Where to see Spotted Hyena in Zimbabwe
The spotted hyena has long been reviled in popular culture as ‘ugly’ and ‘cowardly’. In fact, this powerful, versatile and intelligent carnivore is one of Africa’s most fascinating, and warrants special attention on any safari.
Quick facts about Spotted Hyena
| Scientific name: | Crocuta crocuta | Habitat: | Semi-desert, forest, savannah |
|---|---|---|---|
| IUCN status: | Least Concern | Adult weight: | 40–80kg |
The spotted hyena is the largest and most widespread of four hyena species and distinguished by its round ears and spotted coat – bolder in younger individuals. Both a tireless predator, able to run down zebra, and a resourceful scavenger, using powerful jaws to consume every scrap of a carcass, it is Africa’s most efficient large carnivore.
Spotted hyena clans may number over 50 but individuals disperse widely while foraging. Alpha females, larger than males, preside over matriarchal social structures as complex as those of some primates. Cubs are born in burrows.
A highly vocal animal, the spotted hyena’s far-carrying whoop is the very essence of a night in the African bush.
40%
More bite power then leopard
5km
distance carried by contact calls
14.5kg
meat consumed at a sitting
±25%
Cubs killed by siblings during first month
The top camps for seeing spotted hyena in Zimbabwe
Based on 98 reports by our travellers since May 2018, visitors at these camps in Zimbabwe have the best chances of sighting spotted hyena.
Best chances to see
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Where to see spotted hyenas in Africa
Spotted hyenas are fairly easily observed in most major parks, especially where lions are present. Much of their activity occurs after dark, when you’re bound to hear them even if you don’t see them.
Top tips for viewing spotted hyena
Spotted hyenas range widely across sub-Saharan Africa but are best seen in reserves where other predators provide plentiful large carcasses. Prime locations include the SerengetiMaasai Mara (Tanzania/Kenya), Chobe/Okavango (Botswana), Zambezi and Luangwa Valleys (Zimbabwe/Zambia), and Greater Kruger (South Africa). With no lions around, for example on Malawi’s Nyika Plateau, spotted hyenas become the dominant predator.
At night, their calls often betray a lion or leopard kill. By day, you may find cubs lying out at the den and can observe the complex communications between clan members. On hot days hyenas sometimes cool off in mud wallows. Habituated hyenas may become bold, raiding camps at night and stealing boots or similar. On foot, look out for hyenas’ distinctive tracks and their bone-whitened droppings, known as ‘bush meringues’.
Our best Zimbabwe holidays for spotted hyena sightings
Based on our travellers' reports, these ideas for Zimbabwe safaris are likely to give the best spotted hyena sightings
Buffalo Safari
9 days • 3 locations
HARARE AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
Combining Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools and Hwange national parks with stays at intimate six-tent safari camps offering excellent walking, canoeing and game drives. Superb wildlife viewing and a real wilderness-focused experience.
US$8,040 - US$11,910 per person
Pied Kingfisher Safari
9 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO HARARE AIRPORT
A luxury safari combining three of Zimbabwe's top highlights. The trip uses some of the finest safari camps in Zimbabwe and is perfect for a family or small group.
US$7,000 - US$10,780 per person
The Highlights of Africa
17 days • 7 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT
An epic adventure taking in some of Africa’s most incredible sights and wildlife experiences, from Cape Town to the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, the Maasai Mara and an encounter with mountain gorillas.
US$14,300 - US$18,160 per person
Great Egret Safari
12 days • 4 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
A wonderfully varied adventure to Botswana and Zimbabwe combining three fantastic safari areas, a luxury river cruise and the mighty Victoria Falls.
US$9,190 - US$17,090 per person
Lion Safari
7 days • 2 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
The classic Expert Africa Zimbabwe safari. Combining two of our favourite independent camps, each run by celebrated guides, exciting game drives, world-class walks and canoeing in premier wildlife watching destinations.
US$6,950 - US$9,830 per person
Nyala Safari
10 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
A superb luxury safari in iconic Hwange and Mana Pools national parks, staying in a pair of the finest safari camps in Zimbabwe, with a grand finale at Victoria Falls
US$10,150 - US$15,050 per person
Pygmy Mouse Self-drive Safari
18 days • 10 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
A truly epic southern African self-drive safari adventure from Namibia’s mountains and deserts, along the lush Caprivi Strip to Botswana and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, staying at luxury lodges throughout.
US$5,380 - US$8,700 per person
More information about spotted hyena in our other destinations
Click here for detailed information about spotted hyena in other countries, including the places for sighting spotted hyena.
