Photographic Safari: In Search Of Painted Wolves

Visit Lower Zambezi National Park and Kafue National Park in Zambia with acclaimed wildlife photographer Nick Dyer in search of wild dogs. At Natural World Safaris we firmly believe in right time, right place, and Zambia is the perfect destination to take advantage of good sightings of a large pack of wild dogs.

Around 100 years ago there were probably 500,000 wild dogs left in Africa; today we are left with just 6,500 making them the continent’s second most endangered carnivore. Wild dogs are widely misunderstood and often maligned. They are ruthless and efficient killers, working as a pack, hunting swiftly and efficiently but it is this team work that also makes them endearing. Watching the pack interact, talking together, playing together, looking after each other is a real privilege. While seeking them out will be the focus of this safari (no particular encounter can be guaranteed) there will also be plenty of other wildlife encounters as we explore two wildlife-dense pockets of Zambia.

Day 1: Arrive Lusaka - After your international flight lands at Lusaka, you will spend the night at the Wild Dog Lodge.

Day 2-5: Kafue National Park - Departing Lusaka, you will be flown to Lufupa airstrip and transferred to Musekese Camp a small, authentic bush camp set overlooking a seasonal lagoon close to the Kafue River in the exclusive north-east section of Kafue National Park. During your stay you will explore the Musekese region with the camp’s team of expert guides and Nick. Game viewing in the area is superb and as well as seeking out painted dogs, you will also have the opportunity to encounter other game and predators.

Days 6-9: Lower Zambezi National Park - Departing from Lufupa, you will fly to the Jeki airstrip and transfer to the comfortable Kutali Camp in the remote eastern sector of the Lower Zambezi National Park. Alongside your photographic guide, Nick Dyer, you will head out in search of painted dogs and other wildlife and four of the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo.

Day 10: Depart Zambia - On your final day you will be flown from Jeki back to Lusaka for your international flights home.

Musekese Camp

Perched on the edge of a spectacular lagoon hidden away from the outside world. The camp has made a name for itself with expert guiding, exceptional food and phenomenal wildlife viewing. During your stay, explore this game-rich area by vehicle, foot or boat along the emerald green Kafue River. Rooms at Musekese Camp are spacious and comfortable with all the necessities. This includes en-suite flushing toilets and on-demand hot water showers.

Kutali Camp

Located under the stunning Winterthorn forest on the secluded Kulefu Island in the remote eastern sector of the park, Kutali is a comfortable yet luxury tented camp with the charm and ethos of a true seasonal bush-camp. Each of the 5 guest tents are bespoke, carefully and expertly located for the best possible views across the Zambezi River. High quality linen and mattresses, alongside flushing toilets, running water taps and traditional bucket-showers! A main area stretch-canvas tent set beneath the towering Winterthorn trees makes for an exceptional location for meals, reading, charging cameras and wildlife watching.