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.

Bushman’s Botswana

Return to the origins of humanity as you head deep into the heart of Botswana and the world-famous Okavango Delta and Kalahari Desert. Experience the Old Way of the Bushmen - the indigenous people of southern Africa.

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.

Big Five of Southern Africa

Southern Africa is an incredibly diverse region with varying weather, landscapes, cultures, and wildlife. This itinerary covers three major highlights of Southern Africa: The Greater Kruger National Park, Victoria Falls and the Okavango Delta.

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.

Malawi Expedition: Trekking Mt. Mulanje and Liwonde Safari with optional Lake Malawi Finale (Origins Collection)

Our Malawi Expedition combines an incredible hut-to-hut alpine trekking experience, outstanding scenery, wildlife viewing in a premiere national park, and the optional finale of swimming, snorkeling and kayaking off your private island camp in Lake Malawi.

Wonders of the Crater and Trek to Lake Natron with optional Serengeti Biologist Finale (Origins Collection)

Our Tanzania Trekking and Wonders of the Ngorongoro adventure is the very epitome of getting off the beaten track. This adventure takes you on foot through the volcanic landscapes of northern Tanzania, traveling through areas that are impossible to reach by road.

Botswana Elephant Safari

This elephant-focused safari takes you to some of the best locations in all of Africa for seeing and interacting with elephants.

Big Cats & The Great Migration (Calving Season) – Group Trip 2024 (FULL)

The ultimate small group Serengeti adventure with elite biologist guide team, Fadhil Magoye and David Maira. Explore three distinct areas of the Serengeti ecosystem including Ndutu for the Great Migration Calving Season and the world's best cheetah viewing, the Central Serengeti's remote eastern plains and the Northern Serengeti which is incredibly exclusive at this time of year (perhaps the best kept safari secret)! Your guides have an unrivaled passion for the wilds of Tanzania, and the skills and knowledge to match. The knowledge of big cats and overall wildlife behavior between these guides is astounding and they are ready to share it all with their guests on this safari. The group size is guaranteed to be small, with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of just 8 guests.

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.

Wild Origins Safari: Botswana and Zambia

From $14,850 per person Explore the highlights of Botswana's world class Okavango Delta and the wilds of Zambia's South Luangwa.

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."

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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