Meerkats in Africa: Where They Live and What to See Instead in East Africa
Meerkats live in the dry country of southern Africa, in the Kalahari and Karoo, so they are not found in Uganda, Kenya or Tanzania, but East Africa has several mongoose species that behave in similar ways.
Meerkats became famous through films and television, and many visitors hope to see them on safari. They are small mongooses that live in burrows in arid grassland and scrub of Namibia, Botswana, South Africa and Angola.
This page explains where meerkats live and how they behave, then shows which small mammals to look for in East Africa.
This guide is part of our animals of Uganda and East Africa guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.
At a glance
- Range: Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Angola
- Habitat: Arid grassland and scrub
- Group: Mobs of up to dozens
- East Africa: Not found; mongooses instead
- Best for: Kalahari trips
Where Meerkats Live
Meerkats occupy dry open country and shelter in burrows. Groups called mobs share chores, with sentries standing upright to watch for eagles and snakes. Others forage for insects, scorpions and small animals.
Meerkat Behaviour
| Behaviour | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Sentry duty | Individuals stand guard while others feed |
| Cooperative breeding | Group members help raise pups |
| Burrows | Underground network for shelter and heat control |
| Sunning | Morning warming after cool nights |
Mongooses You Can See in East Africa
Banded mongooses are often seen around Mweya in Queen Elizabeth National Park, moving in busy groups that forage together. Dwarf mongooses and slender mongooses also live in East Africa. They share a social habit with meerkats but are different species. See Queen Elizabeth and Uganda wildlife guide.
Lion King and Meerkats
Timon in The Lion King is a meerkat, even though the film is set in an East African-style landscape. See Lion King animals in real life.
Meerkat Society
Meerkats live in groups called mobs or gangs, with a dominant pair and helpers that act as sentries, babysitters and teachers. Sentries stand upright on watch and give calls that signal different dangers, such as birds of prey or snakes. Groups share burrows and forage together for insects, scorpions and small reptiles.
Where to See Them
Meerkats live in southern Africa's dry regions, in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa, rather than East Africa. East African safaris offer other small mammals such as mongooses, which resemble meerkats. Habituated groups at some southern lodges allow close, respectful viewing. See African wild dogs.
Where Meerkats Fit in a Trip
If you want to see meerkats, plan a southern Africa extension to Botswana, Namibia or South Africa after your East Africa safari. Several lodges offer habituated colonies, and early morning visits catch them emerging from burrows. Until then, enjoy East Africa's other small mammals, such as banded mongooses, which share some of the same social habits.
Where to Go for Meerkats
Namibia, Botswana and South Africa are the usual places. For East Africa, plan around primates, big cats and elephants. See African safari trips and Uganda safari packages.
Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.
Related Tours, Guides and Resources
- Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
- Uganda safari packages
- Uganda travel guide
- How to book a Uganda safari
- Plan your safari with our team
Itineraries That Include This Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Uganda Safari Pages
- Lion King Animals in Real Life: Where to See Them in East Africa
- Wildlife You Can See on a Uganda Safari: Primates, Big Game, Birds and More
- Animals of Uganda and East Africa: Gorilla, Chimpanzee, Big Five and Bird Fact Guides
- African Wild Dogs: Facts, Hunting, Packs and Where to See Them in East Africa
- Elephant Facts and Where to See Elephants in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania
- Antelopes of Africa: Types, Species List and Where to See Them in East Africa
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