We had just returned from feeding the lions when we were offered the opportunity to spend time at the Na’ankuse Foundation Wildlife Sanctuary. Currently they were working with meerkats to reintroduce them back into the wild and providing medical attention to a colony of dassies.
The wildlife first opened its doors in 2007 to assist orphaned, injured and human-habituated animals. While their ultimate goal is to release the animals back into the wild, there may be instances when the animals are too ill, abused or habituated, that the refuge will become their permanent home.
As we approached the meerkat habitat, they began scurrying around, dodging the tree limbs and popping up between the rocks. Meerkats are a member of the mongoose family and live in southwest Africa. These adorable creatures live in packs between three to twenty-five and are burrowing animals that have multiple entrances leading to several tunnels.
The meerkat has a face similar to that of a raccoon and a body of a ferret. Growing to a length of about 11 inches long, they also have a tail measuring about 7.5 inches as well. Full-grown, they weigh less than 2.2 pounds and make their home in a series of underground chambers. When the temperatures rise throughout the day, you will find the meerkat here.
It is not uncommon to find a meerkat on the top of a mound, acting as a look out as its fellow meerkats search for food. Some of their favorite meals include insects, scorpions, birds and small snakes. They communicate with each other to warn of predators and help to find their next meal. With a high-pitched call the meerkats scatter in search of safety. Meerkats are a popular pet in South Africa as they help to minimize the rodent population.
The dassie, also known as a rock hyrax, is a popular rodent-like animal that lives in South Africa and the Middle East. Found at elevations close to 14,000 feet, they thrive in areas where there are plenty of rocks and crevices to keep themselves protected. They spend nearly 95% of their lives resting and can be found basking in the sun.
Interestingly, they are most related to the elephant (they have tusk-like incisors) but only growing to a height of 20 inches and weighing nearly 10 pounds. They live in colonies ranging from 10 to 80 in size and feed on broad leafed plants, insects and grubs. Similar to the meerkat, they communicate with each other when they sense danger.
We were able to hand-feed them their afternoon meal, holding them as they ate from our hands. In addition to their coarse, dense fur, we noticed the long thick nails on their toes. With a laid-back disposition and an inexpensive diet, I wondered if they too were kept as pets in Namibia. I’m sure I could make room for one in my carry-on.
Have you ever seen a meerkat or an African dassie on a trip to Africa? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about these amazing African creatures and wishing you many Happy Travels!
What to See and What to Do:
N/a’ankuse Animal Rescue & Sanctuary
277 Farm Frauenstein
District Windhoek, Khomas Region
Namibia
Telephone: +264 (0)81 261 2709
Where to Stay:
N/a’ankuse Animal Rescue & Sanctuary
277 Farm Frauenstein
District Windhoek, Khomas Region
Namibia
Telephone: +264 (0)81 261 2709
Where to Eat:
N/a’ankuse Animal Rescue & Sanctuary
277 Farm Frauenstein
District Windhoek, Khomas Region
Namibia
Telephone: +264 (0)81 261 2709
What to Eat:
- Biltong: salty dried meat of hamburger or kudu
- Bobotie: meatloaf with raisins
- Boerewors: South African sausage
- Bokkoms: salted, dry fish
- Bunny Chow: a bread bowl, seasoned with curry and topped with meat (sometimes rabbit)
- Chakalaka: spicy South African vegetarian dish served with bread
- Denningvleis: lamb stew with a sweet and sour flavor; one of the most delicious dishes in South Africa
- Gatsby: footlong sandwich topped with fries
- Koeksisters: South African donut
- Malva Pudding: pudding with apricots
- Melktert: sweet milk tarts
- Potjiekos: stew of meat and vegetables
- Pap en Sous: corn pie topped with tomato and onion
- Snoek: type of mackerel
- Peppermint Crisp Tart: dessert made with bread rolls, caramel, chocolate, whipped cream and peppermint chocolate bars
What to Read:
- Out of Africa, by Isak Dinesen
- The Poisonwood Bible, by Barbara Kingsolver
- Cry, The Beloved Country, by Alan Paton
- Half of a Yellow Sun, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
- Born Free, by Joy Adamson
Photo Guide for Na’ankuse:
- Animals on Safari
- Incredible Sunsets