Where to see Spotted Hyena in Zambia
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 Zambia
Based on 689 reports by our travellers since Mar 2018, visitors at these camps in Zambia have the best chances of sighting spotted hyena.
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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 Zambia holidays for spotted hyena sightings
Based on our travellers' reports, these ideas for Zambia safaris are likely to give the best spotted hyena sightings
Puku Safari
11 days • 3 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LIVINGSTONE AIRPORT
Discover South Luangwa’s prolific wildlife before exploring the wildly remote pans of Liuwa Plain National Park and relaxing in one of the Livingstone area’s most romantic and exclusive hideaways. A safari of luxury, style and impressive diversity.
US$14,970 - US$19,920 per person
Perekani Walking Trail
10 days • 5 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Five smart but rustic bushcamps are the comfortable staging posts for this walking safari in South Luangwa. The route offers outstanding seclusion and rich wildlife with top-quality guiding throughout.
US$9,590 - US$12,210 per person
Duiker Safari
10 days • 3 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Three luxurious bushcamps in stunning riverside locations, split between the South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi national parks, offer a wide variety of expert-guided safari activities in stunning game-rich environments.
US$10,960 - US$14,470 per person
Civet Safari
9 days • 4 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Combining three intimate bushcamps in the quieter south of the South Luangwa, this safari will appeal to those looking for an interesting mix of walking and vehicle safari.
US$8,490 - US$9,970 per person
Greater Bushbaby Safari
8 days • 2 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
The perfect safari for a family or group of friends during which to create everlasting memories. Visit Zambia’s two most productive wildlife parks staying in four-bedroom houses, designed in a unique and fun way.
US$10,660 - US$13,240 per person
Boehm's Zebra Safari
7 days • 2 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
This safari combines two high-quality owner-run camps in a very productive region of the South Luangwa. The guiding is excellent and with its hides this safari is perfect for serious photographers.
US$7,490 - US$9,410 per person
Vervet Monkey Safari
7 days • 2 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Explore the world-class wildlife of Zambia’s South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi national parks in considerable luxury, guided by experts from two sister camps renowned for their excellent level of care.
US$8,780 - US$10,990 per person
Fruit Bat Safari
6 days • 2 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
Offering a highly specialised experienced, this safari uses two simple bases for access to South Luangwa and Kasanka National Parks. Visit between October and December when you will witness the world’s largest mammalian migration of millions of fruit bats.
US$5,220 - US$6,080 per person
Crawshay's Zebra Safari
10 days • 4 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
This superb safari combines two of Zambia’s best national parks, the South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi. The camps are small and high quality with excellent safari guides.
US$10,460 - US$13,820 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.
