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Best Places in Africa to See Wild Dogs

The African Wild-dog, the once found in many African countries is now limited to certain hotspots throughout Africa. A pack of wild Africa dogs can be the most thrilling experience to have when on safari. It is estimated that African Wild dogs have population currently estimated at 6,600 adults in 39 subpopulations of which there are only 1400 fully matured adults.

With more of their natural habitat being fragmented, there has been steady decrease in their population. The Africa wild dongs embodies all the characteristics of any predator, especially with keen intelligence and co-operation during hunting.

Best Time to See Africa Wild Dogs

When visiting Africa, most people are normally interested in the big five found in major parks. Safari in Africa has different seasons and there are specific parks that one can go and see pack of wild Africa Dogs. In most cases, safari seasons will run between March and October since it is driest months in most regions. It is during this time that they can be found at highest number in dens which they select to stay in. For up to 12 weeks after birth, the pups will stay in these dens.

They normally carefully select the dens to be away from waterpoints where the predators are likely to be found. Once they locate the dens, they also ensure that there is plenty of food in the surrounding areas.

During the driest months in Southern Africa regions which is between July and October, the Africa Wild Dogs would aptly stay around water points. Because of this, it makes it the best sighting for safari goes. It becomes easier to spot them there.

In East African countries such as Kenya and Tanzania, the driest months are between June and October and it is the best time to spot African Wild Dogs at their natural habitat hunting or stating the packs.

An african wild dog standing on the bush field ready to hunt

Botswana

Botswana has the second largest population of Africa Wild Dogs after Tanzania with an estimate of about 13oo individuals that comprises of 130 packs. Basically, that is about 30% of total population in the continent.

The Africa Wild Dogs in Botswana are highly populated in the north, which consists of protected areas of Okavango Delta and Chobe as well as other regions of Kwando-Linyati.

Normally, the concentration of packs of African wild dogs is highest at points with lowest concentration of lions.

Wild Africa Dogs Sighting Points in Botswana

1.The Linyanti and Kwanao (Private Concession)

Explorers often describe the wildlife at Linyati as prolific. Anywhere in the north of Botswana is a good place to see wild dogs, but if you just have to see it all, then I recommend Linyati. Here, you will witness a huge landscape of floodplains consisting of shrubs and scattered woodlands at the privately run reserve, which allows packs to roam freely.

While at Linyati, you can opt to for accommodation at Linyati Bush Camp where the guides will unleash the wonders of Linyati through game drives, nature walks and occasional Mukoro Conoe trips.

2.Khwai River (Private Concession)

The Khwai Concession is one of the most accessible parts of the greater Okavango and is widely known to be the hotspot of African Wild Dogs in Botswana. The private concession sits on Moremi Game Reserve and occupies the Eastern parts of Delta. The Best time to visit Khwai is between July and October but rates during these times are quite high.

The Khwai river is perfect spot for wild dogs with camps such as Khwai Tented Camp and Machaba being located along the river and providing best accommodation option.

Notably, it is important to note that the Khwai is a public space open to the public and thus public vehicle tends to be higher than elsewhere while African wild dog spotting tends to be with higher chances.

If you are on self-drive mode, chances of sighting the African Wild Dog are just as high as when you are at your camp. It is important also to remember that the dogs are prone to attack by other predators including lions, leopards and hyenas.

If you are on budget, then I recommend booking with Sango safari camp which has six tents with traditional settings and encourages interaction with the locals.

3.Kwara Concession

Kwara concession is located to the west of khwai and North of Moremi Game Reserve and is well known for its large number of predators and African wild dogs which can be sighted on daily basis.

When you opt to visit Kwara concession, you will be mind-blown with the frequency of predator sightings and also the serenity of Delta’s main tributaries flowing throughout the year. There is high concentration of lions, leopard, African Wild Dogs and Cheetahs found here.

The 2 main camps found in Kwara are the Splash camp(new) and Kwara camps where you can get guides and trackers who can get to know where the African wild dogs are effortlessly.

4.Savuti at Chobe National Park

The Savuti is at the heart of Chobe National Park and is infamous for its sweep grassland which has created best environment for African wild Dog sightings. If you have watched Nat Geo documentaries, you may have come across the Savuti Lions and elephants. If you are interested to witness this wonderful animals live, you can book a trip in early Summer(Dec-Mid Jan) when the impalas gives birth while masses of zebras are crossing by, making the wild dogs irresistible is just a phenomenal experience.

While at Savuti, stay at comfy Savuti Safari Lodge with thatched chalets and are perched the channel or maybe you can opt for special treatment at air conditioned Savute Elephant Camp, being one of the best luxurious lodges in Savuti.

Wild Africa Dogs Sighting Points in Tanzania

Normally, the African wild dogs wonder in most open grassland

drive you spot them, you may witness a hunt as in most cases they remain unconcerned. These elusive African wild dogs can be found in various parts of Tanzania including Selous Game Drive (Nyerere National Park), Ruinsori National Park and the Alex Walker Serian Camp.

1.Selous Game Drive(Nyerere National Park)

The Nyerere National Park is one of world’s biggest conservation areas having vast area of land for unlimited exploration to tourists. The park is home to over 800 species of African wild dogs, making it the perfect spot to witness hunting.

Because of the park’s vast land, the wildlife in the park are freely moving around and witnessing chase yourself is half the fun of safari!

It is common to come across large herds of buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe and impala grazing in the open fields. For birders, there are approximately 4000 different bird species recorded so far in the park.

The Nyerere is a less visited park in Tanzania therefore offering an intimate experience with the wildlife. There are various accommodation options including Roho ya Selous and Laba Siwandu where you can enjoy birdwatching, boat excursions, game drives and guided walking safaris.

Africa wild dogs at Serengeti

2.Alex Walker’s Camp in Southern Serengeti

When it comes to sighting an African Wild Dog in Tanzania, it is uncommon but there is one particular camp that is worth mentioning and that is the Alex Walker’s camp situated at the South of Serengeti.

The best season to visit Southern Serengeti and witness Africa Wild Dogs is between December and March where clients can see pack of dogs from closer vicinity hunting on their prey.Your stay here also offers you with exclusive way of witnessing the great migration and authentic masai experiences.

Accommodation options at the camp includes Alex Walker Kusini camp which is quite comfortable to stay with private bathrooms.

3.Sandani National Park

The Sandani national park is one of the less visited park in Tanzania with great diversity of wildlife. Here, you may come across the Africa painted wolves although they are quite rare and elusive.

Being in the park will allow you to witness the endangered predators having unique structures perform their hunt. The Sandani provides an ideal ecosystem for wild dogs due to their preference for remote area and wide-ranging movements.

Despite being rare species in the park, the African wild dogs is a source of biodiversity to the park. It is common to see them going in packs which adds up to excitements to wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. If you are planning to see wild dogs during your Sandani National Park visit, you can check out on our Tanzania safari packages and choose the one which suits you.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is one of great destinations in Africa to witness the African wild dog, with several national parks and reserves which provides premium sightings for the wildlife. Here are combinations of top selected hotspots for African wild dog sightings in Zimbabwe.

1.Mana Pools National Park

Mana pools is famous for the endangered African wild dog species and visiting the park can give you multiple chances of witnessing them. It is here that you can find the wildlife and humans interacting freely.

If you have never been to Mana Pools, then you miss a lot as it is now at the top of one of my favorite places to visit. This is not only because of its exceptional wildlife viewing but also variety of activities that can be undertaken.

It is only at Mana Pools that one can find one of the best canoeing and walking experiences in Africa.

Gliding down the Zambezi river should be in your bucket list if you are opting to go on safari to Zimbabwe.

Wild Dog Conservation Update

There was relocation of wild dogs from Hwange National park and at the moment, they remain intact. They were to be released in 2020,however, the dates were pushed back as the alpha female became pregnant once more. The snow tail recently gave birth to 10 pups and in early May, the photos and video clips of the pups were circulated widely.

Africa wild dogs in the park

The 2019 African Wild Dog Statistics

Number of Patrol Done:759

Areas covered:23,441 square Kilometers

Snares collected:2462

 Poachers Arrested:18

2.Zambezi National Park

The lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia is one of the best parks in Zimbabwe offering elusive experience with wildlife. Unlike other crowded destinations, this park offers a relatively decongested and as it is less frequented with tourists.

The lower Zambezi benefits from the diverse ecosystem from River Zambezi. The great combination of riverine forests, open plains and escarpments creates the best tapestry of habitats as they supports wide variety of plants and animal species.

The dynamic from the biodiversity is a perfect blend for both animals and aquatic species.

Wild Dog Population in Zambezi

The population of African wild dogs at the lower Zambezi have continually decreased over the years and have become endangered species. The wild dogs are present and walking in packs in the vast areas that border Zambia and Zimbabwe.

3.Gonarezhou National Park

The Gonarezhou is slowly turning into prime predator hotspot in Zimbabwe as it is reported that the populations of Lions, African wild dogs, cheetahs and hyenas is doing well. Through the previous projects by Gonarezhou between the Frankfurt Zoology society and African wildlife conservation fund in Zimbabwe, there were additional three packs which were identified from the existing nine in the dens.

From above, it is clear that there are minimum of 12 packs of African Wild Dogs currently at the Gonarezhou National Park. The dens at the park are distributed throughout the vast savanna land meaning that the wild dogs are utilizing the entire Gonarezhou well.This has been so despite increasing in the population of lions and that may have cause the two species to be increasing concurrently.

When outside the park zone, the African wild dogs are still facing threats as a number of them get noticed by snares, mostly at the Mabalauta subsection. Though interventions have been undertaken, it is still becoming challenge to manage.

Kenya

The current status of African wild dogs in Kenya creates optimism compared to the past. This species, which was greatly widespread has continued to decline over the last century. With the intervention of Kenya wildlife service, there has been steady increase in African wild dogs especially in Laikipia and Samburu with an estimate of 800 African dogs.

Both the Ewaso ecosystem, Central Laikipia and Samburu hosts about 220 African wild dogs while Tsavo West National Park around 100 dogs with the remaining 130 spread throughout Ijara-Lamu  coastal region and northeast.

Quick Statistics about the African Wild Dog

Average Daily Meat Consumed:1.9-5.2 kg

The Kill Success Rate:-+60

Average Litter Size:10

Pup abandons den:8-10 weeks

1.The Laikipia Plateau

Wild dogs are refutably the most rewarding predator anyone can encounter while on safari. This is because they are unpredictable and when you get to stay longer, you may witness a hunt. They are social as they enjoy walking in packs.

Currently, the Laikipia Plateau stands out as couple of dogs in the packs are marked out and this helps the guide with tracing them. This makes clients spend quite lesser time in the bush with amazing encounter.

Another unique thing about Laikipia plateau Africa wild dogs encounter is that the place is devoid of rules thus creating freedom pursuing the dogs either by foot or off-road.

Key Highlights for Africa Wild Dog Experience in Kenya

  • You get rewarding predator experience.
  • The Laikipia Plateau is less strict. You get up and close with Africa wild dogs.
  • You can opt for on foot or by off-road experience.

Why Laikipia?

Laikipia is the best hotspot in Kenya to see wild dogs because of environmental factors, coupling up with large number of dik-diks in the vicinity. This altogether with the paucity of lions makes great combination for a predator fest country.

Check on :Lake Nakuru National Park

The best time to see Africa Wild Dogs in Laikipia is all year round but the most meaningful experience is when the pup are out of dens, with a 7 month window for the packs to start denning again.

While at Laikipia, you can get affordable accommodation options from Laikipia wilderness camp, Kicheche Laikipia camp and Borana camp.

2.Masai Mara

The Masai Mara is one of great places for Africa wild dogs encounter while in Kenya although their number are not quite high as in other areas. In Mara, it is believed that the Africa wild dogs comes from the Maasai village and the neighboring hills of Loita.

Spotting Wild dog in the greater Mara is quite hard.

Check on-7-Day The Heart of Kenyan Safari

3.Tsavo West and East National Park

The African Wild Dogs are predominantly large in number in one of the largest parks in Kenya ,both Tsavo

Small group of safari animals walking in savannah

East and West National Park. Despite the fact that it is hard to spot them while on safari, you may be lucky enough to encounter them relaxing under the tree or in their packs.

South Africa

South Africa is home to the endangered African dog. Some of the parks that the painted dogs can be found includes Kruger National Park, Madikwe Game Reserve, Pilanesberg, and Addo Elephant National Park.

In South Africa, there are about 650 painted dogs remaining, which makes it become endangered and even though their population continues to increase, in relative to others, they continue to decline.

1.Kruger National Park

The greater Kruger encompasses of not only Kruger National Park but also other reserves in the surrounding which includes Sabi sands, Timbavati, MalaMala and Manyeti. There are about 400 wild dogs in the park which makes it fairly easier to spot the African wild dogs.

Due to the coat painting of the wild dog, their intelligence, and rarity of sightings, it becomes fascinating when you encounter them while on safari. Some of key characteristics of painted dogs ar Kruger includes rounded ears and authentic body build which distinguishes them from other predators.

While at Kruger, there are many accommodation options to choose from, ranging from budget, mid range and luxury.

Some of the best hotels to stay in includes Thornybush Game Lodge,Motswari Game Lodge and Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge.

2.Madikwe and Pilanesberg

When it came to the re-introduction of wild dogs to the farmland, the Madkwe became frontrunner in undertaking the project. Previously, packs from Madikwe faced numerous challenges ranging from diseases and other predators. Currently, the wild dogs are thriving throughout the park which can even be exhibited by their behaviours of flinching around vehicles.

Added advantage which visitors have on Madikwe is the closer-off road viewing as they are not limited to roads. Besides, the lack of foliage in winter makes it to be possible for the Africa wild dogs to be spotted easily as they cant hide in the thickets.

The Pilanesberg is located at the boarder of famed sun city resort and is in of the best places to spot Africa wild dogs. The park showcases frequent wild dogs encounters although at times, the dogs tend to avoid areas closer to roads.

Some of the best accommodation options while at Madikwe include Madikwe Safari Lodge and Lush Private Lodge.

3.Tsawlu Kalahari

The Tswalu is a private game reserve and one of the biggest in South Africa. In this park, it is quite challenging to have a sighting of African wild dogs but over time, the guides have developed unique ways of getting sighting throughout the area as much as possible.

According to the ecologist un Tsawlu, Dr. Wendy, it is quite a task to manage pack of wild dogs in the park since they are capable of escaping fenced reserves and travelling long distances. In order to monitor their movements, the alpha female is collared as the rest of the pack will follow her. With the help of satellite, their movements can be swiftly monitored.

You can book accommodation at The Motse at Tswalu at affordable rates if you are planning for an adventure at the infamous Tsawlu.

pack of africa wild dogs

Zambia

Zambia has for sometime been identified as one of the best hotspots harbouring viable population of Africa wild dogs.From the latest census, Zambia hosts up to 475 individual wild dogs countrywide.The coloured dogs are spread across the country split into packs of 43 dogs.With their movements being random, the number also fluctuates over time.

In Zambia, Africa wild dogs are concentrated in three main areas including Luangwa valley,the lower Zambezi and Kafue National Park.

The Zambian carnivore program has achieved a lot in ensuring that the African wild dogs are protected and the results are pleasing.

Key Hotspots for Wild Dogs in Zambia

The Luangwa Valley is apparently one of the concentration points for African Wild dogs in Zambia with the best sightings being at South Luangwa National Park. Some packs such as Hot Springs and Puku Plain packs are typical in the surrounding areas.

The population of wild dogs at the lower Zambezi is quite lower with approximately 40 individuals who can even hunt a buffalo. At Kafue National Park, the population of wild dogs are quite sparse although they at times frequent Busanga, Nanzhila and Musekese regions.

In early 2021, the coloured dogs were introduced to Liuwa plains in Zimbabwe and have since increased in number.

If you are planning for a trip to Zambia for wild dogs expedition, there are quite a good number of accommodation options that may suit your needs.Some of the most common include Flatdogs Camp located at South Luangwa National park, Nkwali or Nsefu.

Luangwa Valley

 The population of wild dogs in Eastern Zambia is significantly high compared to other parts of Africa. Both the Luangwa and Zambezi ecosystems consist of undisturbed wilderness area of approximately 70,000km square consisting of the largest lions and wild dogs in Zambia.

To the south of Luangwa, the part can be called Valley of wild dogs as it is the home to the largest wild dogs population.

Explained: How Africa Wild Dogs Hunt

The African wild dogs are unique creatures which exhibits high level of social co-operation during their hunt. Basically, the wild dogs does not have powerful jaws so they cant manage to hunt by their own. Them hunting in packs require skilful co-ordination among the pack members, thus enabling them to even bring down animals which are even 6 times their size.

The wild dogs normally use their sense of sight during hunting thus making the ideal time for them to hunt to be during dusk or dawn.

Usually, they do slow approach, then pounce on their prey and if they run, they would chase until they tire. With the painted colouring, the wild dogs appears to be larger than their usual size especially when they are in pack.

One interesting thing about the wild dogs is that with the presence of dominant pair which takes all leadership roles among the pack. They make all decision making while ensuring co-ordination during hunt. With his monogamous relationship, the pack remains stable as the mating conflict when opportunity arises is minimised. Also, all resources are shared equally among the pack members.

Africa Wild Dogs Vs Hyenas-Know the Difference

Imagine you are on a safari and you come across dog like creature wondering around and in your mind, you are unable to establish whether it is hyena or wild dog. Most people may find it difficult to establish the difference between the two. Frankly, hyenas are not classified as dogs. If you did not know, don’t worry as I will establish some difference which exists between the two.

When it comes to the physical appearance, the African Wild dog is the largest of all African canines measuring about 60 cm to 75 cm while on the counterpart, hyneas have short hind legs and long front legs and when it comes to physique, they are much stronger and larger than wild dogs.

The wild dogs have blotchy caramel and brown fur and they all does not come with similar markings. With hyenas, they have black markings or spots all over their body and legs.

The Wild African Dogs have big-rounded ears while hyenas have darkened muzzle ears which are pointed at the top.

On their behaviours, the painted dogs are generally social animals as the males sticks in packs while on the other hand, females disperse just after mating. On the other hand, hyenas stays in groups referred as clans consisting of up to 80 members.

The African wild cats enjoys staying at savannah grassland but will travel to the woodlands and hilly surrounding when looking for food. In contrast, the hyenas lives in wide open plains-savanna and grasslands but tends enjoy staying at semi- arid and hilly areas.

So, from above, it is clear that there are distinct difference between hyena and painted dogs.

Africa Wild Dog Puppies Images & Facts

African wild dog puppies are normally born when blind to a very supportive environment. At that point ,they completely depend on their mother and pack for protection and food.

Normally, the wild dog puppies are born mostly between May and August and the first 3 months they spend their lives in dens depending solely on packs for food. Inside the den is quite warm and also used as a source of shelter to the pups.

The den is basically dependent on the number of puppies with one litter having up to 10 kids. Due to the nature of wild normally it is not possible to have all the puppies survives.

Immediately the pups starts moving by, often the packs look for second den.This is simply because the original den may be smelly and full of flies, which can be threatening as they attract predators. Therefore, moving to new home becomes a necessity.

After reaching 8 weeks, the pups moves out of their homes and it is during this moments that volunteers may see them for the first time.

The coloured Dogs Habitat

Long ago, the Africa wild dogs used to just roam around the sub-Saharan Africa, with their absence at the rainforest and dry desert regions. While their numbers are still high in other parts of Africa, they are also lower on the southern parts of Africa.

Their range is quite limited in some countries including Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and eastern sides of Namibia.

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