Where to see Brown Hyena in Botswana
This largely solitary scavenger is one of the more elusive and little-known of Africa’s carnivores. Shaggier than its spotted cousin, it occurs only in the arid southwest of the continent.
Quick facts about Brown Hyena
| Scientific name: | Parahyaena brunnea | Habitat: | Semi-desert & savannah |
|---|---|---|---|
| IUCN status: | Near Threatened | Adult weight: | 37–43kg |
The brown hyena (Hyaena brunnea) is a secretive and solitary species found throughout Botswana. While less common than its spotted cousin, they play a crucial role in Botswana's ecosystems as efficient scavengers and are well-adapted to survive in harsh, arid environments like the Kalahari Desert where they comprise a significant portion of the carnivore biomass.
They are opportunistic feeders and often scavenge on carcasses left by other predators or for-age for small prey, eggs, and sometimes fruits. Botswana is considered to be home to around half of the world’s remaining brown hyena population with successful reintroduction programmes, like that in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in 2003, having helped to bolster numbers.
30–50km2
Foraging range
< 10,000
Estimated population
30cm
Length of neck hairs
4–6
Average clan size
The top camps for seeing brown hyena in Botswana
Based on 44 reports by our travellers since Aug 2018, visitors at these camps in Botswana have the best chances of sighting brown hyena.
Best chances to see
Good chances to see
Some sightings
No sightings yet
Top tips for seeing brown hyena in Botswana
Brown hyenas are less common and more shy than their spotted cousins. For the best chances to see them, head to a few specific areas – and make sure that you're out looking at dawn and dusk.
Best locations for brown hyena in Botswana
For the best chance of spotting brown hyenas in Botswana, focus on the Kalahari, particularly the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and the Makgadikgadi Pans. These areas offer prime habitat for brown hyenas as well as higher densities, whilst in Central Kalahari the Deception Valley area – immortalized in the book ‘Cry of the Kalahari’ – also has a good population.
Spotting these largely nocturnal creatures can be a challenge, with night drives offering the best opportunities – Jack's Camp, Camp Kalahari and San Camp are all yield promising sightings.
Consider staying at lodges where habituated clans have been reported nearby (Lebala has the most northern recorded den site with a successfully habituated clan) and keep your eyes peeled for activity around the edge of the salt pans in the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park.
Our best Botswana holidays for brown hyena sightings
Based on our travellers' reports, these ideas for Botswana safaris are likely to give the best brown hyena sightings
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$8,640 - US$10,340 per person
Red Lechwe Safari
9 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
Superb guiding from three fabulous camps full of character in three contrasting areas for a fabulous safari to the Okavango Delta and Kalahari Desert.
US$13,300 - US$28,240 per person
Wild Dog Safari
13 days • 5 locations
KASANE AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
An in-depth discovery of northern Botswana’s wilderness, from Chobe and the private Kwando Reserve to the Moremi and iconic Okavango Delta with a great variety of activities and wildlife.
US$13,450 - US$21,930 per person
Spring Hare Safari
9 days • 3 locations
KASANE AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
An authentic and diverse safari to Botswana combining the Chobe Forest Reserve, Savuti Marshes and the Okavango Delta. Strong wildlife viewing, a variety of activities and excellent value camps.
US$8,020 - US$13,320 per person
African Jacana Safari
7 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
An adventurous introduction to Botswana blending prolific wildlife, incredible landscapes and varied activities staying at relaxed camps in the Chobe Enclave, a community-owned reserve bordering the Moremi, and Makgadikgadi Pans.
US$8,550 - US$12,280 per person
Porcupine Safari
11 days • 4 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
Visit dramatically contrasting landscapes boasting a variety of species during this exploration of Botswana’s top-safari destinations. A combination of national parks and private reserves allows for a range of activities.
US$11,780 - US$16,860 per person
Wattled Crane Safari
5 days • 2 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
A good-value Botswana safari staying at comfortable lodges in prime wildlife-viewing areas – Chobe National Park and the Moremi Reserve in the Okavango Delta.
US$5,160 - US$8,310 per person
Rock Hare Self-drive Safari
20 days • 12 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
An in-depth look at Namibia from the Namib Desert to the Caprivi, with additional stops in Botswana and Victoria Falls. This three-week adventure includes an unrivalled mix of environments and is great value.
US$6,490 - US$8,250 per person
The other countries where you can see brown hyena
Click here for detailed information about brown hyena in other countries, including the places for sighting brown hyena.
