Precious and the Mystery of Meerkat Hill

Precious's interactions with the meerkats felt so lively and authentic. I wonder what inspired the way their characters were brought to life?

The descriptions of the landscape and local culture were so vivid — it made me want to visit. Was this based on a real place or entirely imagined?

I didn't see the mystery coming and loved how it unfolded. Did anyone else guess the solution early, or was it a complete surprise?