Spotted Hyena Hunting and Night Critters in Zimbabwe
Booking Season: 2026
Hunt Difficulty: Difficult
Designed by Hunters, for Hunters
Zimbabwe is home to some of the best hyena hunting safaris on the continent and three of the four hyena species in Africa inhabit the area. Hyena hunting in Zimbabwe is allowed at night, and the hunting safari usually takes place over several days and nights. The types of hyenas found in Zimbabwe are: The brown hyena (Parahyaena brunnea) is the rarest of the three species. The aardwolf (Proteles cristata) inhabits the area but is only hunted in either South Africa or Namibia. It feasts on termites. The spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta), the laughing hyena, is the most widespread African predator. It inhabits Southern Africa’s coastal regions and further inland. It is the largest hyena species in Africa. Hyena hunting in Zimbabwe is a challenging and exciting experience, with the most popular destinations for hunting hyenas being the Zambezi Valley, and the Luangwa Valley. Hyena hunting methods include walk-and-stalk with a tracker and hunting with bait from a blind after having set bait for the hyena to investigate. This process may take several days. The bait usually takes the form of a zebra or wildebeest to attract the carnivore.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the striped hyena with a status of “near threatened” and the spotted hyena and aardwolf have a status of “least concern.” While Zimbabwe has no specific hunting season and hunts happen 365 days a year, the best time to enjoy a hyena hunting safari would be during the winter months of June to August. This is a popular time for many game hunting enthusiasts to hunt in the area.
Shot Placement when Hyena Hunting in Zimbabwe
Shot placement on any hunting safari is vitally important, so do your homework before the hyena hunt. It becomes even more so when your target is exceptionally aggressive and dangerous when injured, like the hyena. When considering shot placement, never consider the brain or head shot as this will ruin the hyena hunting trophy, especially since the skull is used to determine the trophy…the bigger the head, the better the trophy. Rather, consider a broadside shot on the shoulder or just behind the shoulder and into the vital organs. If the animal is quartering towards or away from the hunter on your hyena hunting safari, make the necessary adjustments to aim just before or behind the shoulder.
What Caliber Rifle is used on Zimbabwe Hyena Hunts?
African plains game rifles, and rifles used on dangerous game hunting safaris, such as a .375, will get the job done on the hyena hunt. Hyena hunting safaris require a minimum caliber rifle of 7mm, with a high-quality bullet weighing 150 grains. In the 30 caliber rifles, a .308 or 30.06 will ensure a quick and humane kill.
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