Where to see wild dogs in Namibia
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 |
A 2015 survey of Namibia’s wild dog population (The Southern African Conservation Strategy for Cheetahs and Wild Dogs) produced an estimate of 544 dogs divided into 45 packs. That’s a decent population – however, only some 10% of these are thought to live in protected area; much fewer than in other range countries. Elsewhere, wild dogs wander widely through Namibia’s communal lands, thus regularly coming into conflict with livestock farmers. The bulk of the population is in the north-east, notably in the remote Omaheke region, along the Botswana border, and in the more wooded and watered province of Zambezi (formerly the Caprivi strip), which is where visitors are most likely to encounter them.
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 Namibia
Based on 13 reports by our travellers since Oct 2018, visitors at these camps in Namibia 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 Namibia
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.
Namibia: wild dog hot spots
Etosha National Park, Namibia’s premier reserve, no longer has wild dogs, despite a 1980s attempt to reintroduce them. Mangetti National Park, east of Etosha, retains a small population, as does the larger Khaudum National Park, further east still. These remote parks comprise dense Kalahari woodland and finding wild dogs can be challenging. Better chances lie to the north-east in Zambezi Region (Caprivi Strip). Here, wild dogs roam Bwabwata National Park along the Okavango (often seen on the public road north from Botswana), and Mudumu and Nkasa Rupara national parks along the Kwando-Linyanti, further east. Wild dogs in this region are very mobile, moving in and out of communal lands and sometimes over the border into Botswana. Zannier private reserve near Windhoek has recently reintroduced wild dogs to a small upmarket resort and research centre.
Our best Namibia holidays for wild dog sightings
Based on our travellers' reports, these ideas for Namibia safaris are likely to give the best wild dog sightings
Great Egret Safari
12 days • 4 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
This wonderfully varied adventure combines Botswana's Okavango Delta and a live-aboard houseboat safari on the Chobe River, with big game in Zimbabwe's dry Hwange National Park and the stupendous Victoria Falls.
US$9,260 - US$17,170 per person
Pygmy Mouse Self-drive Safari
18 days • 10 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
A truly epic southern African self-drive safari adventure from Namibia’s mountains and deserts, along the lush Caprivi Strip to Botswana and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, staying at luxury lodges throughout.
US$6,210 - US$10,450 per person
Black-faced Impala Guided Safari
13 days • 6 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
A unique mix of luxury and adventure in our original, and perhaps most varied, destination on a privately guided Namibian overland safari. Perfect for families, friends or couples travelling together.
US$9,850 - US$12,980 per person
Goshawk Fly-in Safari
12 days • 6 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
Discover Namibia’s remarkable landscapes, fascinating wildlife and unique cultures on this luxury adventure flying between a selection of the very best camps and lodges in the country.
US$11,820 - US$19,540 per person
Hartebeest Self-drive Safari
16 days • 8 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT
This self-drive safari focuses on the best cultural experiences in Namibia. Visit a Himba village and enjoy three days living with the San Bushmen interspersed with some excellent wildlife watching.
US$3,560 - US$4,880 per person
Rock Hare Self-drive Safari
20 days • 12 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
An in-depth look at Namibia from the Namib Desert to the Caprivi, with additional stops in Botswana and Victoria Falls. This three-week adventure includes an unrivalled mix of environments and is great value.
US$5,260 - US$8,380 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.
