HYENAS IN MASAI MARA

Spotted hyenas are the largest of the three hyena species, followed by brown and striped hyenas. Being a laughing animal, it is the most fascinating and successful carnivore in Masai Mara. You will find yourself between a rock and a hard place in case you are told to find a male or female hyena because a female hyena is male-like in appearance. However, you can differentiate them as a female hyena is a bit larger and substantially more aggressive, but surprisingly, they are highly social. In Masai Mara, spotted hyena territories are stable but not large, and unexpectedly, hyenas are more often heard than seen because their loud sounds travel for a long distance, carrying up to 5 km, and they are most active in the early morning hours of migration.
Although spotted hyenas kill and eat birds, lizards, snakes, and insects, they are also famous scavengers that often dine on leftovers of other predators. These hardy beasts are also skilled hunters that will take down a wildebeest or antelope. Before this aggressive hyena inter-clan meetings occur when they are drawn closer to each other, planning for this big hunt. These intelligent and bold animals are also blamed for many livestock and some human deaths, and they have also been heavily hunted as destructive pests by the Masai people in both Kenya and Tanzania. So, if you have the desire to see hyenas one-on-one, you can visit Masai Mara because there is a gazetted area for them as well as organized and safe accommodations for you, like Wajee Camp with friendly staff, delicious food, lovely showers, and soft beds, so you can feel at home. There is also Entumoto Safari Camp, Sand River Masai Mara, Zebra Plains Mara Camp, Mara Intrepids Tented Camp, all pleasing to the eyes of the visitors due to the hospitality of the displayed services. Ashnil Mara Camp, Fig Tree Camp, not only offer the fresh air from trees but also a variety of activities that take part in, such as hot air balloon rides, game drives, horse riding, to mention but a few. Another interesting thing about these camping sites is that you can hear hyena’s sounds at night, with the area fully free from noise pollution and bright lights, so you can really have a comfortable sleep after coming from a long trip of real adventure.
Mysteries are rare to find, so don’t miss out on exploring the enticing hyenas.