There is no denying that over the past couple of months Londolozi Guides, Trackers and Guests alike, have been treated to some incredible sightings of the ever-elusive packs of wild dogs that roam through the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve. And yes you read that correctly…”packs”, with sightings of four known different packs all having taken centre stage on Londolozi’s timeless landscape.
A pack of wild dogs take a moment to pause and scan their surroundings for their next potential hunting opportunity.
The mere mention of wild dogs in the area is enough to electrify the atmosphere of any safari experience. These creatures, with their vivacious demeanor, boundless energy and stunning mottled coats bring an unparalleled thrill to any game drive. Each sighting offers a fleeting glimpse into their dynamic and cooperative world, where pack dynamics and instinctual prowess reign supreme. There is no surprise as to why they are one of the most sought-after animals to view whilst on safari.
Let me first start by mentioning that sightings of these elusive animals are extremely precious as they are one of Africa’s most endangered carnivores second only to the Ethiopian Wolf. Furthermore, wild dogs are nomadic and do not have territories but rather occupy home ranges that can be more than 450 square kilometres. Fortunately for us, due to the concentration of wild dogs within the Greater Kruger National Park, we do not experience ranges this large. However, the packs that roam this wilderness still occupy significant home ranges which could mean weeks before wild dogs are found on Londolozi.
The Othawa pack of wild dogs with their most recent litter of pups, cautiously cross the Sand River keeping a watchful eye for any crocodiles that may be lying in wait
The current population within the Greater Kruger National Park is estimated at around 400 wild dogs with only about 54 different packs. However, it is important to note that these numbers constantly change with the mortalities of individuals and with packs that split as they disperse to different home ranges.
Statistics such as this make it even more remarkable that we have been privileged to view these four different packs on Londolozi alone.
It is important to mention that it can be quite difficult to keep track of the respective packs of wild dogs. Without the presence of any distinguishing features or any easily recognizable characteristics of their individual colouration, we have to turn to the number of canids present within the respective pack.
So let me highlight the makeup of the respective packs that we have been seeing over the past couple of months.
What we know about these packs:
- The Toulon Pack – 12 Dogs -This pack originates from around the Skukuza area within the Kruger National Park.
- The Imbali Pack – 14 Dogs – This pack originates from around the Northern parts of the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve
- The Othawa Pack – 9 Dogs – This pack has offered us the most frequent viewing over the past couple of years originating from the areas just to the west of Londolozi.
- The Pack of Three – 3 Dogs – This pack has split from a larger pack originating from around the Timbavati River area between Orpen and Satara in the Kruger National Park.
Despite all the incredible sightings these respective packs have provided over the past couple of months, there has been one pack in particular that has begun to cause quite a bit of optimistic excitement. The Pack of Three, consisting of two males and a single female, are beginning to be seen more and more regularly throughout Londolozi’s landscape to the South of the Sand River.
It goes without saying that any sighting of these elusive carnivores are extremely special in their own respect, regardless of whether they are hunting, feeding, on the move, wallowing or even just taking refuge in the shade during the heat of the day. Among all of the incredible sightings we have had of these particular wild dogs, Ranger Robbie, beautifully recalls a recent sighting that has definitely been a highlight.
![Ntsevu Pride, Wild Dogs And Rhino (10) [rcb]](https://media.londolozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/12140133/Ntsevu-pride-wild-dogs-and-rhino-10-RCB-1598x923.jpg)
A snapshot into the sighting of the pack of three seen together in one frame with two of Africa’s Big Five. Here the pack came bounding through the clearings approaching a White Rhino Bull and the Kambula pride that were resting in the shade of the thickets.
Two of the three wild dogs that make up the ‘Pack of Three’ pause perfectly along the old railway line in the southwest of Londolozi for Ranger Patrick to snap a picturesque portrait of these captivating predators.
Stay tuned for more on this small but up-and-coming pack!
I was wondering how on earth you could tell the packs apart – I guess a problem arises when 2 packs have the same number of dogs. And when 2 packs collide as in Sean’s virtual safari…!
Hi Suzanne, it can definitely get quite tricky but you really have to just hone into the finest of details (if you are lucky enough for them to pause and give you an opportunity to look). What an incredible sighting that was! Ranger Robbie puts it best, they truly are “agents of chaos”.
I wish this small pack of three good luck and hope that they will soon raise their own pups successfully!
Saw such a pack of three at Tswalu and nobody believed that they would ever have pups. And now they are a pack of fifteen having raised 12 pups successfully to adulthood.
Thank you Christa, we are all holding thumbs that this particular pack will be successful in the expansion of their family unit in the coming months.
These packs of wild dogs caused quite a stir coming to Londolozi frequently for all to see them. They are endangered, so it is a blessing to have them there and being able to see the different packs. So energetic and always on the go.
I could not agree more, Valmai. Any sighting of these magnificent creatures is a highlight of many safari experiences.
Thank you for the update on the wild dogs Reece. It will be interesting to follow the different packs as the traverse the range around LOndolozi.
Thank you William. Hopefully this is just the beginning of their story as they spend more time in and around Londolozi.
Great post Reese! I love the wild dogs, and really appreciate the breakdown of the packs currently roaming Londolozi. I’ll look forward to hearing more about The Pack of Three, and wishing them the best of chances!
Hi Paul, I am so glad that you enjoyed this update. It truly is so fascinating being able to follow these animals as their stories are forever changing.
Reece, seeing four packs of wild dogs on one property is fantastic and certainly creates optimism as to the future for this endangered species. Whether you see a pack of three or fourteen, any sighting of these carnivores is exciting. Hopefully they will stay in close proximity of Londolozi for more viewing pleasure.
Thank you Denise, I am so glad you enjoyed this update on the current Wild Dog packs we have been seeing. We are holding thumbs that the special sightings of these magnificent creatures continue for months to come, especially with the denning periods being just around the corner!