Where to See Meerkats in Botswana (Top 5 Places)

Botswana is one of the countries in Africa where you can find a diverse wildlife population. This landlocked country holds the popular Kalahari Desert and the Okavango Delta.

Among the animals found in Botswana, meerkats are at the top of the list. These little animals are scattered throughout the country.

In this article, you will learn about the top 5 places to see Meerkats in Botswana.

The Top 5 Places to See Meerkats in Botswana

1. Makgadikgadi Pans

The first location on our list is the Makgadikgadi Pans. Makgadikgadi is the largest salt flat in the world. It is located in north-eastern Botswana, surrounded by the Kalahari Desert.

The landscape at Makgadikgadi Pans is unique from what you might find in other cities. This makes it possible for meerkats to thrive in this region.

It will not take long before you see these little mongooses scurrying around and foraging for food.

If you want to see meerkats in the Makgadikgadi Pans, the best time to visit is during the dry season, from May to October.

Where to Stay in Makgadikgadi Pans

There are many lodges and camps around the Makgadikgadi Pans that offer meerkat-viewing experiences. Some of the best options include Jack’s Camp, San Camp, and Camp Kalahari.

2. Kalahari Desert

The Kalahari Desert is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts. This desert is another place to see meerkats in Botswana.

The Kalahari Desert covers three countries: Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. The sandy dunes in the desert provide a home for the large meerkat population.

Due to the heat intensity, the best time to visit the Kalahari Desert to see meerkats is during the cooler months, from May to September.

Where to Stay in the Kalahari Desert

If you are visiting the Kalahari Desert area in Botswana, there are many lodges and camps where you can stay. You can also enjoy meerkat-viewing experiences at some of these places.

Some of the best options include Tau Pan Camp and Kalahari Plains Camp. Both of these places offer guided tours that will make your trip to see meerkats memorable.

3. Nxai Pan National Park

Nxai Pan National Park is another great place to see meerkats in Botswana. This park is situated north of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park.

Aside from seeing meerkats at Nxai Pan, you get to also see a group of seven mighty baobab trees and other wildlife as they visit the waterhole in the park.

You would want to visit Nxai Pan during the dry season, from May to October. This is because wildlife is more active at the park during this time.

4. Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Central Kalahari Game Reserve is one of the national parks in the Kalahari desert. It is located within Botswana’s Ghanzi District.

The open plains and vegetation in the reserve serve as home to a variety of wildlife, including meerkats.

The reserve is the second largest in the world, so be prepared to witness the large area different wildlife call home.

5. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park stretches between Botswana and South Africa.

This park is another place to see meerkats in their natural habitat. The best time to visit Kgalagadi is from May to September.

At Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, there are several lodges and camps where you can stay. This includes the popular Twee Rivieren Rest Camp and Mata-Mata Rest Camp.

Final Words

In this article, we have revealed the top 5 places to see meerkats in Botswana. As a wildlife enthusiast, you are sure to see meerkats in any of these locations.

In summary, the top places to see meerkats in Botswana are the Makgadikgadi Pans, the Kalahari Desert, Nxai Pan National Park, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

FAQs

Do meerkats live in Botswana?

Yes, Meerkats live in Botswana. They are widespread across central and southern Botswana.

When to see meerkats in Botswana?

The best time to see meerkats in Botswana is during the dry season. This is usually from May to October.

Are there guided tours available for meerkat viewing in Botswana?

Yes, there are guided tours to see meerkats in Botswana. These tour guides know exactly where to look and how to stay safe in the wild.