The African wild dog, also called the painted wolf, is one of Africa’s most endangered carnivores. Only around 6,600 remain, living in scattered populations across southern and East Africa. Packs roam over huge areas, so sightings are never guaranteed, but a hunt, with the whole pack running at speed and calling to each other, is one of the most thrilling sights on safari. See our African wild dog profile.
The best places to see wild dogs
Botswana: Okavango Delta, Linyanti and Moremi
Northern Botswana holds one of the largest wild dog populations. Private concessions in the Okavango, Linyanti and Kwando, as well as Moremi and Khwai, offer some of the most reliable sightings in Africa. See our Moremi guide.
Zimbabwe: Hwange and Mana Pools
Mana Pools is famous for its packs, which were filmed for the BBC’s Dynasties. Hwange is another stronghold, and the Painted Dog Conservation centre nearby is worth a visit.
Zambia: South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi and Kafue
Wild dogs are seen regularly in South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi, and Kafue National Park has a large population.
Tanzania: Nyerere (Selous) and Ruaha
Southern Tanzania holds one of the biggest remaining populations. See our Ruaha and Nyerere guide.
Kenya: Laikipia
The conservancies of the Laikipia Plateau are the best place in Kenya for wild dogs. See our Laikipia guide.
South Africa: Kruger, Madikwe and others
Kruger has a population of a few hundred, and Madikwe is known for regular sightings. Several smaller reserves are part of a managed metapopulation programme.
Other places
Gorongosa (Mozambique) and Liwonde (Malawi) have reintroduced wild dogs, and Niokolo-Koba (Senegal) holds a tiny West African population.
When to go: the denning season
The best time to see wild dogs is during the denning season, roughly June to September in southern Africa. Once the alpha female gives birth, the pack stays near the den for about three months, returning each day to feed the pups by regurgitating food. Camps and guides know where the dens are, and sightings become much more predictable. Good operators keep vehicles at a respectful distance and limit time at dens.
Why wild dogs are endangered
- Habitat loss and fragmentation: packs need hundreds of square kilometres.
- Conflict with people: they are killed by livestock farmers, even though they rarely take livestock.
- Disease: rabies and canine distemper from domestic dogs can wipe out whole packs.
- Road accidents and snares.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to see African wild dogs? Northern Botswana (the Okavango, Linyanti and Moremi), Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools and Hwange, and Zambia’s South Luangwa are among the best.
When is the best time to see wild dogs? The denning season, roughly June to September in southern Africa.
How many African wild dogs are left? Around 6,600 in total, of which only about 1,400 are breeding adults.
Are wild dogs dangerous to people? No. There are almost no records of wild dogs attacking people in the wild.
Related guides
- Where to see leopards in Africa
- Okavango Delta safari guide
- Mana Pools National Park
- Animal profiles: African wild dog, Spotted hyena, Grey wolf
Cover photo: AfricanConservation, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons