Scouting Africa's wild dogs
A sighting of African painted wolves (wild dogs) is one of the most exhilarating safari experiences and a guaranteed highlight for guests. From their frenetic hunts to playful pack time, these lithe and athletic predators present true poetry in motion. But, unfortunately, they are also one of Africa’s most endangered carnivores.
Looking for the best place to see them in the wild? Here’s a list of our top six favourite wild dog destinations:
Want to see wild dogs on an African safari? Check out this unique safari focused on finding wild dogs. We also have other ready-made safaris to choose from, or let us build one just for you.
1. Northern and Eastern Zimbabwe
The wild dogs of Mana Pools National Park rose to prominence as the star characters in the BBC series, Dynasties. Yet, for those in the know, the national park and surrounds have long been recognised as one of the best places in Africa to see these charismatic canids.
What makes Mana a particularly fabulous destination for viewing painted wolves is that it offers walking safaris aplenty. Regular encounters have ensured that the painted wolves are unusually comfortable with people on foot. It is important to remember that this is a privilege, not a right, and the African painted wolves should be treated with absolute respect. Keep noise to a minimum, set up a comfortable distance and enjoy the magic of this truly unique experience.
Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park also hosts a large wild dog population. Hwange ranks among Africa’s premier strongholds for painted wolves, with an estimated 200 individuals spread across more than 30 packs. The sheer scale of the park and its diverse habitats provide excellent conditions for these wide-ranging predators, making sightings a rewarding possibility for patient safari-goers. Adding depth to the experience, the Painted Dog Conservation Centre on Hwange’s fringes offers visitors the chance to learn about one of the continent’s longest-running wild dog protection initiatives, from rehabilitation to groundbreaking research.
2. Northern Botswana
Most of Northern Botswana, including Khwai Private Reserve, Chobe National Park, and the Okavango Delta, is prime habitat for wild dogs and a vital population stronghold for these carnivores. The combined landscape of protected areas provides these ever-moving hunters with the space they need. As the river systems ebb and flow, painted wolves charge across the flood plains to chase down their abundant prey. Read more about our CEO, Simon Espley’s, incredible experience searching for wild dog pups in Okavango Delta here – “my best wild dog sightings ever”.
3. Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa
Since their translocation to Madikwe Game Reserve in 1994, African painted wolves have become the unofficial mascot of this arid, malaria-free reserve tucked away in northern South Africa, close to the Botswana border. Though their path to success has not always been easy, the wolves are now well established, and the sparse Madikwe vegetation makes it easier to keep an eye on their antics.
4. West and Central Zambia
Home to the largest painted wolf population in Zambia, Luangwa Valley (including both South Luangwa National Park and North Luangwa National Park) stands out as a conservation success story where these tie-dyed predators are concerned. During the dry season, Luangwa’s multitudinous herbivores gather around the life-giving Luangwa River and painted wolves take full advantage of the buffet on offer. The floodplains set the stage for thrilling displays of athleticism as the energetic canids hurtle after antelope or reaffirm their pack bonds with a game of tag and tumble.
Beyond the Luangwa, Zambia offers two more compelling destinations for painted wolf enthusiasts. In Kafue National Park, wild dogs are staging a quiet comeback, with three packs now thriving since the original pair was introduced – a testament to the dedicated work of the Zambian Carnivore Program. Sightings here are still a matter of good fortune, but each encounter carries the thrill of witnessing a population in recovery. Further west, the vast grasslands of Liuwa Plain now host a reintroduced pack, roaming alongside the park’s famed hyenas and cheetahs. Lions were once absent from Liuwa but have since begun to return, though not yet in full force – a dynamic that has created space for painted wolves to re-establish themselves in this remarkable ecosystem.
5. Greater Kruger, South Africa
Bucking the overall population trend, the Kruger’s painted-wolf population is not declining and may even be steadily increasing. In Kruger National Park, use the sighting boards in camp and chat to park guides to get up-to-date information on recent reliable hotspots. Alternatively, a stay at one of the private reserves and lodges in Greater Kruger during the denning season (typically winter: June until August) will ensure unbeatable sightings of the pups emerging to take in their new world, much to the joy of the rest of the pack.
6. Laikipia, Kenya
Known for its exclusive safari experiences and exceptional record for protecting endangered species, vast Laikipia county is almost entirely covered by private and community conservancies, creating a large habitat for painted wolves to roam.
The Kenyan conservancy model gives its visitors glorious freedom, allowing any visit to be tailored to specific interests. Want to tag along with a research team tasked with monitoring the painted wolves? Though not always a guaranteed option, Laikipia is an excellent place to start.
Never a dull moment
Given their fast-paced lives, keeping up with painted wolves can present something of a challenge, but the reward is well worth the effort involved. With their boundless vitality, astonishing altruism and unmistakable wet-dog smell (with a tinge of something vaguely goat-like), there is never a dull moment when African painted wolves come bounding by.
Resources
- New DNA analysis reveals surprising prey in African wild dog diets, reshaping our understanding and informing vital conservation strategies. Read more about the surprising secrets of African wild dog diets here
- Tsavo’s African wild dogs face major threats. Tsavo Trust & Painted Wolf Foundation are working to save these painted dogs. Here’s how they are doing it
- Read more on the rebranding of ‘wild dogs’ to ‘painted wolves’.
- Read about a proposed theory of change that could increase painted wolf populations across Africa.
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