One of the most compelling reasons when visiting the Kruger National Park (or any wildlife area really) to get up early and be one of the first vehicles through the gate in the early morning is that you exponentially improve your chances of having truly amazing wildlife encounters. We did just that while staying at Crocodile Bridge in September, and were rewarded with this incredible sighting of a clan of Spotted Hyenas on the move and reveling in the puddles of water on the road following a spring shower the night before.
Spotted Hyena clan on the move (photo by Joubert)
Spotted Hyenas on the move
Spotted Hyenas on the move
Spotted Hyena matriarch
Spotted Hyenas licking rainwater from the road
Spotted Hyenas licking rainwater from the road (photo by Joubert)
DeWetsWild 
What a fantastic and interesting sighting. I also like to see hyenas – they have an incredible intensity and intelligence.
They’re certainly not anywhere near the lazy scavengers of legend.
That is true.
Ma se oulikste kinners! 😉
Vir ons is hulle dit defnitief
Dis darem baie spesiaal, Dries!
Dit is absoluut so, Dina. Ek kan nooit moeg raak vir hienas nie.
Wow! Great photos of these mean-looking creatures, Dries. 👏🏻
Thank, Sylvia. Yes, you shouldn’t try to tangle with a clan of hyenas; they are far from the cowardly scavengers they’re often portrayed to be.
Don’t worry, I have no intention of getting anywhere near hyenas. 😅
😀
Wonderful pictures of them! I was going to say they are one of the odder looking members of the canid family, but then I found out they are in their own family. Learn something new every day. 🙂
Very true words those, Siobhan. If we are open for it, nature’s got so much to show us!
Wow – A lovely sighting and such beautiful pics, I agree with Anne that they are sadly misunderstood animals. Have just discovered your lovely blog!
So glad that you did, and thank you for the kind comment!
So happy to see more views of the hyenas! And the early morning lighting is beautiful. I can imagine what a special moment this must have been for you and your family 🙂
Thanks Takami. Indeed, one of those encounters we’ll be recounting for many years to come and will always think about when we pass this particular spot in the Kruger Park.
Wishing you a good week ahead!
Seeing hyenas is a special experience – another maligned creature for which Walt Disney did no favours.
Agreed wholeheartedly, Anne! They always look so determined and purposeful and we love seeing them in the wild. Now, if only their Brown Hyena cousins were a bit more accommodating to our photographic attempts…
You know I’ll be forwarding this link to our daughter. 🙂 One of the reasons I love getting to the park early is for the very reason you mention–there’s much higher chance of seeing animals. Lovely shots!
janet
Thanks, Janet! I feel that in your daughter we have a kindred spirit when it comes to loving hyenas.
She is.
Wow! What a great opportunity to photograph!
It was, Robert. The reward for an early start!
These are just a tad scary looking. And after reading the comment by HJ, I stand by my statement!
They’re fascinating animals, Lois, and often underestimated. We show them the necessary respect and love seeing them going about their natural way of life.
What an exciting sight! These animals can eat you, in a short amount of minutes and not even bones would be left!
Great shots, D. 🙂
You are right, H.J. Spotted Hyenas are very different from the mangy scavengers they’re often portrayed to be. Seeing them is always a special treat for us.