Can You Spot and See Wild Dogs in Kenya? 3 Best Places to Spot Them
The shortest answer is yes, you can see wild dogs in Kenya, but they are only spotted in selected areas within the country. Wild dogs are among the most endangered wildlife species known to live, and they are in high protection in order to protect them from extinction.
African Wild dogs are incredible and interesting wildlife characters you will ever encounter on an African safari. They are mostly spotted in most of the Southern Countries such as Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Namibia, but as well spotted in Tanzania and Kenya too.
African Wild Dogs are incredibly social animals who are devoted to friendship and building relationships within their pack. They form strong bonds, showing care and support to pack members who may be ill or weak. Intelligent communication helps them through all walks of life, whether it’s hunting for food, understanding family roles, or locating safety.
Despite this will to work together and survive, African Wild Dogs are an endangered species. If their population numbers are to improve, they will need support from conservation projects.
Where can you see African Wild Dogs in Kenya?
Below we have shared some specific locations in Kenya where you can spot these special wildlife species.
1. Tsavo West and East National Park
African Wild dogs are dominant in the largest park in Kenya, that is the Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Park. Despite them being hard to spot, on a lucky day, you can see them hunting in packs, or relaxing under a tree for shade.
They are rarely seen in these two parks, making them a jackpot sighting if you happen to see them. It’s easy to spot them in hot and dry months, but as well during the rainy season, they tend to run away from the wet grounds and bushes and are seen on roads.
2. Samburu National Reserve and Laikipia Region
The Samburu National Reserve and the Laikipia Conservancies share the same ecosystem that happens to host and be home to lots of African wild dogs. It’s easy to see wild dogs in Samburu while on a game drive in the larger area covering the Buffalo Springs and Shaba Reserves.
If you visit the neighboring conservancies such as the Lewa Conservancy, Borana Conservancy, and Loisaba Conservancy, you will be lucky enough to spot these packs of wild dogs hunting. If you are on a short stay, a tour to Ol Pejeta Conservancy can help you spot a few, though not guaranteed to spot them.
3. Masai Mara National Reserve
African Wild dogs have been spotted severally in Masai Mara, but not that frequently, making the reserve also a destination to spot wild dogs in Kenya. They have not been spotted in the main reserve but in the neighboring conservancies.
They are not many in numbers in Masai Mara, but on a lucky day, it’s easy to spot them loitering, hunting, or just resting. It is believed they come from the neighboring Maasai communities from Loita Plains southwest of Masai Mara. It hardly heard off, someone has spotted a wild dog in the Greater Masai Mara.
7 Interesting Facts about African Wild Dogs
As we have seen above, these are some of the most interesting wildlife species you will ever encounter. Below we look at some of the most interesting facts about wild dogs in Africa.
- African wild dog packs have an 80% success rate when hunting, thanks to high levels of communication.
- They generally live up to the age of 11 when living in the wild.
- They can run up to 44mph – the same as a greyhound!
- Has incredible hearing, with muscles allowing its large rounded ears to swivel.
- They are extremely loyal to their species and habitat, failing to become domesticated by humans.
- They use abandoned underground warthogs and porcupine dens to give birth in.
- Pups are given priority over dominant pack members for feeding.
- Following a hunt African wild dogs will regurgitate meats for any pups in their litter.
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