African Wild Dogs Chase Wildebeest at Umkumbe

Right place, right time! Umkumbe Safari Lodge guests witnessed this unforgettable sighting as African wild dogs chase wildebeest as they try and target a weak link in the protective barrier of horned antelope – a rare and awe-inspiring act of the wild only a fortunate few get to see in action.

Umkumbe guests look on as a pack of African wild dogs intimidate a herd of wildebeest in the Sabi Sand

The African wild dog is a fascinating and unique predator – not to mention an endangered species – and their classic hunting method often involves them tiring out a particular animal or harassing a herd until it splits making it easier for them to get at a vulnerable individual. It is evident in this video, recorded by a guest at Umkumbe, that the wildebeest herd is also displaying a classic defensive technique of creating a circle around the young members of the herd. Watch how the adults make an impenetrable unit before some individuals break away to charge at the predators. This was a very lucky sighting for guests, and it certainly goes down in the books for Umkumbe!

 

Umkumbe guests look on as a pack of African wild dogs intimidate a herd of wildebeest in the Sabi Sand

Umkumbe guests look on as a pack of African wild dogs intimidate a herd of wildebeest in the Sabi Sand

African wild dogs on the move, panting and trotting after their attempt at tackling a wildebeest

African wild dogs on the move, panting and trotting after their attempt at tackling a wildebeest

African wild dogs on the move, panting and trotting after their attempt at tackling a wildebeest