“The hunt begins… and your heartbeat increases.”
The sun slowly sets behind the horizon. In the twilight, we drive off-road, through the rugged grasslands of the Okavango Delta. We are looking for something special. Then it sounds: ‘Dogs! Dogs! Dogs!’ What follows is one of the most spectacular safari moments I’ve ever experienced in Botswana. A pack of wild dogs, a hunt, a sundowner… and pure magic!
It is late afternoon as we drive through a Private Concession: a private area where you can truly stray from the beaten path. Our guide perks up his ears. “Dogs, dogs, dogs!” he shouts, and we immediately rush into the tall grass. We follow one dog that is clearly onto something. Then the entire pack appears: playing, rolling through the bushes, busy masking their scent for the hunt. This is safari in Botswana at its wildest. And we have front row seats.
The tension rises, the hunt begins
The atmosphere changes: the game becomes a hunt. The dogs sniff out impalas in the distance and in one fluid motion, the entire pack takes off in pursuit. We follow at full speed. Our vehicle bounces over the savannah, clouds of dust behind us. Then suddenly: silence. In the distance, a dog with a paw in its mouth. The rest of the impala has already been eaten. It goes so fast… that is the power and cruelty of nature in Botswana.
Sharing food: the strength of the pack
Wild dogs are fascinating team players. You hear strange yips, what they call ‘begging calls.’ The well-fed dogs break off pieces of meat for the rest of the pack. This way, everyone takes care of each other. And with a hunting success rate of 85%, they are the most effective predators in Africa. And yet… they are heavily threatened. Only about 4,000 wild dogs still exist worldwide. Every moment with them is thus a privilege. And you can experience that privilege during a safari in Botswana.
Why wild dogs are disappearing
Their habitat is shrinking due to agriculture and fragmentation. And because they need a lot of prey, an average pack of ten needs four prey items per day, some parks would rather see them go than come. But precisely in areas like these, remote and protected, they still have space. My tip: do not miss this wonderful experience during your safari in Botswana.
Sundowner with elephants
It gets dark, the dogs disappear into the Mopani forest. And we keep driving and stop in a clearing overlooking the plains. The guide converts the hood into a bar in no time. Time for our sundowner. Gin Tonic, snacks, a setting sun, and… a herd of elephants in the distance. We chat a bit longer and toast to a day that is etched in our memory. This is Botswana safari!
You want to experience this yourself
These kinds of moments are hard to describe. You have to feel them yourself. So do you also want to stand face to face with a pack of wild dogs, go off-road in a Private Concession, and watch the sunset with a drink in hand? Feel free to contact me. I would love to help you plan your ultimate safari in Botswana.
