The fascinating antics of a pack of wild dogs
Wild dogs are endangered. If you are lucky enough to see them in the wild, it's a special experience that you will never forget.
Wild dog in Savuti, Botswana
© AGMarks
See wild dogs in their natural habitat
Call them what you wish -- wild dogs, painted wolves, African hunting dogs or lycaon pictus -- but do try to see wild dogs if you get a chance. They are such a lovely sight. And wild dogs in Africa are an endangered species, so it's actually a very special wildlife sighting too.
Wild dogs are pack animals so when you see one, you usually see many more. Packs of up to 40 individuals are not unheard of, though these large packs are becoming more rare.
The exciting thing about a wild dogs safari is the interaction between all the pack. They 'talk' to each other, they play together, they share hunting and any food they catch, they look after the young and the old members of their pack. It is truly enthralling to watch.
- Observe the pack dynamics
- Watch them interacting and 'talking'
- Check out their individual markings
- See wild dogs at play
- Being in their company is a rare treat
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Wild dogs in Africa
"We met a family of wild dogs, exciting enough, but then 17 puppies erupted from the den when the alpha male came to feed them"
© ©JBennett,Shutterstock
© AGMarks
© AGMarks
The best places to see wild dogs in Africa
Dogs had a pretty bad time a few years ago as disease wiped many of them out. They are also not really liked by farmers of course. Currently they are doing relatively well in many places so there are now a few regions where you might be lucky enough to see them. Here are our top recommendations:
BOTSWANA: Selinda, Linyanti and Kwando Reserves are some of the very best places to see the dogs.
TANZANIA: Selous Game Reserve has the largest population of wild dogs in Africa. Nearby Ruaha is also a good bet for seeing the dogs.
SOUTH AFRICA: Madikwe Reserve has a decent population of dogs so sightings are relatively common as the park is quite small in comparison to the Selous for example. Sabi Sands in the Greater Kruger is also a good option.
KENYA: Samburu and Laikipia Plateau region has an important wild dog project so it is now becoming an increasing stronghold for the dogs.
ZAMBIA: South Luangwa National Park has a good wild dog population, and excitingly, there is a carnivore project which allows you to go out with researchers once a year, so you might be able to see wild dogs whilst with the researchers.
ZIMBABWE: Hwange National Park & Mana Pools - There are around 200 wild dogs in Hwange, split across many packs. The park is also home to the Painted Dog Conservation Project. Mana Pools also lays claim to healthy populations of dogs, as seen on David Attenborough's Dynasties series.
When to go
It is possible to see wild dogs at any time of the year. However, you generally stand a better chance of spotting them around denning time and when they have young pups, as they tend to stay in one spot for longer. Whilst they can have pups at any time, the most common time is from around late June to September, so this is a good time to consider.
How to do it
We have a lovely itinerary called Falling for Wild Dogs, but we can tailor make any itinerary for you to include giving you the best chance of seeing wild dogs.
