Where to see wild dogs in Kenya
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 |
The current status of Kenya’s wild dogs prompts cautious optimism. This endangered species, once widespread, declined heavily over the last century and was eradicated from some of the country’s best-known reserves. Recent reports, following intensive conservation efforts, have seen numbers increasing, with some estimates topping 800. The Ewaso ecosystem, which embraces the central Laikipia, Isiolo and Samburu conservation areas, supports over 220. Tsavo West National Park is home to over 100, and another 130 are thought to roam the Ijara-Lamu coastal region in the north-east. What’s more, having disappeared from the Maasai Mara in 1919, wild dogs are today increasingly seen in the private conservancies of Lemek and Mara North.
1.9–5.2kg
Daily meat consumed
±60%
Kill success rate
10
Average litter size
8–10 weeks
Pups abandon den
The top camps for seeing wild dog in Kenya
Based on 60 reports by our travellers since Jul 2018, visitors at these camps in Kenya 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 Kenya
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.
Kenya: wild dog hot spots
Since the turn of the century, the Laikipia region has been known as Kenya’s most reliable destination for viewing wild dogs. Here, the animals are diligently monitored and tracked, with packs habituated to vehicles, and find plentiful prey in the form of abundant dik-diks. Sadly, an outbreak of canine distemper – a threat to wild dogs everywhere – devastated the Laikipia population in 2017. Recovery is now underway, boosted by the return of wild dogs to the neighbouring Samburu region, to the east. Elsewhere, Tsavo West National Park is gaining an increasing reputation for sightings, as are the private conservancies of Mara North. In the range lands of northern and north-eastern Kenya, wild dogs may turn up anywhere – though they often conflict with herders in farming country.
Our best Kenya holidays for wild dog sightings
Based on our travellers' reports, these ideas for Kenya safaris are likely to give the best wild dog sightings
The Highlights of Africa
17 days • 7 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
An epic adventure taking in some of Africa’s most incredible sights and wildlife experiences, from Cape Town to the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, the Maasai Mara and an encounter with mountain gorillas.
US$14,360 - US$19,690 per person
Hamerkop Fly-In Safari
8 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Different wildlife, contrasting camps and a whole host of activities, this is a safari for those wanting to get out and about and not just sit in a vehicle.
US$6,350 - US$10,960 per person
Rothschild Giraffe Safari
8 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
A example of a luxury Kenyan safari, starting at the iconic Giraffe Manor before fabulous stays on the spectacular Solio Reserve and Sala’s Camp in a remote corner of the Maasai Mara.
US$11,720 - US$17,830 per person
Golden Weaver Fly-In Safari
6 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
A rustic, adventurous week on safari with great community involvement that offers incredible value for money in two very different locations – the Amboseli and Maasai Mara ecosystems.
US$3,280 - US$3,720 per person
Greater Kudu Fly-In Safari
7 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Experience a truly authentic bush experience on this safari at two classic tented camps, in Laikipia and the Maasai Mara. These are some of the best places to spot wild dogs and big cats.
US$7,170 - US$9,080 per person
Gabar Goshawk Fly-in Safari
7 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Experience Amboseli and Laikipia during this economically priced safari. Two simple camps offer adventure before a stopover in Nairobi and a final stay in the charming, wildlife-rich Il Ngwesi Eco-Lodge.
US$5,800 - US$6,580 per person
Lanner Falcon Fly-In Safari
8 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Three sister camps offer access to wonderfully remote regions across northern Kenya and the Maasai Mara ecosystem. Enjoy an exclusive safari experience focused on great wildlife, superb guiding and considerable comfort, with a range of activities.
US$6,620 - US$8,400 per person
Elephant Safari
10 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
This example of a mid-range Kenya safari and beach trip explores the wildlife of Tsavo West's volcanic plains and woodlands, Tsavo East's immense plains and the white-sand beaches and lush environment of Diani Beach.
US$5,100 - US$6,210 per person
Tawny Eagle Fly-in Safari
7 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Explore Laikipia and the Maasai Mara ecosystem with stays in the Ol Pejeta and Naboisho conservancies. Two smart yet authentically rustic bush camps provide a traditional safari experience, offering a high standard of guiding and excellent level of care.
US$4,340 - US$8,630 per person
Purple Grenadier Fly-In Safari
6 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Fantastic guiding from intimate, well-run mid-range tented camps, in superb conservancy locations: this safari is all about making the most of the incredible wildlife in Laikipia and the Maasai Mara.
US$5,010 - US$7,130 per person
More information about wild dog in our other destinations
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