Where to see wild dogs in Botswana
African wild dogs are among the continent’s most compelling animals. Much misunderstood, these rare, tie-dyed canids are amazingly efficient hunters with a fascinating social life.
Quick facts about Wild dog
| Scientific name: | Lycaon pictus | Habitat: | Savannah & woodland |
|---|---|---|---|
| IUCN status: | Endangered | Adult weight: | 20–36kg |
Botswana has Africa’s second largest population of African wild dogs, after Tanzania. Recent estimates suggest over 1,300 individuals, comprising around 130 packs; that’s around 30% of the continent’s total. This population centres on the north, notably the protected areas of the Okavango Delta and Chobe and outlying regions such as Kwando-Linyanti, where a combination of open floodplains and mixed woodland offers ideal hunting habitat. This impressive concentration is thought to serve as a significant source population for contiguous areas, with packs sometimes wandering further south into more arid parts of the country, or even crossing international borders – north or west into Namibia and east into Zimbabwe.
~15,000
Wild dogs left in Botswana
8-10 weeks
Pups abandon den
50km
Travel per day
~60%
Hunt success rate
Observing wild dogs in Botswana - 418 sighting reports
Based on 418 reports by our travellers since May 2018, visitors at these camps in Botswana have the best chances of sighting wild dog.
Best chances to see
Good chances to see
Some sightings
No sightings yet
Best areas to see wild dogs in Botswana
African wild dogs wander widely and so are often hard to track down. If you find them, stay with them: they are typically unconcerned and you may witness a hunt.
Botswana: wild dog hot spots
If you want the best chance to see wild dogs, you should probably head to Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Sightings in the Moremi and Khwai regions are as reliable as anywhere in Africa, with habituated packs operating near many camps and lodges. The Kwando-Linyanti and Selinda concession areas to the north are also excellent, as is Chobe's Savuti region. Guides often know where a pack is denning – generally away from areas of high lion density – and can plan drives accordingly. Further south, wild dogs are less common, though they may turn up in Nxai Pan and Makgadikgadi national parks – sometimes even seen crossing the main road from Nata to Maun – and in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Wild dogs occasionally enter Northern Tuli Reserve in the southeast, venturing over from neighbouring Zimbabwe or South Africa, but sightings there are rare.
Our top safaris for observing wild dogs in Botswana
Based on our travellers' reports, these ideas for Botswana safaris are likely to give the best wild dog sightings
Wild Dog Safari
13 days • 5 locations
KASANE AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
An in-depth discovery of northern Botswana’s wilderness, from Chobe and the private Kwando Reserve to the Moremi and iconic Okavango Delta with a great variety of activities and wildlife.
US$13,450 - US$21,930 per person
Large-spotted Genet Safari
9 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
A luxury safari exploring the Okavango Delta and Linyanti–Savuti, two of the best wildlife viewing areas in Botswana, staying at three top camps renowned for their guiding for a first-class experience.
US$12,020 - US$23,640 per person
Spotted-necked Otter Safari
6 days • 2 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
Discover the heart of the Okavango Delta and diverse Linyanti, staying in two classic luxury canvas camps in private reserves this is a varied, wildlife-filled safari experience.
US$8,490 - US$14,800 per person
Wattled Crane Safari
5 days • 2 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
A good-value Botswana safari staying at comfortable lodges in prime wildlife-viewing areas – Chobe National Park and the Moremi Reserve in the Okavango Delta.
US$6,120 - US$8,090 per person
Kudu Safari
7 days • 2 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
A luxury Botswana safari exploring the Okavango Delta staying at Nxebega Camp and the stunning Sandibe Lodge, with excellent guiding and some of the most prolific wildlife viewing anywhere in Africa.
US$8,190 - US$20,120 per person
Porcupine Safari
11 days • 4 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
Visit dramatically contrasting landscapes boasting a variety of species during this exploration of Botswana’s top-safari destinations. A combination of national parks and private reserves allows for a range of activities.
US$11,780 - US$16,860 per person
Steenbok Safari
9 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
A classic Botswana safari exploring the Moremi, Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta. Excellent wildlife viewing and a variety of activities from three of our favourite traditional tented camps.
US$7,990 - US$13,480 per person
Pangolin Safari
8 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
Three relaxed, local feeling camps in pristine settings – the Kwando Reserve and Okavango Delta. Guided by a driver and tracker at each, this a great trip for spotting Botswana’s top predators.
US$9,100 - US$16,340 per person
More information about wild dog in our other destinations
Click here for detailed information about wild dog in other countries, including the places for sighting wild dog.
