# Hyena > Discover the Hyena, one of Africa's most misunderstood yet highly intelligent predators. Famous for its powerful jaws, complex social structure, and unique vocalizations, the spotted hyena plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Found across grasslands, savannahs, woodlands, and national parks throughout Africa, hyenas are both skilled hunters and efficient scavengers. Their remarkable adaptability, teamwork, and hunting success make them one of the continent's most fascinating carnivores. Seeing hyenas interact within their clans is a memorable highlight of any African safari. - **Type:** animal - **Canonical URL:** https://imaraafricasafaris.com//wildlife/hyena - **Last updated:** 2026-07-12 ## Key facts - **Category:** Predator - **Habitat:** Open savanna, grasslands - **Diet:** Carnivore - **Conservation Status:** Least Concern - **Sighting Chance:** Very Common - **Best Time To See:** Year-round; best at night or early morning on game drives ## Details The Spotted Hyena ( Crocuta crocuta ) is one of Africa's most remarkable predators and among the continent's most successful carnivores. Often misunderstood as merely scavengers, hyenas are highly skilled hunters capable of taking down large prey through teamwork, endurance, and intelligence. Recognizable by their sloping backs, spotted coats, rounded ears, and powerful jaws, hyenas are perfectly adapted to life on the African savannah. Their jaw strength is among the strongest of any mammal, allowing them to crush bones and consume nearly every part of a carcass, including bones and hooves. Spotted Hyenas live in large social groups called clans , which can contain anywhere from 10 to more than 80 individuals. These clans are led by dominant females, making hyena societies among the most complex matriarchal systems in the animal kingdom. Hyenas are highly intelligent and exhibit advanced problem-solving skills, cooperation, communication, and social learning. Their famous "laughing" vocalization is actually a form of communication used during excitement, conflict, or feeding interactions. Contrary to popular belief, studies show that hyenas often hunt more successfully than lions. They prey on wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, antelopes, and other animals, while also scavenging opportunistically. As apex predators and scavengers, hyenas perform an essential ecological role by controlling prey populations and helping recycle nutrients through the removal of carcasses. For [safari visitors](/african-travel-blog/safari-in-kenya-best-month), witnessing a hyena clan, observing a nighttime hunt, or hearing their eerie calls across the [African plains](/african-travel-blog/kenya-vs-tanzania-for-a-safari) provides a truly [unforgettable wildlife experience](/safaris/10-days-two-nations-safari-kenyatanzania). ## Where Can You See Hyena on Safari? Spotted hyenas are widespread and often seen around dens or trailing the big cats. The [Serengeti National Park](/tanzania/serengeti) and [Ngorongoro Crater Park](/tanzania/ngorongoro-crater-park) support large, well-studied clans, while Kenya's [Lewa Conservancy](/kenya/lewa-conservancy), [Meru National Park](/kenya/meru-national-park) and [Lumo Community Wildlife Conservancy](/kenya/lumo-community-wildlife-conservancy) offer regular encounters. In Uganda they are found in [Queen Elizabeth National Park](/uganda/queen-elizabeth-national-park). ## When Is the Best Time to See Them? Hyenas can be seen throughout the year, but they are most active at night and in the cool of early morning, so dawn game drives give the best chance. The dry seasons heighten activity as clans follow the concentrated herds and scavenge around predator kills. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is a hyena? A hyena is a highly intelligent African carnivore known for its powerful jaws, social clans, and hunting abilities. ### Are hyenas scavengers or hunters? They are both. Hyenas are excellent hunters and also scavenge when opportunities arise. ### How many hyenas are left in the wild? There are approximately 27,000 to 47,000 Spotted Hyenas remaining across Africa. ### Where can I see hyenas on safari? The best places include Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Amboseli, Kruger National Park, and the Okavango Delta. ### Why do hyenas laugh? The "laughing" sound is a form of communication used during excitement, conflict, or feeding situations. ### Are hyenas more scavengers or hunters? Spotted hyenas do both, but they are accomplished hunters and often kill much of their own prey. They also scavenge efficiently, which helps clean ecosystems and recycle nutrients. ### Where is the best place to see spotted hyenas on safari in 2026? Excellent places include Kenya’s Masai Mara and Amboseli, Tanzania’s Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, Uganda’s Queen Elizabeth National Park, and Rwanda’s Akagera National Park. In the June–October 2026 dry season, sightings often improve around water sources and open plains. ### Are hyenas dangerous to safari travellers? Hyenas are powerful wild predators and should never be approached on foot or fed. From a safari vehicle or secure camp setting, sightings are usually safe when guided by professional safari teams and park rules. ### How are hyena clans organised? Spotted hyena clans are matriarchal, with dominant females outranking males. Clans may include roughly 10 to more than 80 individuals, and rank influences feeding access, breeding success and social behaviour. ### What is the best time of day to see hyenas? Hyenas are most active from dusk through the night and into early morning. Dawn drives, night drives where permitted, and camps near open plains often provide the best chances of sightings and hearing their calls. --- Source: Imara Africa Safaris (https://imaraafricasafaris.com/). 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