Meerkat National Park

Meerkat National Park is a large National Park in the Northern Cape, South Africa, that encompasses the Square Kilometre Array's MeerKAT, PAPER and HERA...

Meerkat National Park at a Glance

Location
Arid North & Karoo, South Africa, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-30.687850, 21.448257
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
None
Best Time to Visit
May to September (dry winter) for big game viewing. October to March for birdwatching and lush landscapes.

Getting to Meerkat National Park

Nearest airport: Square Kilometre Array Karoo Airport, 1 km away.

Nearest international airport: Cape Town International Airport (CPT), 452 km away.

Big Five in Meerkat National Park

1 of the Big Five can be found here: Leopard Tortoise.

Weather & Climate in Meerkat National Park

The warmest temperatures in Meerkat National Park occur in January, averaging 27.0°C (up to 33.6°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 10.0°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in August with average rainfall of 2.3mm. Average humidity: 40.8%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 27.0°C (rainfall: 24.5mm)
  • February: 25.7°C (rainfall: 14.0mm)
  • March: 22.8°C (rainfall: 39.4mm)
  • April: 18.8°C (rainfall: 9.5mm)
  • May: 15.4°C (rainfall: 6.1mm)
  • June: 11.1°C (rainfall: 22.0mm)
  • July: 10.0°C (rainfall: 6.4mm)
  • August: 12.1°C (rainfall: 2.3mm)
  • September: 15.9°C (rainfall: 7.5mm)
  • October: 20.8°C (rainfall: 16.7mm)
  • November: 22.7°C (rainfall: 13.5mm)
  • December: 24.5°C (rainfall: 37.9mm)

Best Time to Visit Meerkat National Park

The best months to visit Meerkat National Park are January, February, October, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 26.97°C, rainfall 24.5mm, sunshine 13 hrs, humidity 33.8%
  • February: Great, temperature 25.74°C, rainfall 14mm, sunshine 12.2 hrs, humidity 34.4%
  • March: Great, temperature 22.77°C, rainfall 39.4mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 42.1%
  • April: Great, temperature 18.75°C, rainfall 9.5mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 41.7%
  • May: Great, temperature 15.38°C, rainfall 6.1mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 40.3%
  • June: Good, temperature 11.1°C, rainfall 22mm, sunshine 8.5 hrs, humidity 53.5%
  • July: Great, temperature 9.98°C, rainfall 6.4mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 47.9%
  • August: Great, temperature 12.05°C, rainfall 2.3mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 40.8%
  • September: Great, temperature 15.95°C, rainfall 7.5mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 33.1%
  • October: Great, temperature 20.75°C, rainfall 16.7mm, sunshine 11.8 hrs, humidity 30.7%
  • November: Great, temperature 22.69°C, rainfall 13.5mm, sunshine 12.7 hrs, humidity 29%
  • December: Great, temperature 24.47°C, rainfall 37.9mm, sunshine 12.9 hrs, humidity 32.8%

Wildlife in Meerkat National Park

Home to 9 recorded species including 3 birds of prey, 2 small mammals, 1 reptiles, 1 big herbivores, 1 waterbirds, 1 antelope & gazelle.

Recommended Packing List for Meerkat National Park

Based on average temperature of 18.9°C, typical conditions, humidity 38%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 19°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Meerkat National Park

2 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Arid North & Karoo

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for South Africa

Travel advisory for South Africa

Meerkat National Park FAQs

How do I plan a visit to Meerkat National Park given its unique, limited access days?

Meerkat National Park is only open on pre-selected days throughout the year, making advance planning essential. You must check the official park website or authorized tour operators for the specific dates available and book your visit well in advance, as spots are limited.

Can visitors experience both wildlife and the MeerKAT telescopes during a safari at the park?

Yes, a unique aspect of Meerkat National Park is the opportunity to see both diverse wildlife and the impressive MeerKAT, PAPER, and HERA telescopes. While specific viewing protocols for the telescopes may apply, visitors can often observe these scientific marvels within the natural landscape, creating a truly distinctive safari experience.

What is the best time to visit Meerkat National Park for optimal wildlife viewing and to avoid crowds?

For prime big game viewing, the dry winter months from May to September are ideal, as animals congregate around water sources. This period also offers cooler temperatures and, combined with the park's very low crowding level (1/5), ensures a peaceful and intimate safari experience.

What should I know about the costs and booking process for Meerkat National Park, given its exclusive access?

Due to the park's limited access on pre-selected days, booking your safari experience far in advance is crucial to secure your spot. Costs will vary depending on the specific tour package or access type offered on those dates, so it's best to consult the official park website or accredited tour operators for current pricing and reservation details.

What are the safety considerations and recommended packing essentials for a trip to Meerkat National Park?

Meerkat National Park is a safe destination with no malaria risk, offering peace of mind for travelers. Given its Northern Cape location, pack layers for potentially hot days and surprisingly cold nights, especially during the dry winter months, and always adhere to general safari safety guidelines regarding wildlife.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • Lonely Planet Botswana & Namibia by Lonely Planet - Covers the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Etosha, Sossusvlei, and the Skeleton Coast. Essential for self-drive safaris through two of southern Africa's wildest destinations.
  • Lonely Planet Zambia & Mozambique by Lonely Planet - From Victoria Falls and South Luangwa to Mozambique's pristine coastline. Practical advice for two of Africa's most rewarding off-the-beaten-path destinations.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • Lonely Planet Southern Africa by Lonely Planet - Covers South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Practical planning information with detailed park and city guides.
  • Lonely Planet South Africa, Lesotho & Eswatini by Lonely Planet - Comprehensive guide to South Africa including Kruger, Garden Route, Cape Town, and the Drakensberg. Essential for self-drive safari planning.
  • The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony - Incredible true story of saving a herd of rogue elephants in Zululand, South Africa. A massive bestseller that will change how you see elephants forever.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Roberts Bird Guide by Hugh Chittenden, Greg Davies & Ingrid Weiersbye - Comprehensive southern African bird guide covering 960+ species with detailed range maps and illustrations. The birder's bible for safaris in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Sasol Birds of Southern Africa by Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey & Warwick Tarboton - The southern Africa birding bible. Covers over 950 species with detailed illustrations, distribution maps, and habitat notes. The most trusted bird field guide for South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • An Elephant in My Kitchen by Francoise Malby-Anthony - The moving sequel to The Elephant Whisperer, written by Lawrence Anthony's wife. Continues the story of the Thula Thula elephants after his death. A beautiful account of the bond between humans and elephants.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.