Fraud Blocker Seeing Spotted Hyena on Safari in Africa

Hyena

Hyena

There are four hyena species: spotted hyena, brown hyena, striped hyena, and aardwolf. The spotted hyena is a common and wide-spread predator that is seen in most safari areas. Unfortunately, hyenas have been unfairly vilified by many, but they are a fascinating animal and skilled hunter that live in complex social groups.

Jane Goodall, the world famous expert in studying chimpanzees, in fact, has commented that if she could choose any species to study she would select spotted hyenas because they are so unique and interesting.

Hyena Itineraries

Botswana: Ready For Action

This remarkable itinerary features locations that represent the best opportunities of Botswana's dry season excitement. The dry season of Botswana is as good as it gets to see large quantities of animals in exclusive wilderness areas. Of special note the rare African wild dog typically is denning with puppies visible from mid-July to the end of August, then September through November remains outstanding as packs with puppies are traveling small distances with a drive to hunt to feed the quickly growing pups.

Into the Botswana Wild with Victoria Falls

Experience the best of Northern Botswana in the Okavango Delta, Kwando Concession and Chobe River, plus the majestic "smoke that thunders" in Victoria Falls.

Essential Diversity: River and Desert

This safari is designed for the safari connoisseur seeking rarity, exclusivity and luxury along with the full diversity of wildlife. The itinerary includes private guiding and vehicle at both safari camps, offering the ultimate in flexibility and maximizing the opportunities to see wildlife you want to see, while maintaining supreme comfort and luxury.

South African Splendor: Cape Town and Sabi Sands Safari

Southern Africa is an incredibly diverse region with varying weather, landscapes, cultures, and wildlife.

Classic Zimbabwe: Hwange and Mana Pools with Victoria Falls

This adventure-level safari features classic bush camps, thrilling walking safaris, and an excellent value.

Zambia Walking and Waterways Safari

Zambian safaris are distinguished by the vintage expedition-style adventure delivered under the care of exceptional guides in remote wilderness areas teeming with wildlife.

Quintessential Tanzania: River Crossing Season

With the Great Migration of nearly 2 million animals in the area, the Northern Serengeti is the stage for one of nature's most famed events - the dramatic migration crossings of the Mara River.

Botswana Desert and Delta Safari: Outstanding Value, Top Wildlife and Diverse Landscapes

This safari is customized to take advantage of the best opportunities for the green season in Botswana to observe diverse wildlife.

Kenya Luxury Safari

This safari includes some of our favorite unique Kenyan accommodations and a huge variety of activities during one of the best kept secret seasons.

Ultimate East Africa: Exceptional Guiding in Northern Tanzania and the Masai Mara

This incredible itinerary features East Africa's top guides on a private safari through Tanzania and Kenya.

Kenya Family “Lion King” Safari

Kenya is the original safari country and still delivers the classic game viewing experience. This family safari is inspired by Disney's 2019 remake of its classic animated film, "The Lion King."

Botswana Exquisite Expedition: Luxury for Less

Explore the great variety of habitats and species Botswana offers. You will likely see between 30 and 35 different mammal species along with a spectacular array of birds and other wildlife.

Hyena Videos

Best Places to See Hyena on Safari

Spotted hyena den
Spotted hyena den.
Spotted hyenas are the most common of the hyena species and can be seen on safari in many of the iconic safari destinations across the continent. Some of the highest densities and most interesting areas to see spotted hyena are Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, Masai Mara in Kenya, and the Savute area of Chobe National Park in Botswana.

While there is less diversity of iconic safari species in the remote Liuwa Plains National Park in Zambia, it is one of the best places to observe spotted hyena. With only a small population of lions in the park, the hyenas reign supreme. Their population size and clan numbers result in higher hunting rates than regions where hyenas can more readily scavenge or steal from other predators. With the ongoing research of the Zambia Carnivore Programme in partnership with the exclusive King Lewanika Camp, it can be nearly guaranteed to observe a variety of hyena behavior from hunting to social dynamics.

Brown hyena are only found between the Kalahari and Namib Deserts. It helps to plan a visit that allows for night safaris to increase the chance of encountering this nocturnal animal while it is active.

Aardwolves are a very difficult species to encounter on safari. There are two subspecies on the African continent.  They prefer an arid climate with grasslands that allow them to avoid interaction with civilization. Unlike their hyena relatives, aardwolves are insectivores. They have been reported in Ethiopia, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Egypt, Angola, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia.

The striped hyena can be found from northeast Africa into the Middle East and Asia, and further north into Siberia.

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