Meerkats Running Wild in the Namibian Desert, Africa

In the Namibian desert of Southern Africa, next to a giant rock, a small group of highly sociable creatures scurry about the desert. Diurnal, moving about during the day and terrestrial, burrowing into the earth, they live in groups of between 5-40 individuals. What are these little animals that are so cute you will want to pick up everyone you see?

Here’s a hint: it is the animal character Timon was from the Lion King.

meerkat standing

MEERKATS!!!

Meerkats spend a lot of their time sitting like this. They will use their tail as a third leg and often go up further to stand when they are alert. Because of their small size, they have to always be on the look out for predators such as hawks or eagles that will swoop down and snatch them.

meerkat, are you going to to watch me

We followed this meerkat around for a good hour and it was like he said,  “Who me? Your hanging out to watch me?”

meerkat digging

Then it was as it if he said, “Well, I am just going to continue digging for my dinner.”

meerkat head

Dig, dig, dig.

I just loved their little paws!

angry looking meerkat

It’s always important to remember that even though meerkats have such cute little paws, they are still wild animals. This one’s face only looked angry in this shot because he was trying to gnaw down a giant grub he found.

meerkat with mouth open

And he ate it. Meerkat diet consists mostly of insects and other invertebrates.

meerkat running straight on

After he devoured his find, he would take off running to find a new spot to dig.

meerkat running

He would dash left, then straight, then left, then right until all of a sudden…

meerkat digging close up

…he’d stop and start furiously digging again.

meerkat's gotta go

Eventually the sun was setting and it was time to say good by to the precious meerkat who had been so gracious in letting us hang out with him. I just loved watching these meerkats scurrying around and their whimsical antics. If you are ever in a position to view meerkats and they don’t run away from you, do not pass that opportunity up! The other few times we were lucky enough to find meerkats, they were a lot more afraid of people and cars. I love to think back on these little guys roaming around out in the desert eating grubs next to one amazing, giant rock.

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If you go:

Going to Spitzkoppe is amazing and should be on your ‘must see’ list anyway. Spitzkoppe offers camping, climbing, hiking and culture. There is a tastefully decorated small restaurant (although we didn’t eat there.)  And rubbish is removed daily by someone from the community with a donkey cart. This is a place you want to go! Don’t miss out.

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6 Responses to “Meerkats Running Wild in the Namibian Desert, Africa

  • Timon! How cute can a little critter get? This one looks like it could talk. You were so lucky he let you ‘hang out’ with him for the day.

    • tiffany
      9 years ago

      Meerkats do talk. When they are forging or hunting together, they are actually quite vocal. They make little high pitched noises together. They really work together in their family units. I just loved the meerkats!

  • Laura Shephard
    9 years ago

    He is adorable Tiff. Cute post! Max is still cuter though! =)

    • tiffany
      9 years ago

      Well, Max, (whom if you don’t know who Max is, type “MAX” into the search box at the top left) is in a category all his own. I love all animals, especially if they are cute! 🙂

  • These adorable critters look a bit like opossums on steroids, eh? Good choice for a
    cartoon character! Thanks for the post
    mare

    • tiffany
      9 years ago

      Oh I just love the little merkats! And this weekend we had safari at the lodge and my character was Timon, the merkat from the Lion King! What a great animal!

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