African Sands Blog

Here in the UK we all have the tune of “compare the Meerkat.com” running through our heads, but it is a testament to these funny little creatures that have taken the world by storm and become true wildlife celebrities. So, when in South Africa, why not go on a unique safari that will leave you smiling for weeks!

The Meerkat Magic Conservation Project, located near Oudtshoorn, in the Klein Karoo, is a universally unique conservation project, and its here that you can get up close (almost within a few metres of their burrow) to a group of extraordinary meerkats or suricates – the only wild community known to exist outside the Kalahari.

See their cheeky heads pop up and watch them all stand on their hind legs checking the world out! Faces raised to the sun and noses twitching!
Tours are done strictly on an ‘observe and conserve’ basis, with very limited numbers permitted to visit at a time, so the troupe, who migrate in search of food constantly, are never interfered with or disturbed.

In order to get maximum viewings of these lovable creatures without disturbing them too much, sunrise and sunset are the best times to seek out these highly social, fiercely territorial and endlessly entertaining creatures.

Aside from getting all the meerkat low-down by Grant M. McIlrath- A.K.A – The Meerkat Man, you’ll learn about the other “Shy 5” members – porcupine, aardvark (antbear), bat-eared fox, and aardwolf.

From here, you have the opportunity to learn about another of South Africa’s fascinating creatures – the world’s largest flightless bird – the Ostrich by visiting an Ostrich ranch, or drop in at one of the nearby animal rehabilitation centres for a wildlife encounter you’ll never forget.

This is a great day out and one that will certainly let you leave with a spring in your step.

For a taste of the tour and these lovable creatures watch this Youtube Clip…..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psC_jCwYeGU

http://www.africansands.com

Picture from Meerkat Magic