This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Skip to main content

Talk to an expert 1-800-242-2434 Lines now closed

User menu
Striped Hyena
Asset 9

Striped Hyena

Where to see Striped Hyena in Kenya

The striped hyena is the most widespread of the world’s hyenas, but absent from southern Africa and a rare safari sighting anywhere. A nocturnal scavenger, it is shyer and more solitary than its spotted cousin.


About image

Quick facts about Striped Hyena

Scientific name: Hyaena hyaena Habitat: Semi-desert, savannah
IUCN status: Near Threatened Adult weight: 22–55kg

Striped hyenas are smaller than spotted hyenas. They share the front-heavy, sloping profile but differ in their pointed ears, striped coat and thick, erectile mane along the spine.

Solitary scavengers, striped hyenas inhabit open bush, typically in semi-arid and rocky regions, and range widely in search of carcasses – also sometimes eating insects and wild fruits. Like other hyenas, this species marks its territory using pungent ‘pastings’ from the anal gland.

The den is typically an abandoned burrow, cave or crevice. Here the female gives birth to two to four pups, which she nurses for over a year. Striped hyenas defend their kill against other predators and, elsewhere in the world, may forage co-operatively alongside wolves.


39

Confirmed range countries worldwide

5,000–14,000

Estimated worldwide population (IUCN)

27m

Max recorded length of den (Israel)

90–91 days:

Gestation period

The top camps for seeing striped hyena in Kenya

Based on 82 reports by our travellers since May 2018, visitors at these camps in Kenya have the best chances of sighting striped hyena.


Best chances to see

Good chances to see

Some sightings

No sightings yet

Top 10 camps for striped hyena

% of travellers who saw striped hyena

Top 10 camps for striped hyena

% of travellers who saw striped hyena

Where to see striped hyenas in Africa

Striped hyenas range well beyond Africa but are hard to see anywhere. On safari, the best locations are in Kenya and northern Tanzania, where night drives on small reserves are often your best bet.


Top tips for viewing striped hyenas

Striped hyenas occur across North and East Africa, the Middle East and India. On safari, however, they are among the least known of Africa’s large carnivores.

Although found in the northern half of Tanzania, including Serengeti, Ruaha and Tarangire national parks, sightings are perhaps most reliable in central Kenya, including in Meru, Samburu and Shaba national parks and on the private conservancies of Laikipia. Typically, these involve chance encounters with foraging individuals during a night drive or early in the morning.

In areas with an active den, a discreet stake-out may produce a longer sighting; ask your guide about any recent activity. The striped hyena is more silent than its spotted cousin but a pile of bones near the den site may betray its presence.

image

Our best Kenya holidays for striped hyena sightings

Based on our travellers' reports, these ideas for Kenya safaris are likely to give the best striped hyena sightings


Itinerary image

Hamerkop Fly-In Safari

8 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Different wildlife, contrasting camps and a whole host of activities, this is a safari for those wanting to get out and about and not just sit in a vehicle.

US$6,350 - US$10,960 per person

Itinerary image

Rothschild Giraffe Safari

8 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

A example of a luxury Kenyan safari, starting at the iconic Giraffe Manor before fabulous stays on the spectacular Solio Reserve and Sala’s Camp in a remote corner of the Maasai Mara.

US$11,720 - US$17,830 per person

Itinerary image

African Finfoot Fly-in Safari

7 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

After a unique start in Nairobi National Park, classic, luxurious camps combine for a high-end and exclusive safari in fantastic wildlife destinations.

US$9,900 - US$17,340 per person

Itinerary image

Golden Weaver Fly-In Safari

6 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

A rustic, adventurous week on safari with great community involvement that offers incredible value for money in two very different locations – the Amboseli and Maasai Mara ecosystems.

US$3,280 - US$3,720 per person

Itinerary image

Greater Kudu Fly-In Safari

7 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Experience a truly authentic bush experience on this safari at two classic tented camps, in Laikipia and the Maasai Mara. These are some of the best places to spot wild dogs and big cats.

US$7,170 - US$9,080 per person

Itinerary image

Black Kite Fly-in Safari

10 days • 4 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Explore Kenya in-depth with visits to Nairobi and Meru national parks, the Mara Conservancies and Amboseli. Nestled in remoter regions, four camps provide fantastic access to rich game, a range of activities and beautifully diverse landscapes.

US$9,260 - US$11,960 per person

Itinerary image

Tawny Eagle Fly-in Safari

7 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Explore Laikipia and the Maasai Mara ecosystem with stays in the Ol Pejeta and Naboisho conservancies. Two smart yet authentically rustic bush camps provide a traditional safari experience, offering a high standard of guiding and excellent level of care.

US$4,340 - US$8,630 per person

Itinerary image

Martial Eagle Fly-in Safari

9 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

This stylish fly-in safari visits two of Africa’s most iconic parks, the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and Tanzania's Serengeti National Park.

US$10,740 - US$17,740 per person

View all holidays to Kenya

More information about striped hyena in our other destinations

Click here for detailed information about striped hyena in other countries, including the places for sighting striped hyena.


Login to Expert Africa

Sign in with password

Sign in with email link


New to Expert Africa? Create an account

Forgotten your details?

It's free & quick to set up

  • Save your wish-list
  • Send us an enquiry
  • Pay online for your trip
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Give us feedback on your trip
  • Full site benefits of the site

Need some help? Talk to our team

Newsletter background

Stay in the know with Expert Africa

Join our newsletter. Get the latest on new camps and lodges, insights from our team, uplifting conservation stories and more...

A few more details and you're subscribed

Thanks!

Almost there! We've sent you an email to confirm your subscription. Just click on the link and you'll soon be receiving our newsletter in your inbox.

In the meantime, take a look at our previous Bush Telegraph newsletters.