As much as I admire the big cats of Africa, I have a soft spot for all members of the canine family. Slightly built but incredibly intelligent and fiercely loyal to their packs, jackals are among the most fascinating creatures in Tanzania’s wild landscapes. Growing up surrounded by the rich stories of Africa, I’ve always been captivated by the tales of trickster animals. In many Tanzanian legends, jackals play the role of cunning survivors, outwitting stronger and faster animals with sheer intelligence—similar to the well-known trickster figure in folklore worldwide. On a recent safari with I Artist Adventure, deep in the golden plains of the Serengeti, I spotted a young side-striped jackal (Canis adustus) out foraging in the warm afternoon sun. Unlike their more famous cousins, the black-backed jackals of Kenya’s Masai Mara, side-striped jackals prefer more wooded habitats and are skilled nocturnal hunters. But on this particular day, this little trickster was eagerly hunting insects, showing the adaptability that has helped jackals survive for millions of years. A True Opportunist in the Wild The Serengeti’s jackals are survivors, thriving in an environment ruled by some of Africa’s top predators. During the Great Migration, when thousands of wildebeest and zebra cross the land, jackals take full advantage of the feasting opportunities left behind by larger predators. But in quieter seasons, they rely on their sharp senses and quick reflexes to catch smaller prey—everything from beetles and locusts to rodents and young antelope. Side-striped jackals are unique among their kind, as they supplement their diet with fruits and vegetation. This omnivorous habit makes them incredibly adaptable to the shifting landscapes of Tanzania, from the grassy Serengeti plains to the woodlands of Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Family Bonds and Fierce Loyalty One of the most endearing traits of jackals is their strong family bonds. They mate for life, and older siblings often help raise younger pups, creating a cooperative family unit. This teamwork extends to their hunting strategies as well—while they are known for their solitary scavenging, jackals have been observed working together to take down prey much larger than themselves. In Tanzania, we’ve seen pairs of jackals skillfully take on hares, birds, and even small antelope. Their tenacity and intelligence make them formidable hunters despite their small size. One of the most remarkable sightings I’ve witnessed was a lone jackal taking down a dik-dik—a small antelope nearly the same size as its attacker. With calculated precision, the jackal managed to bring down its prey with a series of swift, well-placed bites. A Testament to Survival Despite sharing the African wilderness with lions, hyenas, and leopards, jackals remain one of the continent’s most resilient species. They are rarely at the top of a traveler’s safari wishlist, yet watching them in action offers a unique glimpse into the intricate balance of life in the Serengeti. They are the ultimate survivors—versatile, intelligent, and tenacious. At I Artist Adventure, we believe that every safari should go beyond the expected. While the Serengeti’s lions and elephants are awe-inspiring, it’s encounters with underestimated animals like jackals that make an African safari truly unforgettable. Whether you’re witnessing a jackal’s clever hunting techniques or observing the quiet dynamics of a family unit, these experiences deepen your connection to the wild in ways you never imagined. Join us on a journey through Tanzania’s legendary landscapes, where every creature, big and small, has a story worth telling. Help Me Plan