The Adventurous Canines of Mkhuze Game Reserve

People visit reserves for different reasons. Some come to observe, while others come to take action. Last December, I had the incredible opportunity to spend a few days with a group of dedicated individuals at Mkhuze Game Reserve in Zululand. They were the ones who made things happen, the problem-solvers, the unwavering protectors. They were the rangers and volunteers of WildlifeACT, and their mission was clear: to ensure the safety and well-being of a special pack of African painted dogs.

I have to admit, I couldn’t help but think to myself, “You have to be a special kind of person to do this.” I was sitting on a hard wooden bench in the back of an old Land Cruiser bakkie, feeling a little awkward as I shifted my weight. We had been on a tracking mission for five long hours already, and all we had to show for it was the constant static coming from the VHF receiver. As I observed one of the volunteers stand up for what seemed like the twentieth time that day, I watched her scan the horizon with the receiver, straining her ears for any sign of the elusive wild dog pack. But all she heard was more static. Those dogs were just out of range, hidden away in a valley nearby. It felt like they were a million miles away.

Let me tell you about the bush. It’s like a secret hideout, where all sorts of creatures live. But there’s also danger lurking in the shadows. Sometimes, even if you have all the best equipment and knowledge, it’s still hard to find what you’re looking for. That’s what happened to us.

After a long day, we drove back home not knowing if the animals we were searching for were still out there. It was frustrating.

The next morning, we woke up really early, when most people are still sleeping. It was a crazy time to be awake. But we had a mission. And two hours later, we found them – the Mkhuze pack. Watching those beautiful creatures was like watching a real-life documentary. They showed us how smart and social they were. It was truly amazing. And to top it all off, these animals are endangered. So seeing them up close was a real privilege.

But as I sat there, observing the final painted dogs fade into the thicket, I couldn’t help but contemplate the question again: “Was it worth the wait?” It struck me that I had only been here for a single day, while the WildlifeACT team at Mkhuze and the surrounding reserves were immersed in this incredible work every day. Their commitment and devotion were unwavering, and as one of their T-shirts succinctly stated, they understood that “This is Zululand, not Disneyland.”

Learn More

Don’t forget to check out the WildlifeACT blog, where you can find news and updates from real people who are making a genuine impact on wildlife conservation in Africa. You can also stay connected with us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates.