Yes we finally checked off an item we had talked about for 10 years - seeing meerkats in the wild. Got up at 6 a.m. in cold weather but so worth it. Our guide was so nice and informative - we learned so much. For example, we learned that meerkats eat mostly bugs because they are always on the run and must eat quickly; otherwise they will eat for too long and their family will leave them behind, making them a possible target for predators.
Also learned they do not go out in the rain as it will wash away their scent. Meerkats only recognize each other by scent so even if they have lived with a sister for 6 years if they return to the burrow smelling different, their family will kill them. And if a girl meerkat hooks up, she must leave with him or they will kill her. Ruthless creatures.
Our guide positioned us in chairs with our backs to the sun as the meerkats face the sun the warm their bellies to help with their digestive system. We observed them for 2 hours. Amazing!
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| Sunrise waiting for meerkats |
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| The sentry |
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| The entire family |
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| Table Mountain |
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| Us and meerkats |
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