Where to see Brown Hyena in Zimbabwe
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 |
Brown hyenas (Hyaena brunnea) are found primarily in the arid western and southern regions of Zimbabwe. Their population here is relatively small and fragmented, part of a larger southern African population.
Brown hyenas are protected in several national parks and reserves, including Hwange and Gonarezhou National Parks, where they play a crucial role in preserving the ecosystem, both as efficient scavengers and by helping to regulate populations of smaller prey species.
Although solitary hunters, they occasionally form small clans to defend a carcass and are skilled scavengers, known for trailing larger predators to feed on their leftovers. Their complex social structure follows a strict hierarchy, and, unlike spotted hyenas, males are typically larger than females.
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 Zimbabwe
Based on 12 reports by our travellers since Jul 2018, visitors at these camps in Zimbabwe 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 Zimbabwe
Brown hyenas can leave distinctive markings, including a paste secreted from their glands. Experienced guides who know what to look for will help improve your chance of sightings.
Best locations for brown hyena in Zimbabwe
For the best chance of spotting brown hyenas in Zimbabwe, focus on the arid western and southern regions of the country where they have adapted to the dry conditions and have stable populations.
Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's largest reserve at 14,651 km², offers good opportunities for sightings, particularly in the drier months from June to October in its Kalahari areas. They’re also occasionally recorded in Matobo National Park, where their skins and bones have been recorded as being used in spiritual rituals.
Whilst chances of sightings are low, our data gives a 10-20% chance of encountering these elusive creatures at several of Hwange’s safari camps. Visiting those which offer guided night drives, or with waterholes and nocturnal viewing hides, will help to maximise your chances of sightings further.
Our best Zimbabwe holidays for brown hyena sightings
Based on our travellers' reports, these ideas for Zimbabwe 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
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$12,060 - US$16,260 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
Sable Self-drive Safari
12 days • 7 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
A great-value southern African self-drive adventure from Namibia along the Caprivi Strip to Botswana and Zimbabwe, combining other-worldly landscapes, unforgettable wildlife spectacles and rarely visited places, and ending at Victoria Falls.
US$7,610 - US$9,200 per person
Ground Hornbill Safari
9 days • 3 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO BULAWAYO AIRPORT
This Zimbabwean odyssey explores Hwange National Park from two small camps, renowned for their great guiding, before ending with insights into cultural history, a little luxury and first-class rhino tracking in the Matobo Hills.
US$5,540 - US$8,560 per person
Side-striped Jackal Safari
6 days • 2 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
Get an in-depth experience of Zimbabwe’s colossal Hwange National Park, staying at two experience-focused camps with excellent guiding in contrasting areas. An adventurous safari for the real enthusiast.
US$3,820 - US$5,460 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$7,370 - US$9,830 per person
Great Egret Safari
12 days • 4 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT
This wonderfully varied adventure combines Botswana's Okavango Delta and a live-aboard houseboat safari on the Chobe River, with big game in Zimbabwe's dry Hwange National Park and the stupendous Victoria Falls.
US$10,340 - US$17,390 per person
Other countries where brown hyena are present
Click here for detailed information about brown hyena in other countries, including the places for sighting brown hyena.
