When on game drive, we normally have an overarching goal of what we want to try and find, but it is safe to say that there will be moments in between finding or seeing the larger animals that often matter the most for me. It’s a time where we are either driving around appreciating the scenery, stopping to look at a few exciting birds, maybe a wild flower or two, or it is because we have noticed something small scurrying off into the long grass.
Mongoose have and always will be some of my favourite animals. They may be small, but each species plays a valuable role in the ecosystem, and I always appreciate how differently they go about their daily lives. Their collective noun, a business, is by far the best in my opinion, and it perfectly captures the sense of constant activity that seems to follow them.
Dwarf Mongooses
The dwarf mongoose is the species we encounter most regularly. They live in tight-knit family groups, and their entire survival strategy is built around cooperation. They share responsibilities, take turns being on the lookout while the others forage, usually focusing on insects like termites, beetle larvae and grasshoppers. Their organised, communal structure is one of the most effective defence systems among small mammals, and it’s hard not to appreciate the efficiency of their teamwork.
Slender Mongooses
In contrast, the slender mongoose is almost completely solitary. Their survival approach relies on remaining unseen rather than working together. They move quietly through their territories, taking insects, rodents, small reptiles and even snakes. While they don’t offer the same group dynamics to observe, the challenge of spotting one and their independent nature makes each sighting feel rewarding.
Banded Mongooses
The banded mongoose, on the other hand, provides a completely different energy. They move in larger, noisier groups and cover ground at a surprising speed when foraging. Their diet is varied, ranging from insects and eggs to small mammals, and their bold, inquisitive nature means they investigate almost anything that might offer food. Their strength lies in the group itself. Safety in numbers allows them to be confident and highly adaptable.
White-tailed Mongooses
The white-tailed mongoose is completely nocturnal. It is the largest of the mongooses we see here and is always a treat to see after dark. Its diet consists mainly of insects, frogs and small vertebrates, and rather than relying on speed or social structure, it uses a steady, methodical approach while foraging. Seeing these exclusively nocturnal animals, often around our airstrip, always makes the night drives that much more exciting.
Meller’s Mongooses
Finally, the Meller’s mongoose is the rarest of the species found at Londolozi. It is elusive and seldom seen. From what we do know, it feeds mainly on insects and digs extensively while foraging. Its survival strategy is built around staying hidden. The lack of sightings doesn’t mean it isn’t present, only that it prefers to move under the radar, and every encounter feels very rare because of how infrequently they reveal themselves. Unfortunately, these mongoose are extremely hard to photograph, but they are very similar to the white-tailed mongoose without the white tail.
Although mongooses might not always be the headline sighting on a game drive, they offer endless interest for anyone who takes the time to watch them. Each species fills a different role, each has its own behaviour and way of surviving, and together they add a lively feeling our drives. No matter how many times I see them, a business of mongooses will always be worth stopping for.
Patrick Grealy
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