Crocuta crocuta

Ngorongoro's Matriarchs: The Secret Society of Spotted Hyenas

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.

  • 2026 Expeditions: Limited seats are currently available for our upcoming season. Follow the link here for details.

  • Hear the Wild: Experience the sights and sounds of the crater for yourself.

  • 2027 Expeditions: Email us here to get on the waitlist.

See another of our posts on the Spotted hyena, Redefining the Spotted Hyena: Nature’s Misunderstood Genius

Redefining the Spotted Hyena: Nature’s Misunderstood Genius

A spotted hyena in Ngorongoro crater, showcasing its unique features and powerful build.

The more I learn about the Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta), the more I appreciate this ingenious animal. Far too often, they are cast as the “villains” of the savanna, but the reality is much more fascinating.

Myth vs. Reality

We’ve all seen the movies where hyenas are presented as greedy, stupid, or even “criminal.” It’s time to look past the Hollywood tropes and see the handiwork of our Creator in these remarkable creatures.

  • More Than Scavengers: While they are famous for scavenging, spotted hyenas are actually highly skilled apex predators that hunt the majority of their own food.

  • The “Laugh” is a Language: That famous “laugh” or “fuss” isn't a joke—it’s part of a highly complex system of vocal communications used to coordinate the clan.

  • Neither Dog nor Cat: They might look like ugly dogs or small bears, but hyenas are in a biological category of their own (Hyaenidae), more closely related to mongooses and civets than to canines.

The Einstein of the Savanna?

Recent studies have turned the scientific world on its head regarding hyena intelligence. Research suggests that spotted hyenas:

  • Are incredibly creative problem solvers.

  • Exhibit social cooperation and teamwork skills that, in some tests, outperform chimpanzees.

  • Live in highly organized "clans" with complex social hierarchies.

A Beautiful Design

The next time you see a hyena on a safari or in a documentary, remember that you aren't looking at a lowly scavenger. You are looking at a brilliant, social, and essential part of the African ecosystem.

God doesn't make mistakes—and the spotted hyena is a testament to the diversity and intelligence woven into the natural world.

To learn more about the Spotted hyena, see our post, Ngorongoro's Matriarchs: The Secret Society of Spotted Hyenas