Where to see Spotted Hyena in Botswana
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 than 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 Botswana
Based on 472 reports by our travellers since May 2018, visitors at these camps in Botswana 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 Botswana holidays for spotted hyena sightings
Based on our travellers' reports, these ideas for Botswana safaris are likely to give the best spotted hyena sightings
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$7,290 - US$13,320 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
Reedbuck Safari
8 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
Focussing on the Okavango Delta and combining the crème de la crème of Botswana’s camps – Zarafa, Vumbura Plains and Mombo – this is one of the finest safari experiences in Africa.
US$19,610 - US$36,280 per person
Kudu Safari
7 days • 2 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
A luxury Botswana safari exploring the Okavango Delta staying at Nxebega Camp and the stunning Sandibe Lodge, with excellent guiding and some of the most prolific wildlife viewing anywhere in Africa.
US$8,730 - US$21,060 per person
Steenbok Safari
9 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
A classic Botswana safari exploring the Moremi, Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta. Excellent wildlife viewing and a variety of activities from three of our favourite traditional tented camps.
US$7,990 - US$13,480 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$10,710 - US$16,860 per person
Large-spotted Genet Safari
9 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
A luxury safari exploring the Okavango Delta and Linyanti–Savuti, two of the best wildlife viewing areas in Botswana, staying at three top camps renowned for their guiding for a first-class experience.
US$12,020 - US$23,640 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.
