Where to see wild dogs in Zimbabwe
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 |
Zimbabwe is an important stronghold for the African wild dog, with an estimated 660–700 individuals in some 86 packs. There are three main population centres: the Greater Hwange Ecosystem in the north-west; the Lower Zambezi Valley in the north-east; and the south-east lowveld. Dispersing dogs occasionally turn up outside these areas (recently recorded, for example, by camera trap in the Matobo Hills), but are often persecuted so seldom hang around. Zimbabwe hosts several excellent conservation projects that focus on wild dogs, including Painted Dog Conservation and the African Wildlife Conservation Fund. However, threats including road traffic, snaring and the bushmeat trade continue to take their toll.
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 Zimbabwe
Based on 71 reports by our travellers since Jun 2018, visitors at these camps in Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe
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.
Zimbabwe: wild dog hot spots
Zimbabwe’s wild dogs have become famous thanks to BBC footage of the Dynasties packs in Mana Pools National Park. This park offers a unique opportunity to walk with wild dogs, which are habituated to humans. However, numbers have recently declined, with the two well-known packs now reduced to one. It is hoped that packs from elsewhere in the Zambezi Valley will help restore the park’s population. Elsewhere, Hwange National Park in the north-west has long been a hotspot. Numbers have also declined here, but 2023 saw five packs recorded in surrounding buffer zones, so the regional population remains healthy. At Hwange’s Painted Dog Conservation Centre, you can learn about protecting this endangered species and meet rehabilitated individuals. In the south-east lowveld, some 220 wild dogs are divided roughly evenly between the Save Valley Conservancy and Gonarhezou National Park. Numbers and sightings here are increasing.
Our best Zimbabwe holidays for wild dog sightings
Based on our travellers' reports, these ideas for Zimbabwe safaris are likely to give the best wild dog sightings
Pied Kingfisher Safari
9 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO HARARE AIRPORT
A luxury safari combining three of Zimbabwe's top highlights. The trip uses some of the finest safari camps in Zimbabwe and is perfect for a family or small group.
US$8,470 - US$11,860 per person
Klipspringer Safari
8 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO BULAWAYO AIRPORT
An outstanding-value Zimbabwe safari exploring Victoria Falls and two contrasting locations in western Zimbabwe – Hwange and the Matobo Hills – giving you a real feel for Zimbabwe, its people and wildlife.
US$2,890 - US$3,570 per person
Lion Safari
7 days • 2 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
The classic Expert Africa Zimbabwe safari. Combining two of our favourite independent camps, each run by celebrated guides, exciting game drives, world-class walks and canoeing in premier wildlife watching destinations.
US$7,370 - US$9,830 per person
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$10,360 - US$17,410 per person
Buffalo Safari
9 days • 3 locations
HARARE AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
Combining Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools and Hwange national parks with stays at intimate six-tent safari camps offering excellent walking, canoeing and game drives. Superb wildlife viewing and a real wilderness-focused experience.
US$8,840 - US$11,910 per person
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$15,270 - US$19,670 per person
Leopard Safari
13 days • 4 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT
Victoria Falls, Botswana and Cape Town – a classic southern African itinerary combining luxury, wilderness, safari and culture. We can't think of a better way to spend two weeks.
US$13,430 - US$17,990 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.
