Our Top 5 places to see African Wild Dogs on Safari.

1. KRUGER NATIONAL PARK. SOUTH AFRICA.

Being the largest National Park in South Africa, and covering more than 2 million hectares, the World renowned Kruger National Park offers a vast range for this endangered canid to roam. With an extensive road network, the Park is easily accessible, and with various accommodation options, the Park caters to all budget levels. The majority of the Kruger's wild dog population can be seen in the southern region of the park- especially along the banks of the Sabi River and we will always suggest taking an early morning drive in this area in an attempt to view these animals.

Above: A Pack of African Wild Dogs on the hunt. © Margaux Langley.

2. SABI SAND WILDTUIN. SOUTH AFRICA.

This Private Reserve is adjacent to the Kruger National Park and allows visitors to the numerous luxury properties the opportunity to drive off-road in pursuit of the wild dogs as they set off on their high-speed hunting chases. This in itself becomes a great adventure! Here a fortunate few might also have the opportunity to visit active den sites during June and July to observe how these cooperative and highly social animals interact between pack members and the new puppies.

Above: A pack of African Wild Dogs seen at Singita Sabi Sand © Margaux Langley.

3. RUAHA & NYERERE NATIONAL PARK. TANZANIA.

Tanzania is considered to be home to one of the largest populations of African wild dogs on the continent, and two reserves, Ruaha and Nyerere National Park are notorious for being good places to see these amazing animals in their natural habitat. Both of these reserves are enormous- ideal for the dogs which need a very large area to roam around. Due to the remote location, the dogs also seldom come into conflict with local livestock farmers, adding to their survival success rate. Ruaha is not only home to the third largest population of African wild dogs in the world but it is also home to 10% of the global African lion population- another reason to make this reserve your next safari destination.

Above: African Wild Dogs greeting each other © Margaux Langley.

4. MANA POOLS. ZIMBABWE.

Renowned to be one of the least developed national parks in Southern Africa, almost 70% of the park is only traversable by foot, making this an explorer’s paradise.

With the Zambezi River and Chitake Springs being the only source of water during the long dry winter months, these areas become the epicenter for survival, as the dwindling pools attract wildlife, which in turn attracts prides of lions and packs of wild dogs that wait in ambush of unsuspecting prey who come to the spring to drink. 

Above: African Wild Dog © Margaux Langley.

5. OKAVANGO DELTA & LINYANTI. BOTSWANA.

The Linyanti Region of Botswana has always been known to be ‘ wild dog country’- from the Kwando Reserve in the north, through the Linyanti Concession, Selinda Reserve, the Chobe Enclave, and the Savuti Marsh area of Chobe National Park. Here several packs of wild dogs roam and hunt with confidence. The Okavango Delta is another haven for these predators, as the mix of Okavango and Kalahari ecosystems makes for an excellent home to an abundant array of herbivores, which in turn support the larger predators: lion, leopard, spotted hyaena, cheetah, and of course, wild dog.

Above: African Wild Dog pup © Margaux Langley.