Before the first light of dawn, we set out from camp with a sense of anticipation that only the bush can inspire. Our mission was clear: find the elusive Othawa pack of African wild dogs. These incredible predators had been denning for months, raising their latest litter of pups out of sight deep in the western reaches of our reserve.

The full complement of the Othawa Pack the last time we saw them on Londolozi.

As we rolled quietly through the cool, pre-dawn air, the bush was alive with the sounds of the night winding down and the day beginning. Our hopes were high as this pack has faced incredible challenges over the years, and seeing their pups for the first time would be a moment to treasure.

The Challenge of Tracking Wild Dogs

Wild dogs are among the most exciting animals to track, but also among the most challenging. When they have young pups, the adults typically leave them safely at the den while they set out to hunt. Unlike lions or leopards, their movements are wildly erratic as they fan out in search of prey.

This means their tracks can be confusing, looping back on themselves with no clear direction of travel. Despite this, we found fresh tracks early on, our hearts racing as we tried to make sense of the patterns in the sandy roads. Every decision mattered: turn left or right, pause or push on.

Three wild dog pups are playing while the adults are resting after a morning of hunting

Then came the breakthrough.

A Dead Giveaway

The radio crackled to life with a call: three hyenas had been spotted feeding on the carcass of an impala ram. Immediately, we knew what this meant. Hyenas are opportunists, often stealing kills from wild dogs. The presence of the scavengers strongly suggested that the pack had made a kill and been robbed of it.

The rush of dopamine one gets when coming around the corner and seeing a pack of wild dogs trotting towards you is unparalleled

We shifted gears and raced toward the area, scanning the bush for movement. We decided not to go directly to where the hyenas were feeding and instead looped wide around the scene, hoping to intercept the pack. It didn’t take long. There they were, the Othawa Pack, their coats splattered with fresh blood, living proof of a successful hunt, even if they hadn’t gotten to enjoy the whole meal themselves.

A Wild Chase and a Giraffe Standoff

The encounter was electric. The dogs barely paused before trotting past us, their energy crackling in the cool morning air. We followed them down a narrow, thickly vegetated road, every turn of our tyres adding to the suspense. At the end of the road, a journey of giraffes stood tall and tense, their long necks all pointing in one direction, straight at the oncoming pack. Giraffes are often the silent sentinels of the bush, their gaze revealing predators we might otherwise miss.

As the wild dogs approached, the giraffes scattered in a flurry of awkward yet graceful movements, fleeing from the predators. The dogs barely seemed to notice, continuing on their mission with unwavering focus.

Organised Chaos with the Pups

We soon discovered their true destination: the pups. As we arrived, a scene of organised chaos unfolded. Eight tiny pups, now old enough to have left the den and follow the adults for short periods, erupted with excitement as the adults returned.

What followed was a heartwarming display of wild dog family life. The pups begged for food, squeaking and nipping at the adults. In response, the adults regurgitated meat from the morning’s hunt — a vital act of care and survival in wild dog society. This ritual ensures that even the youngest members of the pack share in the spoils of a successful hunt.

Watching this, we couldn’t help but marvel at the complex social bonds that define wild dog packs. Their cooperation and selflessness are among the most remarkable in the animal kingdom.

The Dopamine Rush of the Chase

As guides and trackers, experiences like this are our own version of a dopamine hit. The search, the uncertainty, the split-second decisions — all culminating in a moment of pure reward when we finally find what we’ve been seeking.

Wild dogs play fighting

This morning, it felt as though we were reading the language of the wilderness itself: the tracks in the sand, the behaviour of the giraffes, the signs of a stolen kill. Each clue brought us closer to this extraordinary sighting, and the satisfaction was immense.

The Road Ahead for the Othawa Pack

Raising wild dog pups is a perilous journey. Only time will tell if all eight of these pups survive to adulthood. History reminds us that tragedy is never far away: rival predators and the unforgiving realities of the wild can all take their toll. For now, though, the Othawa pack has achieved something truly remarkable. After months of secrecy, they’ve emerged stronger, offering us a rare glimpse into their hidden world.

As the sun climbed higher and the pack settled down, we left them to their family rituals, grateful to have witnessed such an intimate chapter in their story. Whatever challenges lie ahead, this morning will remain etched in our memories as a testament to the resilience and beauty of one of Africa’s most endangered predators.