“Hang on!” Our African safari guide, turned Formula 1 racer, roars with a glee filled tone. I am already white-knuckling the safety bar of the safari jeep, so attempt to curl my shoe covered toes into the floor mat. “You’re going to see an African wild dog!”
His excitement floats in waves, or possibly that is just the bouncing over dusty bumps of Greater Kruger National Park I am feeling.
A fellow passenger squeals exclaiming, “Fourteen safari drives in South Africa and I have never seen wild African dogs!”
Apparently today is the day.
African wild dog (Lycaon pictus)
The African wild dog is also known as the African hunting dog, African painted dog, Cape hunting dog and the painted wolf. Surely it must be confusing to the poor canine. Why one animal should have the burden of such a litany of titles seems unknown.
Whatever name you like best, all of them fall on the endangered species list. With only four remaining populations in Africa, one of those is here in Greater Kruger National Park. Estimates place 400 – 500 wild dogs here.
“It is an incredibly lucky day to spot one!” shouts the guide over his shoulder. Our fellow passenger nods emphatically.
I smile and seal my lips to the fact that I do not even know what an African wild dog is.
I shall forever more think of the wild dog as the one with four toes. The guide, while bellowing instructions to duck oncoming branches, goes on about the little seen African dog.
“All domestic dogs have five toes but the African dog has four.”
Perhaps the four-toed feet, along with long legs, help to make the wild dogs the most efficient hunters of the large carnivores. Once a pack initiates a hunt, prey have little chance of escape.
With their massive jaws, long muzzle and bat-like large ears they are highly intelligent animals.
“If you ever are being eaten by an African animal the last one you want is the African wild dog!” calls our savvy tracking guide.
In all honesty I hope to avoid being eaten by any animal thanks just the same.
The wild dog has a cruel reputation as it begins eating its prey while still alive. Necessary in maintaining a natural balance of eliminating sick and weak animals, the African dog attempts to shake off its harsh image. Even so, a frightening thought to remove from one’s mind.
So it is this morning our guide spots the tracks of an impala on the run from three wild dogs. How it is possible to find this dramatic story playing out in footprints of the dry dirt is beyond my imagination.
Nature is not always pretty in its story telling. The impala once targeted by the African wild dogs, which can run at speeds of 60km/hr for short distances, and 40km/hour for up to 5 kilometres, has little chance.
Although the African dogs are a chatterbox bunch with a range of sounds and long distance calls, while hunting they are silent.
African wild dog sleeping with belly full of impala
African Wild Dog Facts
Occasionally attacked by lions and hyenas, animals are not the reason the species is endangered. Farmers hunt the dogs fearing that they will prey on livestock. Drastic decline of natural habitat for large packs has forced the dogs into small pockets of land. Almost all remaining wild dogs are found within National Parks.
No two African wild dogs have the exact same coat. Their markings are as unique as fingerprints. Why the patterns develop and what purpose they serve being different remains unknown.
The wild dogs are usually on the move over a very large area, up to 250 square kilometers and 50 kilometers in a single day.
The long intestine of the African wild dogs allow for more absorption of moisture from their food. This allows them to go for long periods without water.
Have you heard of the African wild dog?
I have heard of the African painted dog and seen photos online thanks to a friend with lots of interest and love for Africa. This is so amazing, Sue. You lucky girl! Must still be a result of your attitude in the beginning. 🙂 Did you take all these unique shots?
Liesbet I am quite happy to say I did take these photos. I learned so much in Africa including the facts of these disappearing pups. That day I felt quite badly I knew so little but in the end it was a gift of discovery.
These are by far the most communal predator on Africa, maybe the world. They are fiercely loyal to one another, and they will leave no dog behind. They are amazing.
Hank before we went ot Africa I had no idea about these dogs. Seeing them in action is a vivid memory of our time there.
Eating things that are still alive ensures that the meat is fresh!
I’ll say Andrew! No worries about things being preserved.
I saw a wildlife documentary about the painted dogs in Africa and was intrigued. Lucky you to have seen one up close. Great photos!
Thank you Darlene. I was so pleased to be able to capture these images and to have had such a unique experience. They really do look painted don’t they?
Great post. i had never even heard of them.
When you run out of things to report on your trip, I would like to hear how that super-light packing went for you and how you handled laundry, etc.
I promise there is a post in the works for carry on packing. I want to really put some time into it so it is helpful for people. Thanks for giving me a little push. 🙂
Very interesting animals, and your pictures are great. Thank you for sharing the photos and information.
My pleasure. Amazing what one learns while traveling. Thanks kindly for the feedback on the photos too.
Sounds like quite an experience, Sue! Great photographs….
Thanks so much Sue. I was very happy with how they turned out and of course the memories of such a thrilling adventure. Had you tucked securely in my ‘backpack’ the whole time. 🙂
Yikes, I could have fallen out and been mauled by one of those dogs!!
No no I always ensure you are safe and sound. 🙂
Phew!
🙂
I have not heard of them, so it’s wonderful to learn these details. Thank you. I’m very glad you were not eaten by one!
I’m quite glad about that myself Carrie. The number one rule when out on the game drive is not even to stand up let alone consider stepping foot off the vehicle.
A good rule for sure!
Yes seems reasonable I think. 🙂
I have heard of these and seen them (not in the flesh!), not sure where though – I do sometimes watch nature/wildlife shows on TV, so probably there. What great pictures you managed to take! And apparently how lucky to have actually seen them.
It felt as though we were in the middle of a National Geographic documentary I must say. Thanks for the kind words about the photos. I was very happy with them and of course the entire experience. Especially once I knew how rare a thing it was.
Great photos, Sue … a very lucky encounter for you to see them. Well that, and not being eaten 😉
Yes good luck all the way around! I appreciate the kind feedback on the photos. Many thanks.
I have heard of them Sue but did not come across them on our visit. Eating their prey while still alive? Yikes!
Lynn certainly according to my jeep mate a sighting is rare. On her 14th try no less! Although we missed the actual kill, thankfully, the guide took us to the scene and we saw the after math. Yikes is right.
14 safaris! Wow!
This couple has actually moved to South Africa. I think they fell in love with the place. Who can blame them? 🙂
I haven’t seen one for real, but on TV. They do have lovely round ears like a teddy bear, and definitely painted! They are very sociable animals I understand, but yes I don’t want to come too close to those jaws! Love the sleeping photo Sue – great shot 🙂
Thanks ever so much Jude. I truly appreciate the kind feedback. This trip was the first time I was using a telephoto lens.
Once the dogs had fed they did look so much like lovable domestic dogs. When on the hunt it was clear one would not want to be in their way.
Lucky, indeed! We have spent a lot of time in safari vehicles over the years and have never spotted an African wild dog. We are headed to Kruger this December, so maybe, just maybe… Your photos are just terrific. What a great sighting!
Alison many thanks for the kind feedback on the photos. Wonderful that you are going back to Kruger. I shall be hoping that you have the good fortune to see the dogs this time. Although that morning I didn’t fully realize what a gift it was to see them I have come to fully appreciate how lucky the sighting was.
Hard to picture that bloody-mouthed creature as any relative of our tame little pups here, but that is the way of nature! We saw wild dogs in Africa, but you seem to have gotten more info, so thanks for that!
Our guide was quite the teacher I will say. That was supplemented with some reading on our return home. Wonderful that you have seen them too. I must say I liked watching them more after they had eaten. Then they looked more like our domestic pups rolling on their backs in the sunshine.
I never saw an African wild dog during my sojourn there, Sue. So thanks for the photos and the information. I did, however, have a tame african dog, a Basenji, as a pet. They originated in Central Africa. The Liberians had named her Do Your Part— and she did. She was wonderful and had impeccable manners, even with out training. –Curt
Very cool to hear about your tame dog in Africa Curt. A well mannered dog without training is surely a magical gift. Clearly she took her name seriously.
Then there was the time she snuck along behind me and slipped into the grand opening of a mosque that I was attending, almost causing a riot… 🙂 –Curt
Oh my! Who has more astounding stories than you Curt? 🙂
Check this story out, Sue. 🙂 http://wandering-through-time-and-place.me/2011/02/25/
Oh my goodness Curt that is hilarious! Well funny to read I could feel you squirming out of your skin. I am so delighted to virtually know some one from the international press as well. 🙂
Chuckle. Not to funny at the time. 🙂 But then, again, anything for a good story! –Curt
I’m with you on the good story. Sometimes in the midst of some less than ideal situation I console myself as to the great story it will be later.
Chuckle. 🙂 It’s amazing how I blanked out everything afterward, Sue.
Fascinating post Sue, and you got some great shots. How lucky to see them! Did you see them catch the impala or had that already happened? There’s no mercy in nature! I’d bet the fur colouring is for camouflage – perfectly matching the light and shadows of dry grasses on a bright sunny day. Their ears are amazing!
Alison
Alison we got to them just as they were running away after devouring the impala. The guide took us back to the scene and showed us where they had captured it, began to eat it and drag away and what was left. The images won’t leave me too soon. Frankly I’ll admit I’m somewhat relieved we missed the main event.
I had never heard of the African wild dog … Beautiful animal. I had many times asked myself why snakes like to eat animals while they are still alive. You provided an answer in that sense, as I am sure the same principles apply here. I would have never thought that it had to do with the need to eliminate weak or sick potential preys….
Wishing you a great weekend ahead. Love and best wishes ??
Aquileana I’m not sure if that is why they eat them while alive or if it is just their way of killing them by blood loss. The reference to the weak and sick was that in nature this is the way that the strongest survive and the species, in this case impala, become stronger. Sorry if that was a bit confusing.
I remember seeing these dramatically gorgeous coated wild dogs, when I was a kid and we went to Kruger Park, just once. And even then a sighting was unusual, so you are indeed extremely fortunate and lucky to see them. Your photos are great, showing both front and back markings in all their drama! Such beauties…
Peta
Peta the more I hear from others who have spent a great deal of time in Africa the more I realize how truly lucky we were. Thank you for the very kind feedback on the photos. It was remarkable to see them and to have so much time to try to capture them. A treasured memory of our time in Africa.
I confess…I’ve never heard of the beast…but now I know where calico cats came from.
Oh Badfish you do make me laugh. I’m thinking these fellows would like a Calico cat for a snack.
Absolutely amazing shots. “Painted” is the perfect name for them. It looks like they have been painted!
Thank you so much for teaching us so much about this gorgeous animal!
My pleasure Nancy. They do look as though a painter ament wild with a few paintbrushes.
I remember watching a video of African wild dogs attacking a hyena. Nature really is a rough, yet beautiful place. However, I didn’t know that the dog is an endangered species. They’re not as popular as African elephants, rhinos, or hippos, but the African dogs are surely worth saving for the sake of balance of the ecology.
Bama you are so right in that for the balance of nature the dogs are needed. Reserve areas now protect them but one of the issues that the dogs require a large habitat area. It will be interesting to see what happens to the numbers in the years ahead.
I had never heard of them – they’re very handsome fellows! But I’ll pass on being eaten by them or by anything else, thank you very much. I know I should be concerned over the near-extinction of any species, but to be honest, if it’s a species that wants to eat me alive, well… 😉
I think their reputation has done the wild dogs little favour in surviving. Yes hard to develop a soft spot for such hunters. Still as we learned a vital part of the natural balance of the area.
Why oh why would the guide even mention being eaten by a wild animal, let alone the one you happen to be looking at? Sweet jeepers! The African Wild Dogs remind me of Shenzi, Banzai and Ed, they hyenas from The Lion King.
I’m thinking he was just teaching away. What seems so eyeball popping for us is there day to day world. Still it won’t be something I forget soon.
Although we didn’t see hyenas they definitely are in the area. My guess is they have similar features and likely personalities. Makes me want to watch the Lion King again.
I have seen a documentary on the African wild dog so I did learn enough to know that I wouldn’t want to have an encounter with him out in the wild. What an exciting find, given their numbers.
You were ahead of me in knowledge LuAnn. Once seen up close and personal I can confirm this is no tail wagging pup. Such a lucky sighting indeed!
I am so jealous. Getting to see the wild dogs is pretty rare I think. That one looked fat and happy with a belly full of impala. I could almost reach over and pet his fat tummy, or maybe not! I’m with you, I don’t want to get eaten by anything.
Yes I think best to keep one’s hands on the camera and inside the jeep. Once they had eaten they looked so much like domestic dogs. Prior to that they scared the wits out of me.
Hey Sue, I haven’t heard much about the African Wild Dog though when I saw your photos I do recall having seen them on a documentary. How lucky for you to have seen them. Their big ears are fascinating. I think I’d like them best after hunting and while sleeping too.
As you mention the documentary I’m thinking that perhaps I had sen them on one as well and just not retained the information. The dogs definitely have different moods before and after dinner. Like you the post eating lolling about was my pick.
Such a neat looking animal! Your images are fantastic. Definitely a memory you will never forget!
Many thanks for your kind words. You are so right this will always be a treasured memory.
great spotting 🙂
All credit for finding the dogs to our tracker and guide. Amazing animals these wild dogs.
Never heard of em but they do look like wolves. And boy, I could see the full belly and no wonder the dog could sleep soundly!
Isn’t that belly amazing? Looks like that dog got more than a fair share I would say!
You did a great job here, Sue, of expressing the absolute thrill of finding wild dogs in Africa. Drivers and guides get so excited, because they know the rarity, and it is absolutely infectious as you race in a craze to catch up to the dogs. They are fascinating to watch because they’re so playful and pack-oriented, but at the same time they’re so brutal and cut-throat. I am absolutely delighted you got the rare chance to see them, and your photos here are incredible; showing the bloody snouts and faces, and their unusual painted coats. Over the years I have found it difficult to express the thrill of finding wild dogs to people who have not seen them, because domestic dogs are so prevalent in their horizon that they have a hard time understanding the difference. I thank you for your post here, it gave me a new thrill all over again. I only saw them once (having been on dozens of game drives) but I will never forget it.
Jet my sincere and heartfelt thanks for this lovely feedback. although I felt very sheepish for not having a clue about the dogs prior to our time in Africa, perhaps the whole experience has left me better taught then if I had read about them in a book. Your lone sighting of them in multiple safari drives brings home the point yet again how unusual it is to have an encounter.
The post feeding photos speak for themselves to the ferocious nature of the kill and the eating with the blood stains telling the tale.
Many thanks for your visit and comment Jet. Best wishes to you and Athena.
Amazing encounter and brings back vivid memories of my SA safari. Conservation there is a layered and touchy subject as it directly affects so many locals.
It is a delicate balance to be sure. Thankfully the large reserve areas provide some compromise. I’m delighted the post brought back memories of your own time there.
Yes, I had as a zoo near us in the States was part of their conservation plan, so I have actually seen some in person. How thrilling to see them in the wild though! how lucky you are!
We were very fortunate to have the experience that is for sure. I am glad to hear about the conservation program. Certainly this species is in need of protection.
Well, I thought it was a dingo or a hyena so it’s a good job this wasn’t one of your quiz questions, Sue 🙂 🙂 I shall take myself off to the dunce’s corner, with the silly hat. One of them has rather a nice smile though.
Did the African experience exceed your expectations, Sue? It’s just a little different from Canada.
Not sure if that is a smile at the thought of having a big impala snack perhaps?
The trip was even more astounding than we had hoped. I truly was at a loss for words a great deal of the time. You can imagine how unusual that is!
Fascinating….love the unique design of the fur on each dog…incredible..
The coasts are pretty to look at but I would suggest not petting them. 🙂
I have never seen an African Painted Dog. Might be because I’ve never been to Africa. I did see a Mexican Painted Chihuahua, though. Our next door neighbor, Maurie Schwartzman, in order to save a bit of money, was spray painting his home rather than hire a painting company and…, I’m sure you know where this is going. How about Dave? Not a word from him. Was he eaten? And thank you for the photos. Beautiful and very interesting. What experiences you two have had!
Haha not eaten. That morning he was on a bush walk with the owner of the lodge where they were encountering white rhinos. Never a dull moment in Africa!
Love the chihuahua story. Oh my the neighborhood dogs must have teased him mercilessly.
White rhinos? Any pictures? Or did I miss them already?
You haven’t missed it Emilio. Honestly we have come home from Africa with so many stories and adventures we barely know where to start. At the least I will try to get a white rhino photo on Facebook in the days ahead. Thanks for all of your enthusiasm and feedback here and on social media. Truly appreciate it!
Oh you lucky, lucky lady! I’ve been on numerous safaris in various African countries, and I’m still waiting to see Wild Dogs. 🙂
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
With each comment and the more I understand how rare a sighting this is the more grateful I am.
Kimba the White Lion cartoon had them as characters when I was a child. Also David Attenborough’s done heaps of docos too. I think they’re nasty looking but hope that they survive endangerment. How awesome to see them!
Annie that’s great that they are familiar to you! Now that we are home and I am getting feedback form those who have been to Africa I am getting an even bigger appreciation for just how lucky we were.
I haven’t heard of these before Sue, what a sight it must have been for you!
It was so amazing to see them before and after the hunt and feeding. I shall count myself one lucky traveler!
What a great story Sue and I loved how you began it and instantly brought us in. I have never even heard of an African Dog. I had no idea they even existed. Must have been pretty amazing!
Thank you for your kind feedback Nicole. You are such an amazing writer so I take that as very high praise indeed!
I feel very fortunate to have had the experience Nicole. Now home I am coming to understand just how fortunate it was.
Sue, as you know, there’s nowhere better to see the food chain in action than on safari. It’s one thing to grimace as you watch it on TV, but quite another seeing it in the flesh (pun intended). But these contacts with nature are a good reminder of what a truly helpless species we are. I can think of lots of bad ways to go, but eaten while still alive … grim, grim. Good post. ~James
I’m with you James. Very grim indeed. I can’t seem to shake the images from my mind these weeks later. Imagine if I had actually seen the kill. Such is nature. Kind thanks for your comment and feedback. Always very much appreciated.
I have never heard of an African wild dog but they sound scary if you rub them the wrong way! Very lucky of you to spot a pack that day – it was your day 🙂 It must have been rather grim to see them go after their prey…then again, the hunted are also the hunted and that’s how the endangered cycle goes.
Yes the cycles of nature and the impact man has on the natural forces. It was an extraordinary experience Mabel and one I realize more and more that I was so fortunate to have.
Wow! No, I have never heard of the African wild dog. They are beautiful and wild in a weird kind of way. They sound so intelligent and also pack oriented, which means family oriented. I wonder if anyone has ever tried to domesticate them? What an adventure you guys always have.
They definitely are very social and travel in large packs. This group of three I think is quite unusual. As far as domesticating that is a good question. I have to say we saw very few if any pet dogs during our time in Africa. One as a I recall in almost 4 weeks.
We do seem to find adventure and are so grateful for all of the experiences.
I seem to always ask the strange questions! I love dogs and yet understand that in many countries, dogs are not ‘pets.’ Interesting that you saw few to none in Africa. Again, I so enjoy ‘traveling’ with you. xo
They are very thought provoking questions! As I thought more about this at our safari lodge they did have two rescue dogs as pets but while cycling I only saw one. Often in other countries dogs are one of the biggest issues to deal with but definitely not in South Africa.
A young friend of mine is a huge animal lover and advocate. She travels to 3rd world countries (where dogs are not treated well) and helps get them sterilized and adopted. Quite a problem. She’s even been to China to a bear refuge center!
Sounds like your friend is an amazing person. I too have a friend who volunteers in Mexico at a program where stray dogs and cats are sterilized and cared for. Big hearts these folks have.
Amazing documentary, Sue. They look exotic. Not the right post to ask, but how are things in Canada now? I’ve heard of extreme flooding.
Paula thank you for your concern. The flooding is terrible but on the other side of the country from where we are. It is very reminiscent of the flooding our city had in 2013. We feel so badly knowing what a huge impact the flooding can have. Many thanks for your kind concern.
Sue must have been an amazing experience, I have seen these animals at a zoo but it would be awesome to see them in their own habitat for sure.
Oh my Kath I can not even express my joy at seeing them in the wild. I shall be forever grateful for the magical encounters.
Sue, I experienced a wild dog pack kill in Botswana. Nature at its rawest! We raced off road to follow the dogs and arrived as they were pulling apart a young kudu. We continued to track them, seeing them as they lolled about after finishing their meal, then as they sought the leopards, who thankfully stayed up in trees and remained safe. You write beautifully about your experiences. I tend to be much drier when I write….thanks for inspiring me to lighten up!
Marlene it sounds like you had an extraordinary experience in Botswana. We hope one day to visit there as well. Africa is pure magic, even in the raw reality of nature as you describe.
Thank you for the kind words about my writing. We all have a different style and mine is really just as I speak. Don’t check the grammar or punctuation too closely. 🙂
Great post! Once upon a time, I was lucky to witness a hunt by a flock of these wild dogs in the Awash desert in Ethiopia. I drove my Landcruiser like a Formula One driver too as I was trying to keep up with the hunt. Inevitably, it ended with an impala on the table. These dogs are quite ugly, but the best hunters.