scavenger

The Clever Spotted Hyena: Intelligence & Scavenging at Lake Magadi

A spotted hyena makes its way to the edge of the Lake Magadi.

Clean-Up Patrol: The Surprising Intellect of the Spotted Hyena

Meet the “clean-up patrol” of the African savannah. Here, a spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) feeds on a hippo carcass along the stark, alkaline shores of Lake Magadi, Tanzania.

While often maligned, the spotted hyena is one of the most successful and opportunistic scavengers—and hunters—in the world. But their physical toughness isn't their only weapon; their minds are equally sharp.

Entering the lapping waves of this soda lake.

Outsmarting the Great Apes

The hyena's reputation as a mindless scavenger is far from the truth. In laboratory problem-solving tests, the spotted hyena has been shown to outsmart chimpanzees in certain cooperative tasks. They possess a complex social intelligence and a level of strategic thinking that rivals many primates.

I guess these brilliant creatures just need a better PR representative!

Witness the Wild at Lake Magadi

Located in the heart of the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Magadi is a prime spot to witness the raw drama of the food chain. From hyenas on patrol to vast flocks of flamingos, the biodiversity here is unmatched.

The bloated carcass of a dead hippo rests in the shallows. (Now you know why we’re shooting black and white!).

Safari With Us in 2027

Our 2026 expeditions are currently at capacity, but we are officially angling for a return to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro in 2027.

  • 2027 Booking Status: Early reservations are highly encouraged. Email us here.

  • Experience the Drama: See the clever spotted hyena in its natural habitat.

For a glimpse of travel opportunities, see the list of our future trips here.

To learn more about Ngorongoro, see our post, Standing on the Edge: The Breathtaking Rim of Ngorongoro Crater

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

Hyena and hippo carcass. Scavengers do what scavengers do.

See another post on the Spotted hyena here.

Rüppell's Vulture: The Grumpy Scavenger of the Serengeti

Group of vultures competing for food on the Serengeti plains, showcasing the "greedy game" of scavengers at a fresh kill.

This bad-tempered Rüppell's Vulture (Gyps rueppelli) would have preferred to dine alone on the Serengeti plains. Unfortunately, he couldn't drive the competition off at the same time. As soon as he chased off one rival, another moved in for a bite of the sprawling carcass.

Witnessing the "Greedy Game" of Serengeti Scavengers

We watched, amused, as this greedy game of “get your head out of my cape buffalo” went on and on. Known as the efficient garbage collector of East Africa, these vultures prefer fresh kills but won't hesitate to fuss over rotting ones too.

Meet the Rüppell's Vulture (Gyps rueppelli)

Rüppell's Vulture is an efficient scavenger in East Africa. As the photo above shows, the bird’s unique scaled plumage is completely puffed out in a defensive display, shielding a buffalo carcass from rival scavengers. Its bare head and long, downy neck are on full display—useful traits that prevents gore from clinging to its feathers while it reaches deep inside a kill. This moment captures the raw, chaotic "pecking order" that defines survival on the Serengeti.

Yuck.

Care to dine on the Serengeti?

Join us as we “glamp” (glamorous camping!), eat, sing, and game drive some of the the best wildlife habitats in Tanzania.

  • 2026 Safari Status: Our current schedule is nearly full—check for remaining seats!

  • 2027 Expeditions: We are accepting early inquiries and building a wait list. Email your questions to us here.

For more on this high flying African vulture, see the post here.