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Wild Dog Hunting
A wild dog waits, listening in the tall, dry grasses in a forested area near the den.

Wild Dogs of South Luwangwa

A den not far from Kaingo Camp

First published: 24 Aug 2026

The wild dogs (Lycaon pictus a 'painted wolf') we saw were a boisterous family group located in a forested region some 30 minutes drive from the Kaingo camp. There was one female 'den-mother' with pups (that remained hidden in the den) and a dozen or more young males and females.

he pack seemed to run some distance from the den to hunt and to return to the den late in the morning (or sometimes afternoon). It was difficult to catch sight of them running through the long grass and trees so most of my photos are of them resting near the den or greeting returning dogs with frenzied enthusiasm. Whether their hunt was successful or not, they did not bring kill back to the den but apparently regurgitated pieces of meat for the waiting den-mother.

The den itself was visible only as a low mound on top of the tunnels where the pups must have been. It had probably been built by another animal such as a warthog.
The den-mother waits for the return of the pack.
An African wild dog, alert, listening with bat-like ears.
Two African wild dogs greet each other near the den
An African wild dog, standing alert, listens for movement in the dry grass near the den.
The den-mother greets a family member returning from the hunt
Two African wild dogs tangled in a boisterous greeting
The celebration continues...
The dogs seen mid-leap with their bodies angled forward and tails raised.
A wild dog waits, listening in the tall, dry grasses in a forested area near the den.
The dog's distinctive piebald coat is perfect camouflage in the dry scrub and grasses.
An African wild dog runs through the savannah in South Luwangwa, Zambia.