Best Safari Camps to See Wild Dogs

Best safari camps to see wild dogs

African wild dogs, also known as painted wolves, are arguably the most enigmatic animals to be seen in the wild. Their social structure is fascinating and their antics are often remarkable. Always on the move and full of energy, you can be sure that every moment spent with these carnivores will delight you.

In the past, wild dogs have been persecuted, especially by farmers, who did not take the predation on their cattle lightly. More recently, however, it is the impact of land encroachment that is their greatest threat. With packs traveling for miles and miles a day, they need a huge amount of space to survive. With encroachment on land comes the threat of distemper, rabies and other disease threats posed by domestic dogs as well. Add to that the threat of competing with lions, leopards, and hyenas, you'd be right to think that the life of a wild dog is certainly not easy.

Although they face many challenges and their numbers have declined, feral dogs are extremely resilient and cunning. Add to this fantastic conservation work in many countries across the African continent, the result has been the stabilization of some viable populations and in some areas their increase. While finding wild dogs on safari is certainly not a guarantee, below are some of the best camps in Africa that will give you the best chance to see these amazing dogs.

Vundu, pools of mana

Mana Pools is one of Zimbabwe's most treasured national parks. Often regarded as one of the hotbeds of the walking safari, as well as an incredible authentic safari experience, this is where wild dogs roam free and freely.

Featured in the The BBC Dynasties series, Mana Pools is an exceptional place for game viewing, especially during the latter part of the dry season. For wild dogs though, it's Vundu Camp that steals the show, so much so that it's where Sir David Attenborough stayed during his filming in Mana.

The camp itself is located in its own private concession within the national park and is a permanent tent camp that offers guests views of the famous flood plains as well as access to the mighty Zambezi River. While canoeing, fishing, and night trips are possible, the best way to find Mana's wild dogs is in a 4 × 4 vehicle. Often active during the cooler hours, feral dogs are extremely fast and tracking them is no easy task!

Londolozi, Sands of Sabi

Located in the heart of the Sabi Sands, Londolozi has some of South Africa's best observation games. Due to its location in the heart of the reserve and its own private concession, Londolozi offers access to an incredible diversity of game viewing.

The best time of year to visit wild dogs is during calving season, when packs tend not to roam that far. If you're lucky, the pack will have taken refuge on the Londolozi claim and spent a lot of time there, but like anything in the wild, nothing is guaranteed.

From Varty Camp to Granite Suites, Londolozi can offer something for everyone. Whether you are a honeymoon couple or a family. The facilities are fantastic and having your own private concession means you only share your sightings with those in your camp and no one else.

Tswalu Kalahari

Tswalu is another region of South Africa that is exceptional for spotting wild dogs. Located in the Kalahari, this reserve tends to focus on members of the Shy Five like the pangolin, aardvark, aardwolf. Their successful conservation techniques, however, allowed two packs of wild dogs to be transferred to live among the red dunes.

With two packs in the area, and one that is constantly watched by researchers, seeing feral dogs here is an exceptional experience. They learned how to hunt gemsbok (oryx) among other desert-adapted animals and with your own private vehicle, tracker and guide you can customize your safaris and safari days just the way you want. If you want to spend the whole day with the dogs, you can!

Beho Beho, Selous

The Selous is definitely not the place that everyone would think of visiting to see wild dogs. The landscape is mainly a watery labyrinth made up of numerous lagoons and rivers. Yet in this game reserve in southern Tanzania, there is an incredible population of wild dogs. Known to be one of the last highlights of this carnivore, the Selous offers its hosts one of the best chances to see wild dogs in Africa.

While most flock to northern Tanzania to witness the great migration, the southern parks receive a fraction of visitors and lodges such as Beho Beho can offer an incredible safari off the beaten path, but with a huge amount of luxury. With all the amenities one could want, breathtaking views, and some of the best game views in the Selous, Beho Beho is in a prime location to find these wild dogs. Most often, they are found sunbathing on the airstrip, just ten minutes from the camp.

Mombo Camp, Moremi Game Reserve

Mombo Camp's fame precedes itself. Recognized in the safari world as the epitome of safari, Mombo has enjoyed years of incredible game viewing. Located in the heart of the Okavango Delta, Mombo sits on an island rich in wildlife.

While the price tag can be tempting, that doesn't deter many safari enthusiasts who all want that Mombo experience. Due to its location on this island, surrounded by the waters of the Delta, wildlife does not stray often from here. This gives rise to the perfect opportunities to observe wild dogs in the Delta habitat. From hunting lechwe to escaping the jaws of hyenas and lions, Mombo offers some of the most action-packed safari shows in Botswana.

Marc Harris is Managing Director of Africa Odyssey. Africa Oydssey is managed by a team of award-winning experts providing tailor-made African safari vacations. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog to promote yourself, contact us.