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Wild dog
Asset 11

Wild dog

Where to see wild dogs in Malawi

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

Malawi offers excellent habitat for the African wild dog and the species was widespread until persecution saw it eradicated during the last century. In 2021, conservation charity African Parks joined the Malawi Department of National Parks and Wildlife in an ambitious reintroduction programme. Six wild dogs from Mozambique were released in Majete Wildlife Reserve and another eight from South Africa in Liwonde National Park. These were the first wild dogs to roam wild in Malawi for 60 years. They soon settled and numbers increased, but tragedy struck in 2023 when the entire Liwonde pack was lost to a mass poisoning incident – proof of just how vulnerable this species remains. The Majete pack, thankfully, is doing well.


1.9–5.2kg

Daily meat consumed

±60%

Kill success rate

10

Average litter size

8–10 weeks

Pups abandon den

Best areas to see wild dogs in Malawi

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.


Malawi: wild dog hot spots

Currently, the only reliable place in Malawi to see African wild dogs is Majete Wildlife Reserve in the south-west. Wildlife in this 70,000-hectare reserve was severely depleted until African Parks took over management in 2003. Several large mammal species were subsequently reintroduced, including black rhino, lion, elephant, cheetah and – in 2021 – wild dog. The original pack of six adults, brought from neighbouring Mozambique, has since grown to at least 15. Sightings are not guaranteed as the dogs often frequent inaccessible, wooded parts of the reserve. However, guests at one of the lodges may get lucky, with the odds likely to improve as the population becomes more established. Elsewhere in Malawi, wild dogs occasionally turn up unexpectedly: in 2023 three individuals were caught on camera trap in Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve, in the north.

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Our best Malawi holidays for wild dog sightings

Based on our travellers' reports, these ideas for Malawi safaris are likely to give the best wild dog sightings


Itinerary image

Hyena Safari

11 days • 4 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO LILONGWE AIRPORT

Mix relaxation and adventure on a safari combining the South Luangwa with Victoria Falls and the beaches of Lake Malawi. These three locations are among the most iconic in southern Africa.

US$8,630 - US$11,910 per person

View all holidays to Malawi

More information about wild dog in our other destinations

Click here for detailed information about wild dog in other countries, including the places for sighting wild dog.


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