Spotted Hyena Hunting and Night Critters in Zimbabwe
Booking Season: 2026
Hunt Difficulty: Difficult
Designed by Hunters, for Hunters
Hyena hunting has got to be one of Africa’s most thrilling game hunting adventures! With four species of Hyena (Spotted, Brown, Striped Hyena and the Aardwolf) available to hunt, game hunting enthusiasts are spoilt for both choice and location.
The practice of hunting Hyenas is controversial, with arguments both for and against it, highlighting the complex relationship between hunting, conservation funding, and ethical considerations.
Hyenas are spread throughout Africa and are found in diverse habitats. Savannas, grasslands, sub-deserts, forests, and some mountainous regions, are inhabited by the Spotted Hyena, also known as the “laughing hyena.” The Striped Hyena prefers grasslands, scrub forests, and tropical savannahs. Brown Hyenas, also known as “die strandwolf” meaning the “beach wolf,” inhabit semi-deserts, coastal regions and woodlands. Aardvarks live in suitable habitats that provide plenty of food in the form of termites, from woodlands to grasslands.
Hyena hunts require specialised permits, check with your specific Hyena hunting destination. For example, in several African destinations including South Africa, a TOPS (Threatened or Protected Species) permit is required, in addition to a CITES permit.
Hyena hunts can form a standalone hunt or be part of a larger hunting safari, with a 6-day hunting safari generally being the minimum time allocated for this exciting safari.
The starting point of the Hyena hunt would be to confirm which species of Hyena you want to hunt and decide upon a destination from there.
Spotted Hyena hunting takes place over a wide area of Africa, from the East to the Western Coast right down to the Northern parts of Southern Africa. In Namibia, Spotted Hyena hunts take place in private game farms and conservancies near Etosha National Park and the Zambezi region. South Africa’s Limpopo province is the main area for exceptional Spotted Hyena trophies.
In Botswana, Spotted Hyena hunts are popular in the Okavango Delta and Kalahari regions, while Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park is a popular hunting destination for Spotted Hyenas. The Serengeti and Selous regions in Tanzania are the places to travel to for Spotted Hyena hunts.
Brown Hyena hunts are undertaken in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe. The Brown Hyena in Namibia is hunted along the desert regions, particularly the Skeleton Coast and Namib Desert, while South Africa’s Eastern Cape and Free State province are renowned for their quality Hyena trophies.
Striped Hyena hunting only takes place in Tanzania and Uganda.
Aardwolf hunts normally only take place in Namibia or South Africa, with South Africa’s Free State and Eastern Cape provinces producing good sized trophies. Prime hunting areas for the Aardwolf in Namibia include remote wilderness concessions in northwestern Namibia as well as the central and northern parts of the country.
Hyena hunts occur throughout the year; there is no specific Hyena hunting season in Africa. The best time to hunt Hyena would be during the dry season (May to August) when the vegetation is less and allows the hunter better visibility. It is also cooler over this time, making the hunt more enjoyable with fewer insects and critters.
When it comes to Hyena hunts, there are numerous hunting methods that can be applied. During daylight hours, Hyenas are often spotted by chance. Should vultures be seen, there’s a good chance that Hyenas would be in the area. Hyena hunts involve spot-and-stalk methods, often at dawn and dusk when they are most active.
Hyenas are nocturnal and hunted from a blind using artificial light. The hunt area is normally baited in advance using all the “leftovers” from the African plains game hunting safaris.
In some regions, hunters will stake out the spots where skinners dispose of bones and guts. If the “gut pile” is regularly used, Hyenas as well as other night critters such as Honey Badgers, Caracal, and African Wildcats will be attracted to the area.
Hunters also use distress calls to attract these predators. This method requires skill and experience, as it relies on the Hyenas’ acute hearing and curiosity.
Hyena hunting offers hunters an unusual game hunting trophy to add to their collection, with each of these predators having a distinctively unique appearance. Hunters experience an enthralling African hunt when targeting these remarkable species in tough and challenging habitats, making for an unforgettable game hunting safari.
A standard Hyena hunting safari will include the basic service offerings such as accommodation, meals, drinks, professional hunter, camp staff, trackers, on-territory transport, and field preparation of the Elephant trophy.
Exclusions and optional extras when on a Hyena hunt:
Whether it’s finding hyena hunts, stalking, or walking and stalking at dawn, we’re here to deliver the experience of a lifetime with integrity and precision.
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