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• Wild Dog Safaris

All the info on African Wild Dogs and where to find them

Our African Wild Dog Safaris are unmatched. It is hard to find these incredible creatures, but thankfully we know where they live and where to go in order to spend some time admiring them.

The African Wild Dog is an endangered canine that dwells primarily in sub saharan plains and savannah areas. Wild Dogs are also known as painted dogs (hence their Latin name lyacon pictus) owing to their striking and irregular blotched coat of fur.

African Wild Dogs live in large packs of up to 20 animals. Packs are fiercely territorial and confrontation between rival packs is commonplace. Packs are led by a monogamous breeding pair, and the entire pack cares for the pups beard by the alpha female.

The pack is a highly tuned hunting machine, and dogs within the pack cooperate to hunt antelope such as impala, and at times have been known to kill animals as large as Wildebeest.

Wild Dogs communicate through a series of clicks and whistles that sound more like birdcalls than barks. Wild Dogs have typically longer legs than their canine cousins, and while ordinary dogs have a five toed paw, Wild Dogs have only four on each paw.

Wild Dogs are classified as endangered and only an approximate 3000 Wild Dogs are estimated to live in the wild. The majority of these animals reside in the north of Botswana in the Okavango Delta and within the Central Kalahari Game Reserve .

Wild Dog numbers have declined over the years owing primarily to human encroachment on their land and hunters killing the dogs to protect their livestock.

African Wild Dog Stats

Also known as: African Painted Dog, Cape Hunting Dog

Scientific Name: Lycaon pictus

Diet: Carnivorous, Classed as n Endurance Hunter

Estimated number in the wild: 3000

Status: Endangered

Primary Threat: Habitat fragmentation by man

Average life span: Approximately 12 years

Group Name: Pack

Size: 25 to 45 inches

Weight: 40 to 80 pounds

Where and when to see them

For an African Wild Dog Safari, Undoubtedly the best place to view Wild Dogs in the wild is within the Okavango Delta, particularly north towards the Linyanti area. This wild and secluded area provides the perfect secluded environment for the Wild Dog, and it is here where the species thrives. A few camps in the area are lucky enough to have resident packs of Wild Dogs located close to the lodge areas. Wild Dogs can be seen at anytime of the year, however, the winter months provide better viewing opportunities owing to the lack of foliage that provides a clear line of view.

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Wild Dog Safari

Combine a classic Okavango safari with a visit to the wild, remote and game rich northern frontier of Botswana -the Linyanti-Kwando region. Offering pristine wilderness and phenomenal game viewing in some of the largest private reserves in southern African this is a truly exclusive safari. Safari purists will appreciate the focus on the safari experience rather than the luxurious trappings. Game drives feature trackers as well as guides, increasing the chances of those rare sightings. Visiting three camps over the week each set in beautiful and game rich environments and a great range of land and water activities- this is a classic Botswana itinerary. Predators abound in these areas- including the rare African Wild Dog.

This itinerary is begins with 4 nights in the Kwando-Linyanti reserve, staying two nights on the riverfront and 2 nights deeper in land, followed by 3 nights in prime Okavango territory. With the flexibility of private reserves and permanent waters a full range of activities are on offer- day and night game drives, walking, mokoro and boating. With off-roading permitted in these reserves you are able to track animals more successfully and get closer for those extra special sightings and excellent photographic opportunities.

This itinerary begins on the northern frontier of Botswana, on the banks of the Kwando River – which forms the border between Botswana and Namibia. This is one of Botswana’s largest private reserves, the Kwando reserve is an astonishing 2,300km² and shared between just two camps- Lagoon and Lebala. Vehicles are scarce, animals are not. This lesser known area is a pristine wilderness, home to immense elephant and buffalo herds and impressive predators numbers. This area really comes alive in the dry season when staggering numbers of elephants flock to the river. The area has good resident game too and predators are regularly seen here. Notably, this is one of the best places to see African wild dog.

Your four nights will be split between Lagoon Camp on the riverfront and Lebala Camp which is set deeper inland – these camps complement each other very well, with such different habitats the game viewing is varied.

Lagoon camp is a traditional camp with a simple style and a stunning setting on the banks of the river. Rooms are incredibly spacious if a little sparse but perfectly comfortable. It really is all about the views here, which all rooms enjoy. The Swimming pool also has a fantastic setting overlooking the river. Day and night drives are offered as well as walking and boating.

Lebala Camp lies in the lush open grasslands about 2-3 hours game drive south of Lagoon Camp. The spacious tented rooms overlook the fringes of the linyanti marshes and are extremely light and airy. Activities here focus on game drives only – with big game in this drier area offering the opportunity for fantastic sightings.

After 4 nights you fly south to the Okavango, to the Kwara private concession in the east of the Delta. Kwara is a vast concession of 232,000 hectares, continuing the exclusive safari experience. The Kwando Reserve is one of the most famous in Botswana, with a fantastic range of habitats permanent water and prime game viewing- This area has great sightings of lion, leopard, wild dog and even cheetah which is rare in the Okavango.

With permanent waters and the flexibility of a private concession a full range of land and water activities are offered from this beautiful and diverse reserve, keeping the safari experience interesting, fresh and exciting every day.

Splash Camp is a relatively new camp, built in 2018 and has a smarter, more contemporary design while remaining true to the essence of the safari experience. Rooms are spacious and furnishings more complete and plush, this ensures a more luxurious end to your safari.

Splash has a great track record for offering water activities year round so you can be confident of enjoying that quintessential Botswana safari experience, a mokoro trip, gliding silently through the waterways and seeing the game at eye level is a very special experience. Boating is also offered on a double decker boat which offers great views across the waters and floodplains.

All camps are operated by Kwando Safaris, one of the oldest Botswana operators who stand out for their focus on delivering superb game viewing experiences. To this end, and uniquely in Botswana, they have both a guide and a tracker on board, doubling the expert eyes on your drives and chances of finding those rare sightings.

Day 1 - Lagoon Camp

On arrival in Maun, you will be met by and assisted onto your light aircraft flight to Lagoon Camp, a flight of about 60 minutes. Flying across the Okavango and over to the Kwando reserve you will witness the constantly changing landscapes which reach across this corner of Botswana. On arrival at the airstrip your guide will be waiting to welcome you. A game drive of about 20 minutes takes you to the camp. Keep alert, your safari has begun!

After a warm welcome from the team and an introduction to the camp you will settle down to some light refreshments and a discussion with your guide about the activities on offer and your interests. Lagoon Camp offers day and night game drives as well as walking and boating, water levels permitting.

You will then set off on your first activity- perhaps a scenic boat cruise with a sundowner on the river or a game drive in search of the cats as they begin to stir as the heat of the day subsides. Toasting the setting sun with a drink you then return to camp for dinner and your first night in the African bushveld.

Day 2 - Lagoon Camp

The next morning you wake early, just before sunrise, and after a light breakfast you set off for your first full day of safari. Perhaps a game drive to track any interesting movements from the cats overnight or following the hyena which you may have heard calling in the night. Every day is different on safari and your guide will interpret the morning ‘news’ of the bush as you explore! Your game drive will last around 4 hours with a coffee break half way.

Returning for a heart brunch around 10.30am-11am you will then have some time to relax during the heat of the day, when the animals retreat to the shade- and so will you! Rest in your room, enjoy the private deck off your room and watch the animals as they visit the lagoon to drink. Or take a swim and relax on the pool deck which has wonderful river views.

Meeting your guide again at tea time you will set off for your afternoon activity – perhaps a game drive to follow up on sightings earlier in the day or a boating safari – the double deck set up allows for excellent views over the papyrus and into the further wetlands. Enjoying a sundowner you will then return to camp and dinner – and your last night on the banks of the Kwando river.

Day 3 - Lebala Camp

This morning you rise early, after breakfast you bid farewell to the team and set out on your game drive to Lebala. This will be a leisurely drive, like a game drive, rather than a straight transfer. Arriving mid-morning at Lebala.

Lebala is lies in the floodplains of the Kwando river and each of the eight tents looks out on the lush Linyanti marshes. Watch out for the moving reeds which can reveal all sorts of animals as they move in and out of the marsh – elephant, lechwe, reedbuck, hippos and more.

Each of the tented rooms are incredibly spacious, airy and light with a private viewing deck as well as an inside sitting area. The main area includes a raised viewing deck overlooking the marsh as well as a small swimming pool.

Having met the team and settled into your room you will have some time to relax before meeting your guide at high tea before setting off on your first afternoon game drive. Exploring the southern reaches of the reserve around the Linyanti marshes you will stop at a scenic spot as the sun begins to set for a drink and some snacks. Returning to camp for dinner, your tracker will use a spotlight to search for nocturnal animals in action. This is when predators do most of their hunting from the mighty lion to the graceful little genet.

Day 4 - Lebala Camp

Another early morning wake-up call starts the day, your first full at Lebala. Setting out on your morning drive as the sun comes up you will be out for around 4 hours, returning for brunch and a rest. During the middle of the day you will have a few hours to yourself, a chance for a siesta or swim in the pool. Or settle on the viewing deck and watch the comings and goings at the marsh.

The plains here attract a wide variety of animals – wildebeest, impala, giraffe, zebra, tsessebe, kudu and more. Elephant and buffalo are also common. Predators include lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog and hyena.

Around 4pm, after high tea, you set off for your afternoon activity and again stop of watch the sunset with a drink before returning to camp for dinner. Every sunset is special out here and worth stopping for- though sometimes game sightings are too exciting and you may choose to stay at a sightings instead.

Over dinner this evening your guide will advise you what time your flight to Splash camp will be the following day and you will plan your morning activity accordingly.

Day 5 - Splash Camp

This morning you rise early as before and set out for your morning activity, one last chance to explore kwando concession. This drive may be shorter than usual depending on your flight time. At a time agreed the day before your guide will return you to the airstrip for your flight to the Splash, a flight of about 35 minutes, depending on stops along the way. Landing on the Kwara concession, in the east of the Okavango, your guide will be waiting to transfer you to the camp, a drive of about 40 minutes. You will notice the change in environments here, crossing vast open plains often with giraffe ambling along.

Having met the team at Splash and settled into your new Okavango home you will have some time explore the camp and freshen up before teatime. Rejuvenated you will set off with your guide on your first afternoon activity.

Splash is a private concession and as such offers a full range of land and water activities just like Pom Pom, although here water activities are guaranteed year round, so you are spoilt for choice. You guide will discuss each of these with you and your particular preferences.

Setting out in the late afternoon for your drive or boat ride you will stop of sundowners as the sun sinks below the horizon and the nocturnal animals begin to stir. Returning to camp with a spotlight you will look for cats as they begin their hunting often followed by the opportunistic hyena. A roaring fire and dinner awaits on return.

Day 6 and 7 - Splash Camp

For the next two days you follow the now familiar safari schedule, with early morning and late afternoon activities. You will have a choice of activities – game drives, walks, mokoro and boat rides. This will all be discussed and planned with your guide to ensure you make the most of your time at Splash Camp.

Game drives allow you to explore right across this huge private concession, tracking animals and off-roading allows you closer sightings of predators. At night, as you look for animals with a spotlight you may be lucky and catch the predators as they hunt, but equally interesting are the smaller nocturnal animals which we rarely see without the spotlight like genet, bush babies and caracals.

Walking safaris offer a slower pace of safari, the chance to learn more about this unique eco-system and the flora and fauna around you. Your guide will share his tracking skills on these walks which really showcase the great experience and knowledge of these talented guides.

Mokoro trips glide peacefully through the shallower waters of the Okavango and offer a more traditional experience of the Okavango while boating allows the chance to explore further into the deeper water channels and see elephants, hippos and crocodiles in closer quarters.

Plenty to keep you busy over your two full days on the Kwara concession.

Day 8 - End of Safari

Today you depart the Okavango. The time for your flight to Maun will be finalised the day before and your guide will advise you what time you will be leaving camp. The flight will always be schedule to connect with any onward travel arrangements. Depending on the time of departure, as discussed with your guide, you will enjoy on final morning activity and brunch before bidding farewell to the Okavango. The flight to Maun will take approximately 30 minutes, depending on stops along the way. On arrival a representative will meet you to ensure you connect to your onward travel arrangements.

For those interested in visiting Chobe and Victoria Falls flights to Kasane can be arranged at an additional cost. This is a flight of about 60 minutes.

Lagoon Camp

Lebala camp, splash camp.

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Tau pan camp.

With impressive views of the vast Kalahari plains, Tau Pan Camp stands on a sand ridge deep in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and offers a fascinating desert safari experience. This comfortable lodge overlooks a permanent waterhole which allows constant game viewing right from the viewing deck. Explore this huge, wild and remote reserve with morning and afternoon game drives, or experience the desert through the eyes of the san bushman on informative walks.

Tongabezi is a much loved haven of peace on the banks of the Zambezi River in Zambia. This owner-run boutique hotel has plenty of character and impressive attention to detail. It is a very special spot and has a welcomed many returning visitors over the years. A fantastic range of activities are available or simply savour the tranquil hours taking in the sights and sounds of the mighty Zambezi River from your luxurious room.

• Duration 7 Nights
• Rates Jan 2024 USD 4,900 Feb 2024 USD 4,900 Mar 2024 USD 4,900 Apr 2024 USD 4,900 May 2024 USD 11,770 Jun 2024 USD 11,770 Jul 2024 USD 11,525 Aug 2024 USD 11,525 Sep 2024 USD 11,525 Oct 2024 USD 11,525 Nov 2024 USD 5,907 Dec 2024 USD 5,907

Featured Properties

With a fantastic location on the banks of the Kwando River in the far north of Botswana, Lagoon Camp offers a superb big game safari from a tranquil waterside setting. One of only two camps on the vast Kwando concession, a remote, wild and game lively area, Lagoon Camp offers a very exclusive safari experience. Lagoon is a traditional, pleasant camp with a simple style and focus on exciting game drives and serene boat cruises.

Lebala Camp lies on the vast, remote and game rich Kwando concession, north of the Okavango Delta. The 230,000 hectare Kwando concession is a top safari destination, especially big game sightings. This huge wilderness attracts large numbers of elephant and buffalo flocking to the river in the dry season (May-October). Predator sightings are frequent and include the rare wild dog. Lebala is a traditional tented camp offering a classic big game safari experience.

Splash camp is a smart tented camp on the prime private concession of Kwara, in the eastern Okavango Delta, a pretty and game lively concession. The area benefits from permanent water, seasonal floodplains and dry savannah bush and is home to good resident game which has earned Kwara the reputation for delivering some of the best game viewing in Botswana. A variety of safari activities and interesting game viewing deliver a fantastic all-round safari.

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10 Best Places To See Wild Dog on Safari

Patrick has been an Africa travel specialist, based in Australia, for over 10 years and prior to that was a safari operator in Mana Pools in Zimbabwe.

It’s not easy to see wild dogs on safari. The African wild dog (or painted dog) needs extensive areas in which to roam. This, combined with its susceptibility to a range of diseases, including canine distemper and rabies (transmitted by domestic dogs), means it is found only in a limited number of safari destinations.

It is only during the denning season (May to September in southern Africa but earlier in East Africa) that wild dogs are forced to remain in one area for any length of time. We must emphasize that in none of the locations listed below, are wild dogs a guaranteed sighting. These are very unpredictable predators that can move vast distances at a moment’s notice (and for no apparent reason). As a result, wild dog sightings are rather special occurrences. Here are the top ten places where you will likely spot one (or more).

1. Nyerere (Selous) National Park and Ruaha National Park, Tanzania

Both of these southern Tanzanian parks have for many years been excellent venues for die-hard wild dog fans and offer excellent sightings on a regular basis.

Nyerere (Selous) Tours

2. Okavango Delta, Savuti and Linyanti, Kwando and Selinda Concessions in Northern Botswana

This extensive region of northern Botswana has one of the most significant populations of wild dog on the continent and offers excellent sightings. The concessions of Chitabe and Qorokwe are also gaining a reputation for wild dog sightings.

Okavango Tours

3. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

Hwange is Zimbabwe’s largest national park and ideal habitat for wild dogs. It’s a great park to see wild dog on safari. This is also the home of the long-running Painted Dog Conservation (PDC) project, which aims to protect, rehabilitate and reintroduce wild dog packs into the wild. Its Interpretive Hall and Walkway not far outside the gate near Main Camp is interesting and well worth a visit.

Hwange Tours

4. Luangwa Valley, Zambia

This has long been a reliable region for wild dogs, with regular sightings in South Luangwa NP . The wild dog population in North Luangwa NP is also recovering after years of persecution and disease.

South Luangwa Tours

5. Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa

The land where Madikwe  now stands was used for farming. The poor soil meant that farming was mostly unsuccessful and the South African government then decided that it would best be used as a national park to help economically uplift this disadvantaged area.

Madikwe is malaria-free, home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino) and caters well for families. Wild dogs were introduced into the park in 1994 and have subsequently thrived, despite many challenges. Since Madikwe is a fenced reserve, the wild dog packs are not able to leave it, and sightings are regular.

Madikwe Tours

6. Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe and Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia

These two parks lie on opposite sides of the Zambezi downriver of Kariba Dam. Every year wild dogs den in and around Mana Pools NP and provide visitors with regular and exciting sightings through the safari season (May through November). After several years’ absence, wild dogs are also now regularly seen in Lower Zambezi , which lies within the range of several large packs.

Mana Pools Tours

7. Laikipia, Kenya

This is the only region in Kenya where wild dogs have been seen regularly in recent times, and where packs have denned consistently.

Laikipia Plateau Tours

8. Kruger National Park, South Africa (Including Sabi Sand Game Reserve and Timbavati Nature Reserve)

Although never a regular sighting within the park itself, or in any one of the private game reserves surrounding the park, wild dogs are nevertheless widespread in the region.

Kruger Tours

9. Liuwa Plain National Park, Zambia

In far western Zambia, Liuwa Plain National Park offers vast open grassland and a good supply of prey species for wild dog, which were reintroduced here in 2021.

Liuwa Plain Tours

10. KwaZulu-Natal’s Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, South Africa

A small reintroduced population of wild dogs can be found in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi , one of the lesser known of South Africa’s parks. It's a real gem of a location that is worth adding to any planned safari trip to this region.

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Tours

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Everything You Need to Know About African Wild Dogs, And Where to See Them

By Philip Briggs | Updated January 23, 2022

Today, the African wild dog ( Lycaon pictus ) tops the wish list of many knowledgeable repeat safarigoers. But it hasn’t always been this way. A hundred years ago, this now-Endangered species ranked among the most common and widespread of African carnivores, with a total population of several hundred thousand ranging across 40-odd countries. Today, by contrast, only 6-7,000 individuals remain, and the wild dog has the unwanted distinction of being Africa’s second-rarest large carnivore (indeed, it is outranked in scarcity only by the Ethiopian wolf, whose natural range has always been confined to one country).

Novice safarigoers might ask: what exactly is an African wild dog? Well, actually, it’s a pretty unique creature. Placed in a separate genus to any other canid, this ultra-sociable hunter is easily distinguished by the blotched black, brown, yellow, and cream coat alluded to in its alternative name of painted dog. With a shoulder height of almost 30 inches and weight of up to 80lb (comparable to a border collie), it is also twice as bulky as any other wild canid found in Africa, though in global terms it ranks third in size after the grey wolf and red wolf. 

African wild dogs have a fascinating social structure. They are cooperative breeders whose large permanent packs usually comprise up to 10 adults, often significantly more. Breeding rights are reserved for the alpha male and female, usually but not always the oldest pack members of their gender. Litters contain up to 15 pups, which are kept safe in a den for at least two months. Weaning takes place at five weeks, after which the pups are fed with meat swallowed and regurgitated by other pack members.

Hunting is a cooperative process. The entire pack will chase down its potential prey (usually a medium to small antelope), sometimes maintaining a speed of 35mph for a mile or longer, as different individuals take turns to nip, bite and tear off hunks of the poor victim’s flesh, until it collapses as a result of injury or exhaustion. It’s not a pretty thing to watch, and it is this ferocity, combined with a voracious appetite for small livestock, that led to the African wild dog being reviled as vermin during the colonial era. More recently, while habitat loss and persecution by local herders has undeniably played a role in the decline of the wild dog, a larger factor has been susceptibility to rabies and other diseases spread by domestic dogs.

The figures make for dismal reading. Of the 40-odd countries in their original range, African wild dogs are now extinct in at least 26, while fewer than 10 support viable breeding populations. What’s more, even within those select few countries, wild dogs are absent from many parks and reserves where they were once abundant. Take the Serengeti, for instance. In the 1960s, wild dogs were so common here that Jane Goodall and Hugo Von Lawick chose it as the site of the behavioral and photographic study immortalized in the book Innocent Killers . A mere 20 years later, wild dogs were all but extinct throughout the Serengeti and elsewhere in northern Tanzania. A similar thing happened in Kenya in 2017, where wild dogs numbers on the Laikipia Plateau – by far, their most important stronghold in the country – plummeted following a drought-associated outbreak of canine distemper. 

Despite this, the picture isn’t entirely bleak. Greater awareness of the plight of African wild dogs, together with the concerted efforts of many conservation organizations, have allowed  numbers to stabilize or even increase in many individual reserves and national parks. And while an inclination to wander long distances has often led to the persecution of wild dogs when they stray outside of reserves, it has also allowed them to recolonize old haunts where they were formerly extinct, including parts of Northern Tanzania bordering the Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem. Another positive recent development is the reintroduction of African wild dogs to several other national parks, notably Gorongosa (Mozambique) in 2018 and Liwonde (Malawi) and Liuwa Plain (Zambia) in 2021. 

All the same, while there are very few places where African wild dogs could be considered common, there are a few countries where, with a bit of luck and prior planning, you still stand a reasonable chance of seeing these engaging endangered creatures. These are our suggestions: 

This southern African country is now my first recommendation to anyone who wants to see African wild dogs. The most reliable site is Lower Zambezi National Park, which is home to a few large packs, including one that numbered almost 40 individuals when we passed through in October 2021. On the same trip we encountered large wild dog packs in three other national parks: South Luangwa, North Luangwa and Kafue. Any one of these sightings would rank close to the best we’ve had anywhere in Africa. 

Although wild dog sightings are very unusual in northern Tanzania, they remain regular in parts of the southern circuit. Foremost is Nyerere National Park, which forms the core of an ecosystem that hosts at least 10 percent of Africa’s free-ranging wild dogs. These days, I would definitely regard Nyerere to offer the best chance of seeing wild dogs in East Africa, particularly if you visit over the denning season of July to August. We’ve twice had good wild dog sightings in Ruaha National Park. 

South Africa 

The greater Kruger National Park probably vies with Nyerere for the distinction of hosting the Africa’s largest breeding population of wild dogs. With luck, you stand a reasonable chance of seeing wild dogs in the national park itself, though their high mobility makes it rather hit-and-miss. More reliable prospects are MalaMala, Sabi Sands and other the private reserves bordering the national park, particularly if you aim for the early winter months of April to July, which is denning season. In our experience, the single best place to see wild dogs in South Africa is the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve northwest of Johannesburg. 

Like its Zambian neighbor, Mana Pools National Park, on the south bank from the lower Zambezi river, is renowned one of the best places to see African wild dogs. Indeed, it was here that the relevant episode of the David Attenborough program Dynasties was filmed in 2018. Another important Zimbabwean stronghold for wild dogs is Hwange National Park, which lies in the far west of the country and is easily visited in conjunction with the world-famous Victoria Falls. 

If wild dogs are a priority, northern Botswana is another good choice. A population of several hundred individuals is centered on the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve and nearby Chobe National Park. This is a vast area, however, so once again sightings are far from certain.

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African Wild Dogs

Populations of african wild dog.

The African Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus), also known as the African Painted Dog or Cape Hunting Dog, is a unique and fascinating carnivore that is native to Africa. Unfortunately, this remarkable species is currently listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List, with an estimated population of around 6,600 adults, including 1,400 mature individuals, living in 39 subpopulations.

The African Wild Dog population has been declining due to various threats, including habitat fragmentation, human persecution, and outbreaks of diseases such as rabies and distemper. The largest subpopulation probably comprises fewer than 250 individuals, making the African Wild Dog one of the world’s most endangered mammals.

African Wild Dogs are highly adaptable and can be found in a wide range of habitats, including savannahs, grasslands, and woodland areas. They are known to inhabit regions with a mix of open plains and dense cover, which provides them with suitable hunting grounds and shelter.

African Wild Dogs are highly social animals that live in packs, typically consisting of around ten individuals, but some packs may number more than 40. Packs are usually dominated by a monogamous breeding pair, and all pack members participate in hunting and caring for the young. African Wild Dogs have a unique and complex social structure, with strong bonds between pack members.

1400 mature adults with 6600 total

Scientific name

Lycaon pictus

Deserts, forests, grasslands.

% African Wild Dog population in Africa:

The African Wild Dog are divided into 5 types :

• Cape Wild Dog
• East African Wild Dog
• West African Wild Dog
• Somali Wild Dog
• Chadian Wild Dog

The African Wild Dog  has resident populations in eight countries:

Conservation efforts are underway to protect the African Wild Dog and its habitat. Organizations such as the African Wildlife Conservation Fund are working to create protected areas, reduce human-wildlife conflict, and raise awareness about the importance of conserving this unique species.

African Wild Dog Gallery

African Wild Dog Statistics

“The more I learn about African wild dogs, the more amazed I am by how sophisticated they are in terms of cooperation and group living.” – David Attenborough

Facts about the african wild dog.

The size of an African Wild Dog pack can vary widely, ranging from just a few individuals to over 20. On average, packs consist of 6 to 20 members.

These canids use a combination of vocalizations, body language, and scent marking to communicate. Their vocalizations include whistles, chirps, and growls, each serving a specific purpose within the pack.

While they share a common ancestry, African Wild Dogs have evolved separately from domestic dogs for millions of years. They have distinct physical characteristics, such as large rounded ears, and a unique coat pattern. Behaviorally, they are wild animals with different social structures and hunting techniques.

While sightings are not guaranteed due to their wide-ranging nature, it’s best to visit areas where they are most concentrated such as the Kruger National Park or the Okavango Delta.

18 - 31 KGAs apex predators, African Wild Dogs play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. They help control herbivore populations, which in turn affects vegetation and the overall health of their habitats.

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• African Wild Dog

African Wild Dog (Painted Wolf)

African wild dog itineraries.

Bushman’s Botswana

Return to the origins of humanity as you head deep into the heart of Botswana and the world-famous Okavango Delta and Kalahari Desert. Experience the Old Way of the Bushmen - the indigenous people of southern Africa.

Into the Botswana Wild with Victoria Falls

Experience the best of Northern Botswana in the Okavango Delta, Kwando Concession and Chobe River, plus the majestic "smoke that thunders" in Victoria Falls.

Intrepid Zimbabwe Explorer: Victoria Falls, Hwange and Canoeing Mana Pools (Origins Collection)

Step back in time to the era of exploration with our Intrepid Zimbabwe Explorers itinerary, customized for remote adventure in some of the most pristine wilderness on Earth.

Big Five of Southern Africa

Southern Africa is an incredibly diverse region with varying weather, landscapes, cultures, and wildlife. This itinerary covers three major highlights of Southern Africa: The Greater Kruger National Park, Victoria Falls and the Okavango Delta.

South African Splendor: Cape Town and Sabi Sands Safari

Southern Africa is an incredibly diverse region with varying weather, landscapes, cultures, and wildlife.

Classic Zimbabwe: Hwange and Mana Pools with Victoria Falls

This adventure-level safari features classic bush camps, thrilling walking safaris, and an excellent value.

Zambia Walking and Waterways Safari

Zambian safaris are distinguished by the vintage expedition-style adventure delivered under the care of exceptional guides in remote wilderness areas teeming with wildlife.

Tanzania Frontier

This safari is the ultimate trip for those who truly want to get away from it all, exploring some of Tanzania's less-visited gems.

Botswana Desert and Delta Safari: Outstanding Value, Top Wildlife and Diverse Landscapes

This safari is customized to take advantage of the best opportunities for the green season in Botswana to observe diverse wildlife.

Ultimate Predators of Botswana

This safari includes our favorite private concession areas which have proven to provide exceptional opportunities to view Botswana's iconic predator species including lion, leopard, cheetah, and wild dog.

Botswana Exquisite Expedition: Luxury for Less

Explore the great variety of habitats and species Botswana offers. You will likely see between 30 and 35 different mammal species along with a spectacular array of birds and other wildlife.

African Wild Dog Videos

Best Places to See African Wild Dogs on Safari

Other areas of note, luangwa valley and greater kafue, zambia, laikipia, kenya, mana pools, zimbabwe, hwange, zimbabwe, madikwe reserve, south africa, kakesio, tanzania, ruaha, tanzania, selous, tanzania & niassa reserve, mozambique, learn about other wildlife.

• Cape Buffalo
• Hippopotamus
• Meerkats (Suricates)

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Wild Dog Safari

Wild Dog Safari: Day-by-day

More detailed information of what each day entails, and the various places you’ll stay on the Wild Dog Safari. Everything we do is completely tailor-made so while this is an idea which works well, we’ll always design an itinerary just for you.

Starts: Kasane Airport

Kasane to muchenje by road.

At the small Kasane Airport, you'll be warmly welcomed by a driver from Muchenje for the air-conditioned drive of around 50 minutes to the lodge. As you travel along paved roads through Chobe National Park, keep an eye out on either side for wildlife, from antelope to elephant.

Muchenje Safari Lodge

Traditional yet informal, Muchenje is perched on an escarpment with commanding views over the Chobe River. And those views are magnificent! Spread out on either side of the river are seasonal floodplains, their open spaces a magnet for wildlife. Just to watch from your chalet, or from the viewing deck by the pool, is to become absorbed in the comings and goings below. Zebra and wildebeest, elephant and giraffe, the predators largely hidden in the dense bush behind.

Traditional yet informal, Muchenje is perched on an escarpment with commanding views over the Chobe River. And those views are magnificent! Spread out on either side of the river are seasonal floodplains, their open spaces a magnet for wildlife. Just to watch from your chalet, or from the viewing deck by the pool, is to become absorbed in the comings and goings below. Zebra and wildebeest, elephant and giraffe, the predators largely hidden in the dense bush behind. Like the surroundings, Muchenje feels almost fixed in time. Comfortable and solidly built, it’s a place to exhale and enjoy, with good yet relaxed service, and excellent guiding. The guides do their utmost to ensure that you make the most of your time here, whether it’s venturing up the Chobe River by boat, or exploring the varied habitats of Chobe National Park in an open-sided 4WD. Take a picnic for a full-day’s excursion, or return for lunch in the heat of the day. Or perhaps – a bonus of Muchenje’s location outside the national park – walk with a guide into the forest reserve, or head out after dinner in search of Botswana’s nocturnal creatures.

"a spectacular location!" Family P from Cirencester Arrived 8 Jun 2023, 2 nights

Then make your way to the firepit for a nightcap: a fitting end to a fascinating day. See our full report on Muchenje Safari Lodge

Birdwatching

Cultural excursion

Muchenje to Savute by road & light aircraft

Depending on timings, your return to Kasane could be through the national park, arriving in time to board your light aircraft for Savute Safari Lodge. As the plane heads south-west, lush forest vegetation gives way to open Kalahari woodlands before landing at Savuti - and a 20-minute drive to camp.

Savute Safari Lodge

Perched on the banks of the Savuti Channel within Chobe National Park, Savute Safari Lodge offers a good location from which to explore the nearby Savuti Marshes. Comfortable without being luxurious, the camp enjoys views over the Savute Channel and its two pumped waterholes, which – especially during the dry season – attract vast numbers of elephant to drink in the afternoons and evenings.

Perched on the banks of the Savuti Channel within Chobe National Park, Savute Safari Lodge offers a good location from which to explore the nearby Savuti Marshes. Comfortable without being luxurious, the camp enjoys views over the Savute Channel and its two pumped waterholes, which – especially during the dry season – attract vast numbers of elephant to drink in the afternoons and evenings. Savute Safari Lodge has a down-to-earth feel and attracts an eclectic mix of guests who enjoy great hospitality, friendly staff and some excellent guiding, all in a top game-viewing region, particularly during the dry season. The lodge itself may not suit those wanting a more bushcamp feel, but the dining area overlooking the channel and nearby waterhole is a big plus. The region also offers a good contrast to the Okavango Delta, although a greater number of visitors than in the private reserves can make it feel less exclusive.

"The landscape is lovely and varied, and the wildlife is abundant.." Ms V from USA Arrived 24 Mar 2018, 2 nights

STOP PRESS: Savute Safari Lodge temporarily closed for refurbishment on the 15th October 2023 and will re-open on the 1st of June 2024. See our full report on Savute Safari Lodge

Savute to Lagoon by light aircraft & 4WD

There's normally time for a final activity at Savute before heading to the airstrip for the next stage of your safari. During the flight of around 20 minutes, experience the changing lanscape, from sandridges to the Kwando River, then watch our for wildlife during the half-hour drive to Lagoon Camp.

Lagoon Camp

Mention wild dogs and it’s not long before Lagoon Camp, in the vast private Kwando Reserve, comes into the frame. On the banks of the Kwando River – and at the heart of the action – the camp takes safaris seriously, with many a vantage point for the wildlife enthusiast.

Mention wild dogs and it’s not long before Lagoon Camp, in the vast private Kwando Reserve, comes into the frame. On the banks of the Kwando River – and at the heart of the action – the camp takes safaris seriously, with many a vantage point for the wildlife enthusiast. To maximise sightings, game drives through the riverine forest onto the open plains are led by both a guide and a tracker, while river trips on a double-decker boat give elevated views over the reeds. Wildlife watching from camp is pretty good, too, with numerous vantage points. Start in the early hours from your bed, raised above the lounge area in front, or from a deck chair on your private veranda, before moving to the campfire for breakfast. At lunchtime, keep watch from the dining table; in the afternoon from the free-form pool, the swing seat, or the cosy tree-level lounge. Both chalets and central area are spacious and airy, their stretched canvas walls and open sides – or huge mesh windows – accentuating the openness of the environment.

"night drives revealed some unusual species... The staff were excellent" Mr & Mrs G from Dartmouth Arrived 6 Oct 2023, 3 nights

Décor is generally muted and uncluttered; thatched roofs blend into the surroundings; and linking it all are expanses of wooden decking, gleaming in the sun. No wonder an air of comfort and relaxed efficiency prevails. See our full report on Lagoon Camp

Guided walking safari

Night drive

Lagoon to Xakanaxa by 4WD & light aircraft

Today you'll head into the heart of the Delta, driving to the airstrip for the scenic flight of half an hour or so to the beautiful Moremi Game Reserve. Here, a guide from Xakanaxa will be waiting for your 15-minute 4WD transfer through wildlife-rich woodlands to the waterside camp .

Sitting on a deck over the water at Xakanaxa, the possibility of watching hippo in the channel below is tantalising. The setting is beautiful, the whole site shaded by mature trees that overlook the tranquil Xakanaxa Lagoon. This is a place to savour and relax.

Sitting on a deck over the water at Xakanaxa, the possibility of watching hippo in the channel below is tantalising. The setting is beautiful, the whole site shaded by mature trees that overlook the tranquil Xakanaxa Lagoon. This is a place to savour and relax. There’s nothing fussy about the camp, either. Help yourself to a drink from the bar, then find a spot to sit – there’s plenty of choice. Comfy leather sofas adorn the thatched, open-sided lounge, whose reed walls are very much at one with the environment. Cushioned armchairs sit on the deck in front, and on individual “jetties” that jut out over the lagoon, one of them complete with a warming firepit – ideal for a convivial chat before dinner. You’ll find hand-crafted wooden chairs alongside the infinity plunge pool, and mattresses on wooden loungers in the sala. Back in your tent, glazed doors open from the bedroom onto a private deck set with directors’ chairs, overlooking the lagoon. Mosquito netting is draped over wooden bedsteads; bathrobes await in the reed-and-pole walled bathroom, under a canvas shadecloth.

After a day exploring the waterways and byways of Moremi in search of wildlife, return to this deceptively simple, rustic camp and settle down to dinner with your fellow guests at long, wooden dining tables beneath a lantern-lit chandelier. See our full report on Xakanaxa

Moremi to Splash by air & 4WD

Leaving Xakanaxa mid-morning, you'll board your light aircraft for an all-too-brief view of the Delta, usually landing at Kwara Airstrip just minutes later. A guide from Splash Camp will be waiting to drive you to camp by 4WD, a journey of around 45 minutes depending on any wildlife you spot.

Splash Camp

Overlooking a significant waterhole within a private reserve of the Okavango Delta, Splash puts the "luxury" into safari. Within the treeline in the heart of the Okavango Delta, Splash Camp arises like a crescent-shaped oasis in the wilderness.

Overlooking a significant waterhole within a private reserve of the Okavango Delta, Splash puts the "luxury" into safari. Within the treeline in the heart of the Okavango Delta, Splash Camp arises like a crescent-shaped oasis in the wilderness. Right in front of this substantial camp, and visible from almost every angle – tented chalets, lounge, plunge pool, firepit – is an extensive waterhole that is a magnet for animals big and small, especially as the dry season progresses. It’s an alluring prospect, a haven of luxury that retains an outdoors feel. Largely constructed of wood, with stretched canvas walls, the airy buildings are mellowed by thatched roofs. Their wide frontage makes the most of the aspect, while admitting plenty of light. Bedrooms are smart and well appointed, with views from veranda and bed alike. Light-coloured sofas invite relaxation in the contemporary lounge. And in the open-sided dining area, ceiling fans rotate lazily above the long table while you tuck into substantial yet interesting meals. It's all about the wildlife here – "digital detox" is not just a slogan, it's camp policy – so your experience of the wildlife and wilderness won't be marred by any pesky emails or other digital disturbance from the outside world.

"team are delightful, food is of a very high standard. Game sightings are good" Miss K from Kent Arrived 22 Nov 2023, 3 nights

You’ll explore this exclusive area by 4x4 – no more than six guests to a vehicle – with guides who are particularly experienced in tracking predators. In season, slip into a mokoro and glide almost silently along the shallow waterways or – towards the end of the year – take a motorboat to a nearby heronry: a particular bonus for birdwatchers and photographers. See our full report on Splash Camp

Splash to Maun by 4WD & light aircraft

There's often the opportunity of a last activity before leaving Splash for the airstrip. As your light-aircraft heads south, absorb your final views of the Okavango Delta waterways, before arriving in Maun after about half an hour - in good time to check in for your onward flight.

Ends: Maun Airport

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Experiences you can add to this trip.

Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst staying at lodges on this trip. These are usually best arranged in advance so talk to us.

Helicopter Flight - Botswana

Various: from 30 minutes to half a day.

Low-flying, agile and offering superb views, helicopters are an ideal way to move around the Okavango Delta. You can use them instead of fixed-wing inter-lodge transfers or as an addition to other wildlife watching activities, and of course, helicopters can hover to allow that perfect pic, whereas fixed-wings can’t.

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Best places in africa to see wild dogs - 10 hotspots.

African wild dogs are amongst some of the rarest predators on the continent and encountering them is always a brilliant spectacle - here's our handy guide to the top 10 places to see them.

21 Mar 2021

25 may 2021.

The African Wild Dog - once found throughout many African countries, now limited to fragmented populations with few strongholds left and numbers thought to be somewhere between 3000 and 5000 in the wild.

They may be Africa’s most successful large predator, but they are also one of its most threatened species, making any sighting of one of this vanishing predator of Africa a very special treat when on an African safari holiday .

With district colourations, their dappled coat mixed with irregular patterns of reddish-browns, black, white and tan make them easily distinguishable… in fact, their scientific name Lycaon pictus literally translated as ‘painted wolf’. Every wild dog’s coat is unique with colours and patterns varying immensely, making it fairly easy to recognise individuals.

Best time to see

Due to the nature of having huge home ranges, seeing wild dogs can be a little tricky, depending where you go. However, they usually den between March and June with pups being stashed away in den sites. Once the pups are a few months old, packs will often move them from site to site – so between March and October are probably the best times to see wild dogs as they won’t have the ability to move very far with a number of small pups in tow.

Where to see wild dogs

Territory sizes for these critically endangered canines can be vast, so choosing the right place to go to see them is important (as well as the right time of year). Watching wild dogs is always interesting – they have complex social interactions especially when they wake, greeting each other and are often very playful – you’ll be amazed at the similarities you’ll see between wild dogs and your loving companion back home.

Below are some of the best places to see wild dogs - there are other regions where populations exist, but my recommendations stand you the best chance of seeing these marvellous predators.

1. Mana Pools National Park

Mana Pools was the setting for the Wild Dogs episode of David Attenborough’s ‘Dynasties’ wildlife series. It’s also renowned for providing exquisite lighting, backdrops providing unique photographic opportunities. And, it is one of the few places where you can experience wild dogs on foot, under the supervision of an experienced guide.

There are two main areas which are very productive when it comes to finding wild dogs in Mana Pools National Park . Firstly, along and near the water pools and banks of the Zambezi River which flows along the northern most boundary of the park, which form a natural barrier with Zambia and the Lower Zambezi National Park across the water. The best time to see wild dogs is the winter months between July and October as the dogs tend to den close to the waterfront areas.

Secondly is the more remote area known as Chitake Springs – which, during the long, dry winter months is the only source of water for miles around, forcing wildlife to congregate, which in turn attracts predators; packs of wild dogs and prides of lions, who lie in wait to ambush those who come and drink at the spring.

Where to stay – Vundu Camp and Little Vundu Camp

2. Hwange National Park

Although Mana Pools may have stolen the lime-light from Hwange, which is Zimbabwe’s largest national park, during BBC’s Dynasties series, it is home to around twice the number of wild dogs with numbers rumoured to be around 200 in over 30 packs. Which is amongst the largest concentration in Africa. The park is home to one of the longest running conservation initiatives – Painted Dog Conservation Project, which is committed to protecting, rehabilitating and reintroducing packs of dogs in to the wild throughout Zimbabwe.

Hwange National Park is roughly the size of Belgium and filled with savanna grasslands and mopane woods making it ideal habitat for wild dogs as well as huge herds of elephants. With no permanent natural waterholes the best time of year to visit are the winter months between July and October when wildlife congregate around available water sources. There are plenty of activities to do in Hwange besides traditional vehicle-based game drives. Walking and horseback safaris give an opportunity to immerse yourself in to the wilderness of Hwange.

A number of the lodges also have viewing hides, usually positioned on the edge of waterholes, providing brilliant opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.

Where to stay - The Hide

Classic Zimbabwe with a luxury twist, this trip takes in some of the finest lodges the country has to offer within its game-rich and wonderful scenic National Parks including Hwange, Lake Kariba and Mana Pools.

Duration: 12 Days

Location: Zimbabwe, Africa

Price: £6485pp inc flights

Find out more

3. Okavango Delta

Anywhere in vast open northern Botswana is a good bet for wild dog sightings, with the Okavango Delta being a huge magnet for wildlife. In other words, where there is a decent concentration of game… predators are never far behind. The Delta area and in particular Moremi Game Reserve (located in the Delta) provides a sanctuary for several packs of wild dogs.

The region is vast so generally the prime time to see wild dogs is during the dry winter months between May and June, where water can become scarce, wildlife congregates and wild dogs establish den sites.

Place to stay - Kwara Camp

4. Kwai Concession

Located on the north-eastern edge of Moremi Game Reserve, this remarkably stunning concession is one of the smallest in Botswana, yet also one of the most scenic.

The landscape of the Khwai Concession is dominated by the Khwai River and operated by the local communities, who take exceptional pride in their local and natural heritage. Beautiful riverine forests line the banks of the river, with regular sightings of lion, leopard and of course wild dogs – making for a wonderfully prolific and world-class safari experience.

Places to stay – The Jackal & Hide

A journey which really highlights the variety of what Botswana has to offer, from the riverine Chobe National Park to the game-rich Khwai Concession and the stark but beautiful Makgadikgadi Pans. No element of this trip is the same as the others which makes for a truly incredible experience.

Duration: 11 Days

Location: Botswana, Africa

Price: £6335pp

Explore more

South Africa

5. Madikwe Game Reserve

The malaria free Madikwe Game Reserve may be small in stature when compared to other areas in our ‘wild dog hotlist'. But despite its modest 750 square kilometre size, safari goers have a very good chance of encountering wild dog here. This fenced reserve underwent a modern-day genesis in the 1990’s where a myriad of wildlife was introduced into what was unproductive farmland, making this a true success story of the rehabilitation of wild areas for conservation purposes.

Where to stay: Madikwe Safari Lodge

6. Kruger National Park & Sabi Sands

Kruger National Park is one of the most well-renowned wildlife areas in Southern Africa and for good reason. It is South Africa’s largest national park and has remarkable diversity with the main park being perfect for exploring on a self-drive safari or staying at one of its private, world-class lodges in the Sabi Sands.

The sheer size of Kruger can make finding the dogs somewhat difficult on a self-drive safari, but from personal experience, I’ll have to admit to being very fortunate with only one trip out of many not resulting in a wild dog sighting. If you're self-driving in Kruger and if you do find dogs asleep under a tree during the heat of the day, the best thing you can do is wait. As the heat begins to subside, that’s when the wild dogs will begin to wake from their daytime slumber and provide you with a fantastic behavioural display.

Sabi Sands – a collection of private safari lodges and areas of land which are still part of the Greater Kruger area but are only accessible to guests staying at the safari lodges which means more intimate, exclusive safari game drives. Even off-roading is permitted for special sightings usually reserved for predators including lions, leopards, cheetah and of course wild dogs.

Where to stay: Londolozi Private Game Reserve

7. Hluhluwe Imfolozi National Park

Located in beautiful Kwa Zulu Natal lies the oldest proclaimed protected reserve area in South Africa, which dates back to 1895 and is the second largest reserve after Kruger National Park. HIP, as it’s affectionately referred to by local South Africans is famous for playing a huge role in ensuring modern day survival of rhino – in fact almost all rhino lineage across Southern Africa can be traced back to this stunning park.

Hluhluwe Imfolozi is a Big Five reserve but seeing wild dogs thriving here is a special treat in itself. With numbers previously decimated, wild dogs were reintroduced to HIP in the early 1980’s and through the valiant efforts of conservation programs, their numbers have grown with multiple packs now being found all over this vastly diverse reserve.

Where to stay: The park itself and the surrounding areas has a great collection of lodges and camps to cater to everyone’s expectations – Speak with our South Africa experts to learn more – Enquire now button/graphic

A trip which embodies the sprit of South Africa to its fullest, offering a chance to explore three of South Africa’s most iconic destinations; Cape Town, the Winelands and Kruger National Park. An exquisite opportunity to sample outstanding food and wine, culture as well as a safari in its most celebrated of National Parks.

Duration: 16 days

Location: South Africa, Africa

Price: £4435pp

Make this trip your own

8. South Luangwa National Park

The Luangwa Valley is home to exceptionally rich and varied wildlife populations with concentrations of game around the Luangwa River being one of the highest in Africa. With plenty of hippos, buffaloes, warthogs, the endemic Thornicroft's giraffe, bushbuck, kudu, eland, reedbuck, waterbuck to name just a few.

The area is also well-known for predator sightings; lion, leopard and spotted hyena are seen regularly as well as the illusive Wild Dog. Zambia and South Luangwa might not be the first name on everyone’s safari list but a visit to this stunning area is more than worth consideration as an alternative for those looking for a slightly more adventurous safari.

With an estimated population 350 in the Luangwa Valley, the fortunes of the African wild dog have been given a boost by the Zambian Carnivore Programme’s strategy of de-snaring, land-use planning and vaccinations in local communities to prevent the spread of disease from domestic dogs.

Where to stay – Mfuwe Lodge

You might be surprised to see that the Serengeti is not the best place to see wild dogs on a safari holiday to Tanzania and there is a lot of research in to the reasons why there are no sizable populations as the eco-system as a whole seems to be perfectly suited. Perhaps it’s the success of lions and hyenas in the Serengeti which has forced wild dogs to seek refuge elsewhere in Tanzania.

Instead, wild dogs can generally be found in the Ngorongoro Crater region, but a better opportunity would be Selous National Park which is home to potentially the largest populations of wild dogs left in Africa – with some 800 roaming the reserves beautiful open grasslands and stunning forest areas. Selous is approximately 50,000 square kilometres in size and although this can make for tough time finding wildlife, it is certainly a far less busy place to visit in comparison to the Serengeti which makes for a more authentic and intimate safari experience.

Where to stay – Selous Serena Camp

We are really excited about this trip, as it provides a glimpse into a lesser known part of Tanzania – The Selous Game Reserve as well as the beautiful Fanjove Island both in southern Tanzania. If you like off-the-beaten-track then this safari takes you to the quieter Selous Game Reserve followed by some beach time on a private island - the perfect bush and beach holiday.

Location: Tanzania, Africa

Price: £4445pp

Explore Tanzania

10. Laikipia

Lying at the end of the eastern escarpment of the Great Rift Valley, Laikipia is renowned for its community-run conservancies with several endangered species benefitting from locally run conservation programs including black rhino and reticulated giraffe.

The semi-arid wilderness of Laikipia is probably the only region in Kenya where wild dog sightings occur with a fair amount of regularity, this mainly due to a number of packs which seem to den consistently in this area. But this was not always the case…

During 2017, wild dog populations was decimated with around 10 packs being wiped out by canine distemper. There is good news, they’re making a comeback. Towards the end of 2018, wild dogs were once more spotted in the Loisaba Conservancy – no doubt helped by helped by ambitious vaccination programmes for domestic dogs in the area.

Laikipia boasts some of the highest densities of wildlife in the country, rivalling even the Masai Mara and Tsavo National Park so not only is it a beacon for conservation projects it’s also a fantastic destination for any safari to Kenya.

Where to stay – Laikipia Wilderness Camp

A conservation story

African wild dogs are struggling to cope with the rapid increase and development of human infrastructures which encroach on their traditional range. But there is hope with larger areas of land being set aside for conservation not just for wild dogs but for wildlife as a whole.

They are perfectly adapted to their natural environment and are able to survive and thrive across many different habitats. However, they require vast territories – much larger than most other carnivore species such as lions and leopards. This means that one of the major problems wild dogs face is contact with humans and also their domesticated dogs. Wild dogs are susceptible to most of the same infectious diseases as their domesticated cousins; canine distemper, parvovirus and in particular rabies have been a major factor in population extinctions.

Wild dogs are exceptional hunters and whilst they normally prefer wild prey, they may attack domestic livestock if the opportunity arises, leading to conflict with farmers, which then potentially results with in pack members being shot.

There are numerous conservation efforts throughout Africa which focus on coexistence, conflict resolution, accident and disease prevention. For example, domestic livestock killed by dogs is purchased at a fair price to deter farmers from shooting dogs. Rabies vaccines are also being distributed to local communities to inoculate their domestic dogs in an effort to curb the spread of infection.

Another large factor for the demise of these wonderful predators is through poaching and the laying of snares. The dogs themselves are not the intended target for poachers, they are more interested in catching bushmeat such as antelope, warthogs etc.... As the wild dogs travel quickly through the bush they will become caught in the snares, whether it’s around their neck or legs, causing horrific injuries. In fact, I have seen many a wild dog carrying deep scars or even missing limbs as the result of being inadvertently caught in a snare.

African wild dogs are among the most effective predators in the world. They use extraordinary cooperation and teamwork to pursue, overhaul and bring down their prey. As a result 80% of their hunts end successfully, compared to lions at roughly 20%.

The reason they are so incredibly successful is largely down to pack coordination. Which is still to this day a much-studied research topic. In fact, it was only recently discovered that they use sneezes to ‘vote’ on hunting decisions – just one of many fascinating African wild dogs facts.

Watching wild dogs on the hunt or even just on the move is fascinating - they can cruise through the bush at impressive speeds and can reach up to 70km per hour when in full chase, so keeping up with them even in a vehicle can be tricky and exhilarating. When they do decide to hunt, wild dogs work as a team using impressive co-ordination, speed and stamina, relentlessly chasing down their prey until they catch up or it can run no further.

This cooperation extends to their social structure; they have complex hierarchies in which only the alpha male and female breed, sometimes having up to sixteen pups – imagine all those hungry mouths to feed! The entire pack helps to look after pups, by regurgitating food for the young after successful hunts. The majority of hunting takes place in the morning and afternoon with dogs usually resting under the shade of tree and bushes through the heat of the day.

If you do come across a pack of resting wild dogs, it will be well worth the wait or returning to the same area later in the day to watch them wake; each member greets and reaffirms the social bond with others - usually a pack will not set off on their activities until the last one has woken and they're ready to head off a cohesive unit.

Wild dogs, on the whole they are surprisingly non-aggressive with members of their pack; for example they do not fight over food but instead respect the chain of hierarchy and sometimes even allowing younger pack members to feed first.

Looking for some more inspiration? Take a look at our best safari holidays ideas , our favourite family safaris , our big five safari guide or our top African safari honeymoon suggestions .

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Wild Dog Safaris in Namibia has been running adventure safaris since 1997 with the aim of running trips that allow you to relax and explore the beauty that is Namibia. Your days will be spent in the sun, dunes and wildlife of this great country that is Namibia.

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All transport Three meals a day (unless differently specified) Tea & coffee in camp All camping equipment Park entrance fees Camping OR accommodation fees Professional guide Camp Assistant (unless differently specified) Pick up & drop off from accommodation in Windhoek

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EAST AFRICA LLC

Kenya Safaris

Kenya safaris, 4 day amboseli “elephant bucket list” safari.

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(Includes pick up and drop off at the same location, an extraordinary safari, your driver/guide, accommodations, and full board. Excludes game park entrance fees.)

7 Day Maasai Mara & Serengeti Wildebeest Safari

7 day tsavo west & east “bad boys” lion safari, 8 day “elephant safari” into amboseli, tsavo west and tsavo east, nairobi day packages:.

To book the day packages, please email us so that we can pencil you in.  We take payment prior to departure via email merchant service invoicing or cash.

Nairobi National Park is the only protected area in the world that sits next to a nation’s capital. They have black and white rhinos, lions, Cape buffalo and 400 bird species:  Includes a game drive, shop at Golden Eagle, and dinner at The Carnivore Restaurant (included).  (Park fees excluded)

Dorman’s Coffee Plantation was founded in 1950 and grew to become East Africa’s premier coffee grower in the cool misty valleys of Mt. Kenya, home of the world’s best arabica coffee.  Take a tour of their coffee fields, the factory, a 3-course lunch, a bag of coffee, and personal barista & latte art training . (Inclusive) Minimum of 2.

Kiambethu Tea Farm opened in 1910.   Learn the history of the farm and the process of making tea, followed by an exploration of the tea fields, a nearby forest to identify plants for traditional use, and a 3-course lunch.  (Inclusive) Minimum of 2.

Nairobi National Museum includes the adjoining Snake Park , a research facility which educates visitors on the importance of snakes and reptiles in Kenya’s ecosystem. A 3-course lunch at the historic Thorn Tree Cafe, and shop at the Maasai Market.  (Inclusive)

Nairobi Giraffe Centre was founded in 1983 to conserve the endangered 189 Rothchild giraffes left in existence. Tour the Karen Blixen Museum , and enjoy a 3-course lunch at Blixen’s Tamambo Coffee House Restaurant.  Finish with a tour of Kazuri Bead Factory and shopping.  (Inclusive)

Naivasha & Nakuru day packages from Nairobi:

Hells Gate National Park has a wide variety of wildlife: lions, leopards, cheetahs, the rare lammergeyer vultures, and 103 bird species.  Includes:  game drive, a visit to a Maasai cultural centre and shop, and boxed lunch.    (Park entrance fees excluded)

Climb Mt. Longonot , a dormant volcano.  Includes a hiking guide, safari, a boxed lunch & extra water. The crater rim provides extraordinary views across the Rift Valley.  Wildlife includes Cape buffalo, eland, lion, zebra, giraffe, and gazelle.    (Inclusive, except for Park entrance fees)

Crescent Island , includes a 2-hour boat tour around Lake Naivasha’s shores.  Visit the island, and picnic with a boxed lunch.  There are more animals per acre than any other Kenyan park, so film companies come often to the island to film the wildlife.  (Inclusive, includes boat & Park fees)

Elementaita Flamingo Lake & Crater Lake Game Sanctuary . Under the shadow of ancient volcanoes, flamingos flock to these lakes for the algae. Picnic under acacia trees with a boxed lunch, and experience a photographer’s paradise.   (Inclusive, except for Park entrance fees)

Lake Nakuru, 1 day includes a game drive through the most fabulous bird spectacle in the world. The lake’s algae attract vast numbers of flamingos and the scenery is spectacular.  Enjoy your boxed lunch at the top of Baboon Cliffs.       (Inclusive, except for Park entrance fees)

Wild Dogs Nature Safaris

Premium Safari Company & Lodge in Lusaka

Safaris Lodge

Welcome to Zambia!

Wild Dogs Nature Safaris is a premium safari company with focus on providing unforgettable experiences in Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia. We arrange various different kinds of private tailor-made safaris for clients from german and english speaking markets. Our tour guides are professionally trained with  many years of experience in Africa.

Our safari specialists in Germany and Zambia are ready to assist you. Private tailor-made safaris are perfect for couples, families, friends and special interest groups who wish to travel on their chosen dates. Superb accommodation, 4x4 safari vehicles with driver, excursions and the professional service of our safari and wildlife guides - this is impeccably arranged for you at competitive rates.

Professional german & english speaking tour guides Top quality 4x4 Landcruiser and Landrover vehicles Company based in Lusaka/Zambia and Germany Good quality equipment for mobile camping safaris

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Tailor made private safaris & fixed departure tours Off the beaten track Lodge- and Wildlife safaris Expeditions, excursions and adventure travel Mobile safaris with comfortable Walk-in Dome-Tents

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