south, before turning north via the classic highlights of Sossusvlei, Swakopmund and Damaraland.

US$2,460 - US$3,810 per person

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Brown Hyena Self-drive

14 days • 8 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

The perfect trip for those who want to mix the adventure and freedom of a self-drive with some of our favourite luxury camps in Namibia and a great mix of activities.

US$8,120 - US$10,250 per person

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Chongololo Self-drive Safari

21 days • 11 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

This self-drive safari focuses on the best walking experiences in Namibia. Get your boots ready for the apricot dunes of the Namib Desert and the ancient hills of Damaraland.

US$7,630 - US$10,270 per person

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Ruppell's Korhaan Fly-in Safari

9 days • 4 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

Explore Namibia’s remotest wildernesses while staying at some of the most exclusive luxury camps in the country. This epic fly-in safari will deliver otherworldly landscapes, fascinating wildlife and genuine cultural experiences.

US$10,480 - US$15,980 per person

View all holidays to Namibia

Our top destinations for meerkats

Read tips for spotting meerkats in these countries and the best camps and lodges for sightings


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