Where to see wild dogs in Tanzania
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 |
Tanzania is home to Africa’s largest population of wild dogs, with some estimates of over 2,300. In the 1990s the species disappeared from the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s flagship reserve, where it has only recently started to return. However, most wild dogs are found further south. Nyerere (formerly Selous) National Park has perhaps Africa’s single largest population, with 800–1,000.
Other key areas are the Ruaha-Katavi landscape, to the west, with around 500, and the Moyowosi region, in the north-west, with around 400. Wild dogs also occur in the Ngorongoro Highlands and Loliondo game-controlled area, east of the Serengeti. In the south-east, packs sometimes cross over from Niassa reserve in Mozambique.
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 Tanzania
Based on 98 reports by our travellers since Jun 2018, visitors at these camps in Tanzania 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 Tanzania
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.
Tanzania: wild dog hot spots
Your best chance of seeing wild dogs in Tanzania is a Southern Circuit safari that takes in Nyerere National Park and/or Ruaha National Park. Sightings are not guaranteed, but numbers are high and packs are regularly encountered on game drives – especially in Nyerere.
A Northern Circuit safari may produce wild dogs in Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Highlands (in the hills, they face less competition with lions), and recent years have seen this endangered predator moving west from these areas into the eastern Serengeti, notably the Ndutu region. But sightings here are unusual.
In the far west, the wild Katavi and little-known Moyowosi national parks both harbour healthy populations, while an extensive 1995 reintroduction programme to Mkomazi National Park, on the north-western border with Kenya, has also proved successful.
Our best Tanzania holidays for wild dog sightings
Based on our travellers' reports, these ideas for Tanzania safaris are likely to give the best wild dog sightings
Jackal Fly-in Safari
8 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Enjoy a range of activities on this luxury fly-in safari. Explore the remoter regions of Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park with phenomenal guides during stays at two impressively comfortable camps that remain perfectly in keeping with their surroundings.
US$9,060 - US$12,080 per person
Marabou Stork Fly-in Safari
13 days • 5 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Four luxurious camps enable exploration of Tanzania’s north and southern regions. With a range of land- and water-based activities available throughout, decidedly comfortable accommodation and applicable long-stay discounts, this adventurous safari is excellent value.
US$17,280 - US$25,560 per person
Turaco Safari
12 days • 4 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
This top-value holiday idea combines two safari areas with a week on the Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar. Photograph lions and elephants, then relax under the palms on a powder-sand beach.
US$5,460 - US$6,830 per person
Dwarf Mongoose Fly-in Safari
6 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Stay in two eco-friendly, rustic bush camps in Nyerere National Park and Ruaha National Park. Remote wilderness, a diversity of habitats and a good range of activities are available in these two wildlife havens.
US$4,450 - US$5,320 per person
Superb Starling Fly-In Safari
7 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Explore Nyerere and Ruaha national parks from two luxurious sister camps within wildlife-rich locations. Both offer a range of land- and water-based activities, a superb standard of guiding and access to beautifully contrasting landscapes.
US$8,500 - US$12,950 per person
Flufftail Guided Safari
10 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Stay in three unique camps as you safari across the Ngorongoro Crater and the iconic Serengeti Plains with your private guide and 4WD vehicle: a trip of comfort and autonomy, with excellent wildlife.
US$12,970 - US$18,460 per person
Spotted Hyena Fly-in Safari
7 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Stay in one of Nyerere National Park's best safari camps before experiencing a truly authentic tented camp in Ruaha. Remote locations, superb guiding and a range of activities await guests during this comfortable fly-in safari.
US$7,400 - US$10,300 per person
Bat-eared Fox Fly-in Safari
3 days • 1 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
This is an ideal first-time safari and is the perfect add-on to a holiday in Zanzibar. Nyerere National Park is one of Africa’s biggest wildlife areas and is home to an abundance of animals.
US$2,470 - US$3,090 per person
Red Colobus Monkey Safari
11 days • 3 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
This luxury holiday suggestion combines a wildlife safari in Ruaha National Park with a week on Zanzibar, exploring Stone Town’s narrow streets and relaxing on a palm-shaded beach.
US$6,230 - US$8,490 per person
More information about wild dog in our other destinations
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