Spotted Hyena Species Profile: Clans, Calls and Where to See Them in East Africa

Hyenas are common across East African savannahs, and their whooping calls carry across camps at night. Safari guides often enjoy them, because their behaviour is complex and easy to observe at dens.

This profile covers identification, clan life and where to look.

This guide is part of our animals of Uganda and East Africa guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Identification

Spotted hyenas have a sloping back, powerful forequarters, rounded ears and a coat of dark spots on sandy fur. Their jaws are among the strongest of any carnivore and can crush large bones. Females are slightly larger than males, and cubs are born dark. Other East African hyenas include the striped hyena, which is rarely seen.

Clan Life

A clan can include dozens of animals led by a dominant female, and rank is inherited by cubs from their mothers. Members greet each other, rub together and cooperate in defending territory against neighbours. Cubs are kept at communal dens, which can be seen near burrows in some parks.

Hunting and Scavenging

Hyenas are skilled hunters and kill much of their own food, working in groups to bring down wildebeest, zebra and gazelle. They also scavenge and will challenge lions at kills when numbers permit. Their digestive system can process bone, so leftovers are minimal. Compare the pressure they place on cats in African big cats.

Calls and Communication

The whoop is a rising call used to keep contact over long distances. The giggle, a high laughing sound, signals excitement or stress rather than amusement. Scent marking and body posture also matter.

Where to See Hyenas

They are common in the Mara and Serengeti and quite regular in Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls. Night drives can reveal hyenas on the move. See night drives and walking safaris.

Threats and Conservation

Hyenas suffer from poisoning, snaring and persecution outside protected areas. Large clans in protected landscapes are strong, but local declines happen. Education and compensation schemes for livestock owners help.

Hyena Dens and Cubs

Dens are a rare chance to watch a hyena clan at ease. Cubs tumble, chew bones, play and hide in burrows large enough for adults to enter, and mothers return to nurse them in turn. Spend time at a respectful distance and notice how adults greet each other by lifting a leg and sniffing. Parks regulate den visits and some, such as the Mara, are well-known sites, but guides will choose carefully to avoid disturbing the cubs. Dens may be abandoned if vehicles press in.

Viewing Tips

Visit dens at dawn and dusk, remain quiet and keep distance from cubs. A red torch is often used on night drives. For photography, see safari photography tips, and for related predators read the lion profile and wild dogs.

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Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team