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Wild dog
Asset 11

Wild dog

Wild dogs in Africa

African wild dogs are among the continent’s most compelling animals. Much misunderstood, these rare, tie-dyed canids are amazingly efficient hunters with a fascinating social life.


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Quick facts about Wild dog

Scientific name: Lycaon pictus Habitat: Savannah & woodland
IUCN status: Endangered Adult weight: 20–36kg

The African wild dog is sometimes confused with hyenas but is very different, both in appearance and lifestyle. Its patterned coat, unique to each individual, explains its alternative name of ‘painted wolf’. Other unmistakable features include a white tail tip and large Mickey-Mouse ears.

Wild dogs are built for stamina: packs hunt co-operatively, driving their prey to exhaustion and consuming it quickly. Typical targets include medium-sized antelopes such as impala.

Packs, numbering 2 to 27, centre upon a dominant breeding pair, which often raise their pups in an old aardvark burrow. Away from the den, packs are constantly on the move, covering large areas and aiming to steer clear of lions and spotted hyenas, their great competitors.


1.9–5.2kg

Daily meat consumed

±60%

Kill success rate

10

Average litter size

8–10 weeks

Pups abandon den

Africa's top camps for seeing wild dogs

Based on 962 reports by our travellers since Mar 2018, the camps below have the best chances of sighting wild dogs. Simply follow the key below.


Best chances to see

Good chances to see

Some sightings

No sightings yet

Top 10 camps for wild dog

% of travellers who saw wild dog

Top 10 camps for wild dog

% of travellers who saw wild dog

Where to see wild dogs in Africa

African wild dogs wander widely and so are often hard to track down. If you find them, stay with them: they are typically unconcerned and you may witness a hunt.


Top tips for viewing wild dogs

African wild dogs inhabit a variety of terrain, typically with a mixture of bush and open grassland. Today they are rare – victims of persecution and canine distemper – and largely confined to a handful of major conservation areas.

Significant strongholds include the Nyerere (formerly Selous), in Tanzania, the Okavango (Botswana), Hwange (Zimbabwe), South Luangwa (Zambia) and Laikipia Plateau (Kenya), although wild dogs wander widely and may turn up unexpectedly almost anywhere. In a few locations, including Mana Pools (Zimbabwe), habituated packs allow close viewing, even on foot.

Although largely diurnal, wild dogs rest up during the heat of the day, becoming most active in the early morning and late afternoon. The alertness of prey animals, and their sudden panicking flight, is often your first clue that a pack is on the hunt nearby.

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Our top safaris for observing wild dogs

Based on our travellers experiences, these are the holidays which will give you the best chances of good wild dog sightings


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Wild Dog Safari

13 days • 5 locations
KASANE AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

An in-depth discovery of northern Botswana’s wilderness, from Chobe and the private Kwando Reserve to the Moremi and iconic Okavango Delta with a great variety of activities and wildlife.

US$12,230 - US$21,930 per person

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Large-spotted Genet Safari

9 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

A luxury safari exploring the Okavango Delta and Linyanti–Savuti, two of the best wildlife viewing areas in Botswana, staying at three top camps renowned for their guiding for a first-class experience.

US$10,930 - US$23,640 per person

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Civet Safari

9 days • 4 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

Combining three intimate bushcamps in the quieter south of the South Luangwa, this safari will appeal to those looking for an interesting mix of walking and vehicle safari.

US$7,480 - US$9,970 per person

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Pied Kingfisher Safari

9 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO HARARE AIRPORT

A luxury safari combining three of Zimbabwe's top highlights. The trip uses some of the finest safari camps in Zimbabwe and is perfect for a family or small group.

US$7,000 - US$11,860 per person

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Greater Bushbaby Safari

8 days • 2 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT

The perfect safari for a family or group of friends during which to create everlasting memories. Visit Zambia’s two most productive wildlife parks staying in four-bedroom houses, designed in a unique and fun way.

US$9,400 - US$13,240 per person

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Klipspringer Safari

8 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO BULAWAYO AIRPORT

An outstanding-value Zimbabwe safari exploring Victoria Falls and two contrasting locations in western Zimbabwe – Hwange and the Matobo Hills – giving you a real feel for Zimbabwe, its people and wildlife.

US$2,890 - US$3,570 per person

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Spotted-necked Otter Safari

6 days • 2 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

Discover the heart of the Okavango Delta and diverse Linyanti, staying in two classic luxury canvas camps in private reserves this is a varied, wildlife-filled safari experience.

US$7,930 - US$14,800 per person

View all holidays to Africa

Our top destinations for wild dogs

Click below for detailed information about wild dogs in these countries, including our latest sightings data from the camps and lodges there.


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