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.