The best places to see wild dogs in Africa…
Dogs had a pretty bad time a few years ago as disease wiped many of them out. They are also not really liked by farmers of course. Currently they are doing relatively well in many places so there are now a few regions where you might be lucky enough to see them.
Here are our top recommendations:
BOTSWANA: Selinda, Linyanti and Kwando Reserves are some of the very best places to see the dogs.
TANZANIA: Selous Game Reserve has the largest population of wild dogs in Africa. Nearby Ruaha is also a good bet for seeing the dogs.
SOUTH AFRICA: Madikwe Reserve has a decent population of dogs so sightings are relatively common as the park is quite small in comparison to the Selous for example. Sabi Sands in the Greater Kruger is also a good option.
KENYA: Samburu and Laikipia Plateau region has an important wild dog project so it is now becoming an increasing stronghold for the dogs.
ZAMBIA: South Luangwa National Park has a good wild dog population, and excitingly, there is a carnivore project which allows you to go out with researchers once a year, so you might be able to see wild dogs whilst with the researchers.
ZIMBABWE: Hwange National Park & Mana Pools – There are around 200 wild dogs in Hwange, split across many packs. The park is also home to the Painted Dog Conservation Project. Mana Pools also lays claim to healthy populations of dogs, as seen on David Attenborough’s Dynasties series.
When to go…
It is possible to see wild dogs at any time of the year. However, you generally stand a better chance of spotting them around denning time and when they have young pups, as they tend to stay in one spot for longer. Whilst they can have pups at any time, the most common time is from around late June to September, so this is a good time to consider.
Top Lodges for Viewing Wild Dogs
Lagoon Camp, Botswana
Lagoon Camp has a beautiful setting on the shady banks of the Kwando River among tall and ancient African ebony and marula trees, under the watchful gaze of the resident hippos.
Lebala Camp, Botswana
Set within vast plains scattered with ilala palms, Lebala Camp offers superb wildlife sightings, with wild dog, elephant, hippo, giraffe, lion and buffalo all plentiful. Spotlights switched on at night can give you a glimpse of elusive nocturnal species, including leopard.
Kwara Camp, Botswana
Kwara Camp by Kwando is in Botswana’s Okavango Delta on the edge of the permanent waters, bordering the Moremi Game Reserve. It is within 1,700 km2 of private unfenced wilderness, and staying here you can enjoy the experience both of game viewing on the waters of the Okavango and also on the dry savannah lands between the rivers and lagoons.
If wild dogs are what you want to see then please contact us at wildlife Escapes and we can help tailor your perfect wildlife experience.
