One/two week visit

We are sorry to announce that currently no visits are allowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Voluneer_and_Earthwatcher_03The Kalahari Meerkat Project now offers a flexible package for couples or groups who want to visit the KMP.

In this experience of a life-time, come to meet your favourite meerkat groups, the researchers and the project. You will get the chance to observe the KMP meerkats from eye to eye, observe meerkat research, discuss your questions with the researchers, and learn everything you ever wanted to know about meerkat behaviour and ecology.

The package is very flexible:

  • You choose how long you stay – minimum duration is one week.
  • Ideal for couples and groups – minimum group size is two visitors.
  • There are no set dates – just check availability with us for your preferred dates.
  • Your visit is on a self-driving and self-catering basis; accommodation in our field site is included.

Please read on to see what our visitor package includes, or contact us with the form below if you are interested in visiting the Kalahari Meerkat Project.


b51f4c7f93Meerkat visits

You will spend your days at the KMP research station in the field, greeting the meerkats when they come out of their sleeping burrow to catch the first sun rays and walking with them while they forage, play, fight or mate. You can work with the researcher in establishing role calls, or help him/her with observations and other experiments – but you can also just watch and enjoy being with the meerkats. In the afternoon you again go out to track your meerkat group, and follow the meerkats through their evening rituals. On Sundays meerkat visits are usually just short, but still possible unless you decide to sleep in…


DSC06592Other activities

The afternoons and evenings are usually spent at the farmhouse, or with the researchers or other guests. You can go for walks in our reserve, enjoy your sundowner on one of the dunes, or visit the nearby town Van Zylsrus (offering a hotel/restaurant with spa, basic shopping). You are also welcome to join the researchers’ soccer or volley ball matches. Other activities may be organised occasionally. Informal presentations of the researchers about their project can also be arranged if you wish.


b8a8476e00Accommodation

During your time at the reserve, you will stay in your own “rondavels”, small round ‘African style’ thatched houses (single or double occupancy) with bed (including bedding), table and chair, cupboard, cold water sink, electricity and heater; toilets and hot showers are shared. Groups may also be booked in our Kraal Cottage if available. Your room is not serviced; a basic washing machine can be used for free.


DiningMeals

A fully equipped kitchen and dining room are available to you to prepare and enjoy your meals. You bring your own food for your entire stay, but there is ample storage capacity (including fridges and freezers). Please note that the kitchen and dining room may have to be shared with other visitors.


Transport

Visitors are required to arrange their own transport both from/to the field site, but also use their own car while on the field site (usually 4 times per day, between the two farm houses). The farm can be reached with a normal 2WD car, but a high clearance or 4WD car may be more comfortable.


Important information

This package is not available to professional filmers or photographers; please enquire here if you are interested in filming or photographing our meerkats for commercial purposes.


Contribution

The net profit, after the expenses of your stay are covered, will fully contribute towards the operation of the KMP field site and KMP research.
The following prices apply for this package (in British Pound Sterling):

No. of visitors For 1 week For 2 weeks
Minimum contribution (for 2 visitors) 2200 GB£ 3500 GB£
Contribution per additional visitor 1100 GB£ 1750 GB£

A 20% downpayment is due at the time of booking; it is non-refundable in case of cancellation.


More questions?

Check out our KMP Visitor Guide, with a wealth of information for future visitors! Click here for the current Guide.

How to book?

Please contact us on reservemanager (at) kalahariresearch.org below if you are interested in visiting the Kalahari Meerkat Project.

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