We set out on our final morning game drive with one goal in mind: wild dogs. They usually hunt at dawn and dusk, so we were hoping to catch them in action before the day heated up.

The term “wild dog” carries a negative stigma for many people. Because these unique predators are highly endangered, conservationists have begun using the name “painted dogs” instead—a nod to their striking, patchwork coats.

Although we didn’t catch the painted dogs in action, we did come across plenty of other wildlife.

Our drive shifted focus when our guides, Dima and Smarts, got word of a lion sighting nearby. We didn’t spot the cat, but its tracks led us uncomfortably close to the village of Mababe. It’s got to be a bit unsettling knowing a big predator could come knocking at your door—invited or not.

That afternoon, we returned to the painted dogs—a pack of fourteen. Unbothered by our presence, they dozed in the shade, conserving energy for the evening hunt. While most lounged in loose clusters, the alpha female was alert near the den, guarding the pups hidden below.

Then, all at once, they stirred—some silent signal had called them to the hunt.

We tried to follow them as they slipped into hunting mode, but they soon outpaced us and vanished into the bush. As the sun dipped low, our guides asked whether we wanted to keep tracking the dogs or pause for a sundowner.

While I wanted to keep after the dogs, majority ruled. I joked to Kris that maybe the pack would bring the chase to us while we watched the sunset with a beer and some snacks. Honestly, that didn’t exactly suck.

As darkness settled over the landscape, we climbed back into the jeeps to return to camp. We had parked just ten feet from the water when, out of nowhere, two impalas burst past—racing between us and the riverbank. We’d seen plenty of impalas on safari, but never this close, and never moving so fast.

As the jeep moved forward, the reason for the impalas’ frantic sprint became clear—the painted dogs had set an ambush. One impala slipped through. The other… not so lucky.

WARNING: This video contains graphic footage of a real animal attack. Viewer discretion is advised.

Watching the kill felt like something straight out of National Geographic—raw, real, and electrifying. Even those who felt for the impala couldn’t stop talking about what we’d just witnessed.

I came away with a much deeper respect for the painted dogs. I knew they were skilled hunters, but I hadn’t realized how effective they were at keeping hyenas at bay. Despite being significantly larger, the hyenas were no match for the pack, which held its ground and left them with little more than scraps.

Our 2 days and 3 nights in the Okavango Delta were unforgettable. We saw lions feeding on a Cape buffalo they’d killed right in our camp, witnessed a mating lion pair deep in the bush, and watched a pack of painted dogs take down an impala—leaving nothing behind for the vultures. It was an incredible way to end an already remarkable safari.

While our days in the bush may be over, we’re not heading home quite yet. A trip to Victoria Falls and 4 nights in Cape Town, South Africa await.

Hakuna matata!

Just Pete

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