Camdeboo National Park, just outside the Karoo town of Graaff-Reinet, consists of two sections: one is centred on the mountainous Valley of Desolation, the other is a game reserve on the adjacent plain. We had spent most of our afternoon in the former, but had just enough time to visit the game viewing area as well. Initially we did not come across much wildlife, but then several herds of antelopes crossed our path and we managed to snap a few interesting birds. We were just heading for the exit when we saw some movement ahead: small brown animals, which we thought were a troop of mongooses.
However, as we approached (very slowly) we could see that we had found some meerkats.
They all scuttled into their burrows when we got close, but one of them emerged again shortly afterwards—and kept a close watch on our movements.
It was quite some time before a second one plucked up the courage to peek out, and then only briefly.
Below are a few more shots from our encounter with these charismatic, but very shy, creatures.
Adorable!!