A spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) walking through the short grass of the Ngorongoro Crater floor in Tanzania.
The Matriarchs of Ngorongoro: Inside Spotted Hyena Society
Meet one of the roughly 550 spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) that call the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania home. While they are often misunderstood, these carnivores possess one of the most complex social structures in the animal kingdom.
A World Ruled by Females
The hyenas within the crater are organized into eight distinct, identified clans, each operating under a strict linear hierarchy. At the top of every single clan is an alpha-female.
Unlike many other predator groups, hyena society is entirely matriarchal:
Female Loyalty: Female hyenas typically remain with their birth clan for their entire lives, maintaining the family legacy.
Male Emigration: Young males often leave their home clan upon reaching maturity, embarking on a journey to join and prove themselves in a new clan.
Hierarchical Status: Even the lowest-ranking female is generally dominant over the highest-ranking male.
Experience the “Laugh” of the Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater offers a unique opportunity to witness these social dynamics up close. From their eerie “whoop” calls at dawn to their strategic hunting, the spotted hyena is a highlight of any game drive.
Safari With Us
Are you ready to witness the raw power and complex intelligence of the African bush? We are returning to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro in 2026, and we want you to have a front-row seat.
See another of our posts on the Spotted hyena, Redefining the Spotted Hyena: Nature’s Misunderstood Genius