The African wild dog (Lycaon pictus), also known as the painted wolf, is one of Africa’s most intelligent and endangered carnivores. Easily recognised by its mottled black, white, and tan coat — no two dogs have the same pattern — this social hunter is built for stamina, speed, and cooperation.
Wild dogs live in close-knit packs led by a dominant breeding pair. They are renowned for their strong social bonds and exceptional teamwork when hunting — their success rate often surpasses that of lions. Weighing between 20–30 kilograms, they can reach speeds of up to 60 km/h and cover vast distances in pursuit of prey such as impala and gazelle.
Once found across sub-Saharan Africa, wild dogs have disappeared from most of their historical range. Today, fewer than 6,000 individuals remain, scattered across fragmented populations in Southern and East Africa. Despite their decline, conservation efforts in key strongholds have made sightings increasingly possible for travellers seeking one of Africa’s most exhilarating wildlife encounters.
Wild dogs are highly social animals that depend on cooperation and communication to thrive. Packs often include between 6 and 20 individuals, each with a defined role within the group. They hunt in the early morning or late afternoon, using speed and endurance rather than stealth to run down prey in open terrain.
Their social structure is unique: pups eat first at kills, and injured members are fed and cared for by the pack — behaviours rarely seen in other carnivores. Communication is constant through twittering calls, yips, and body language that reinforce unity and coordination during hunts.
Wild dogs den communally, often in abandoned aardvark burrows, and their range can extend hundreds of kilometres — making conservation especially challenging.
African wild dogs inhabit a few key regions where stable populations are protected within national parks and reserves. The best places to see wild dogs in Africa include:
Okavango Delta & Linyanti Reserve – The wetlands and floodplains of northern Botswana are among the best places in Africa to see wild dogs. Packs are often seen during morning drives, trotting through open savannah or hunting in shallow floodplains.
Mana Pools National Park – Famous for relaxed, approachable packs that roam along the Zambezi River floodplain. Sightings are often up-close and highly photogenic.
South Luangwa National Park – A stronghold for wild dogs with increasing numbers. The open woodlands and meandering rivers offer superb viewing during the dry season.
Ruaha National Park – Tanzania’s largest national park holds a growing wild dog population, alongside lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
Kruger National Park & Greater Kruger – While more elusive here, Kruger supports one of the largest populations in southern Africa. Morning drives in the private reserves often yield rewarding sightings.
Visit Lower Zambezi National Park and Kafue National Park with acclaimed wildlife photographer Nick Dyer. At Natural World Safaris we firmly believe in right time, right place, and Zambia is the perfect destination to take advantage of good sightings of a large pack of wild dogs.
A luxury Botswana safari taking in a selection of award-winning luxury camps combined with world-class game viewing.
History, culture, wildlife and the world's largest waterfall await travellers embarking on this 10-day safari, an itinerary that takes in everything from game drives in search of the Big Five to a tour of Robben Island, where the legendary Nelson Mandela spent 18 years as a political prisoner.
Experience the highlights of Zimbabwe; revel in the delightful remoteness of Mana Pools National Parks, its expansive wilderness plains and twisting ox-bow lakes accessible only by boat. Enjoy dazzling amber sunsets over Matusadona and wildlife spotting while cruising by boat on Lake Kariba. Encounter family groups of African Painted Hunting Dogs and sightings of elephants, elephants everywhere. Take walking safaris in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mana Pools with its varied tapestry of landscapes, perfect for photography, birding and attuning the senses.
This Tanzania highlights small group safari takes you to the heart of the action trying to catch sight of the migration, witness wildlife in the Ngorongoro Crater and enjoy an option hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti.
The year begins with active packs hunting daily to feed their growing young. The wet season brings lush, green backdrops and fewer visitors — ideal for photographers. In Botswana and Zambia, sightings are common as wild dogs take advantage of abundant prey and cooler mornings.
Packs remain active, often covering long distances as they roam their territories. Cooler temperatures and open landscapes make this an excellent month for sightings in southern Africa, especially around the Okavango Delta and Mana Pools.
Prey numbers remain high, and wild dogs continue to hunt frequently. Tracks are easier to follow in damp soil, and the combination of vibrant vegetation and dramatic skies makes for superb wildlife photography.
As the rains ease, packs begin scouting for den sites. Visibility improves as grass levels drop, and guides can often anticipate pack movements. This transitional month offers a balance of lush scenery and increasing predictability.
Denning season approaches, and packs start to settle in specific areas. The dry season begins, and sightings become more consistent, particularly in Botswana’s Linyanti and Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park.
The denning season begins in earnest. Adults return frequently to feed pups, meaning guides can locate dens and observe family interactions at a respectful distance. One of the best months for close, prolonged viewing opportunities.
A highlight of the wild dog calendar. Pups emerge from their dens and begin exploring, playing energetically while adults hunt nearby. Dry, clear conditions make this one of the best months for both viewing and photography.
Young pups are increasingly confident, and the pack hunts together as a cohesive unit. The bush is dry and open, providing superb visibility. This is peak season for wild dog encounters across Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.
Temperatures rise, and water sources shrink, concentrating both predators and prey. Wild dogs are active throughout the day, covering great distances and offering thrilling sightings during morning and afternoon drives.
The height of the dry season brings high activity and dramatic sightings as packs chase prey across dusty plains. The heat can be intense, but the open terrain and shorter grass make for unparalleled photographic conditions.
The first rains arrive, cooling the air and transforming the bush into a vivid green. Wild dogs become more nomadic again, following migratory prey. While more unpredictable, this month offers beautiful light and a renewed sense of wilderness.
Pups born earlier in the year are now strong and mobile, joining the adults on hunts. The wet season returns, bringing rich colours, dramatic skies, and fewer tourists — ideal for travellers seeking solitude and atmosphere alongside active wildlife.
