During a recent photographic expedition with C4 Photo Safaris in the Timbavati region, we were fortunate to witness an exceptional encounter with the iconic African wild dogs, also known as painted wolves. As the second most endangered carnivore species in Africa, with fewer than 7,000 individuals across the continent, any sighting of these remarkable predators is truly remarkable. Moreover, keeping pace with a moving pack of Wild dogs is an exhilarating endeavor, as their rapid trotting pace makes it extremely challenging to maintain visual contact with them.
We discovered the pack resting in the afternoon shade, but it wasn’t long before they became active. Members of the pack began nuzzling each other, and they quickly set off down the road. While on the road, we had no trouble keeping pace with them, but as soon as they veered off the road, the situation became more challenging. We could only catch occasional glimpses, and witnessed Impalas fleeing in terror every now and then. Just as we were about to abandon the pursuit, we spotted an Impala running towards a nearby watering hole, with a single Wild dog not far behind. The chase culminated in the water, as the Impala attempted to swim to safety, but the Wild dog managed to catch and drown the unfortunate Antelope.
As the wild dogs dragged the Impala carcass towards the shore, more of their pack arrived and began feeding. However, within minutes, a single Spotted Hyena stormed the scene and attempted to steal the hard-won kill. The wild dogs retaliated, and a frenzied confrontation ensued, as they refused to relinquish their prize easily. The melee of snarling, fur-flying chaos continued for several minutes, until the wild dogs eventually managed to drive the Hyena away and feed briefly.
Yet the respite was short-lived, as three more Hyenas soon arrived and claimed the remaining scraps of the Impala. This 20-minute episode of intense, natural drama played out before the eyes of the lucky photographers, who not only had the privilege of observing one of the world’s most endangered predators, but also witnessed the unfolding of an ancient, instinctual struggle for survival in the wild.
I hope that you’ve enjoyed the latest blog. Please get in touch if you have any safari ideas you want to discuss. I’m always more than excited to chat about Africa and her incredible places.
amazing!
Thanks Evert. It’s so good to see this message from you. I hope it’s going well.
Great captures and what an amazing story to witness and photograph
Thanks Annette. It was an incredible sighting. The light was so difficult though, but id rather have grainy images of this, than no images at all.