A Meerkat Diary: My Journey into the Wild World of a Meerkat Mob

A Meerkat Diary: My Journey into the Wild World of a Meerkat Mob — page 3
FEBRUARY 2 It was a long trip but we’re finally here Sitting next to the pilot in our little bush plane I could see the Makgadikgadi Pan ahead of us as we flew in This area of flat land is huge as big as the country of Switzerland Suddenly the sunlight got so bright I could barely open my eyes The pilot explained that all the salt left over from the dried-up lake was reflecting the sun A little later we landed on a tiny strip of dirt in the middle of the desert We drove to camp with all our gear Motto and Villa were there waiting to meet us Motto is a meerkat habituator which might just be the coolest job in the world He spends hours every day hanging around the meerkats so they become comfortable around people instead of fearful This gives visitors a very special opportunity to observe meerkats in their natural habitat Villa is a naturalist guide who knows everything about the desert environment He showed us some beautiful photos he’d taken of the meerkats we’ll be meeting tomorrow morning I’m so excited I’m not sure I’ll be able to sleep tonight Meet the meerkat team From left to right Motto Keitumetse me Becky Cliffe and Villa Moatshe 6