Want to know where and when to find Meerkat? opspoor shows recent sightings across South Africa's parks and when each species is usually active.
Where to see Meerkat in South Africa
Easiest first. Pick a park for when and where to look there.
About the Meerkat
The meerkat is a small, highly social mongoose of southern Africa, especially associated with dry savanna, grassland and semi-desert environments. It has a slender body, pointed face, dark eye patches and a long tail used for balance. Meerkats live in cooperative family groups and spend much of the day foraging for insects, scorpions, spiders, small reptiles, eggs and other prey. While the group feeds, individuals often take turns acting as sentries from elevated positions to watch for predators.
How to identify the Meerkat
Small mongoose-like mammal with a slender body, short legs, pointed face and grey-brown coat. The head and shoulders are often lighter, and the tail has a dark or blackish tip. Commonly seen standing upright as a lookout.
Did you know?
Meerkats take turns acting as sentinels: one individual watches for predators while the others forage, and the lookout gives alarm calls when danger is detected.
Also known as: Suricate, Stokstertmeerkat
Planning a safari? Pick a park above to see when and where to look for Meerkat, and log your own sightings in opspoor, even with no signal.