Spotted hyenas live in clans led by females and hunt much of their own food. Their whooping calls are a classic sound of the African night.
Best places to see it
TanzaniaSerengeti National Park
Endless plains, big cats and the Great Migration year-round in different parts of the park.
Jan to Feb, Jun to Oct 3 to 4 nights
Ngorongoro Crater
A vast volcanic caldera packed with wildlife, one of the best places to see black rhino.
Jun to Feb 1 to 2 nights
Where to see it
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Masai Mara
- Serengeti
- Kruger
Our destination guides: Serengeti National Park · Ngorongoro Crater
Best time
All year.
Tips
- Listen for whoops at night from camp.
Did you know?
- Hyena clans are led by females, which are larger than the males.
Conservation status: Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Check iucnredlist.org for the latest assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to see the spotted hyena in Africa?
Ngorongoro Crater; Masai Mara; Serengeti.
Is the spotted hyena endangered?
It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
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