Meerkat Adventures in Oudtshoorn
Meerkat Adventures in Oudtshoorn

Meerkat Adventures in Oudtshoorn

South Africa
South Africa

When Is the Best Time

Meerkats are incredibly social, living together in burrows that they dig with their claws. They are living underground to be safe from predators and the heat during the day.

Three Meerkats standing
A good zoom camera is essential for such pictures.

Spotting these cute meerkats close is an outstanding and rare experience. A guided tour close to Oudtshoorn in the Karoo is the best way to observe them. The meeting point is outside of Oudtshoorn, very early in the morning before sunrise.

One meerkat close
An magnificent experience to watch them early morning.

The starting time mentioned on the website is estimated. You need to contact them the day before to confirm the accurate time for the following early morning. It also depends on weather conditions. In winter, it's chilly early morning. Make sure you take warm clothes and binoculars.

Weather
The sunrise in the desert.
The breathtaking sunrise

In general, less precipitation in Oudtshoorn, but it occurs throughout the year with peaks in March/April and August/September. Driest and coldest months are June and July, with single-digit temps at night from May to September. Sometimes it snows in the mountains. The hottest season is from November until March, with day temperatures topping 30°C. Expect plenty of sunshine, but thunderstorms can occur.

Crowds

Due to their professionalism, it's not a question of how many people take part. Less busy during the winter months; Mai/June until August.

Best Months to Visit

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Related Topics

Location and Tips

Oudtshoorn
South Africa
South Africa

I highly recommend going on the Meerkat Adventure tour with Devey, a committed conservationist, and his two supporters.

A bigger group of meerkats

It is an early start at 5 am when you meet the tour guides just outside Oudtshoorn in your own car. Together you travel on for another few minutes before the cars get parked. After coffee, everybody gets a camping chair, and you walk over to the spot where the Meerkats are still sleeping. Devey always checks the night before where the Meerkats go to sleep because they are often changing their burrows.

Two meerkats in the thick bush

While you are waiting for the meerkats to appear, The guide shares a lot of exciting information, knowing a lot about nature. It is simply amazing to watch how these tiny creatures leave their burrows to warm themselves in the first rays of sunlight. There are funny stories told about the character of each individual.

The cute meerkats scanning the area

One of their specific behaviour standing in an upright position. While all meerkat members forage for food, the security guard, the "sentry", stands on its back legs. The meerkat scans the area for predators. If the meerkat Sentry senses danger, you hear a high-pitched squeal to warn the others.

Do not miss it; you are supporting a great conservation project. My friends have already booked this tour twice because they are so excited about it.  For contact and booking, follow the link. Meerkat Tour (No affiliate link - I just want you to have an excellent morning tour.)

Nearby Places
Gericke’s Point and Swartvlei Beach in Sedgefield Between George and Knysna
74 km
Gericke’s Point and Swartvlei Beach in Sedgefield Between George and Knysna
Sedgefield is located 22 km from Wilderness and 25 km from Knysna and is often…
Jubilee Creek Picnic Site and Hike in the Knysna Forest
80 km
Jubilee Creek Picnic Site and Hike in the Knysna Forest
This is the perfect choice to escape the crowds in Knysna and along the Garden…
3 Hiking Trails in the Robberg Nature Reserve Close to Plettenberg Bay
125 km
3 Hiking Trails in the Robberg Nature Reserve Close to Plettenberg Bay
Robberg Nature Reserve is a fantastic place not only for hikers. Already, the…
Bontebok National Park in Swellendam
168 km
Bontebok National Park in Swellendam
Bontebok National Park was established in 1931 to protect the remaining 17…
De Hoop - An Important Whale Nursery & the Most Beautiful Reserve on Earth
183 km
De Hoop - An Important Whale Nursery & the Most Beautiful Reserve on Earth
The De Hoop Nature Reserve is located 250 km southeast of Cape Town. It is…
Cape Agulhas Lighhouse
242 km
Cape Agulhas Lighhouse
The picturesque lighthouse was built in 1849. It is mostly combined with the…
Southern Right Whales from Gansbaai to Klipgat Cave
283 km
Southern Right Whales from Gansbaai to Klipgat Cave
The endangered southern right whales got hunted in the past almost to…
Hiking in the Cederberg
298 km
Hiking in the Cederberg
The Cederberg region is a World Heritage Site, located between Pakhuis Pass…
Hike to the 3 Granite Boulders in the Paarl Rock Nature Reserve
300 km
Hike to the 3 Granite Boulders in the Paarl Rock Nature Reserve
Paarl Rock is three granite outcrops, the second biggest on earth, more than…
The African Penguins at Betty’s Bay - The Penguin Colony 2 Hours From Boulders Beach
315 km
The African Penguins at Betty’s Bay - The Penguin Colony 2 Hours From Boulders Beach
If you are limited in time and would like to see African Penguins in the wild…
Created by
Umamisky
Umamisky