Hyraxes look like large guinea pigs, but their closest living relatives are elephants and manatees. They are common in Tanzania and easy to see in rocky places, where they sunbathe in groups. At night, in the forests, tree hyraxes make one of the most startling sounds in Africa.
Hyrax at a glance
| Swahili name | Pimbi |
| Size | About 2–5 kg |
| Relatives | Elephants, manatees, dugongs |
| Diet | Leaves, grass, fruit, bark |
| Types in Tanzania | Rock hyrax, bush hyrax, tree hyraxes |
Why hyraxes are related to elephants
Hyraxes share features with elephants in their teeth, feet and skeleton. Their upper front teeth grow into small tusks, and their feet have flat, nail-like toes. Genetics confirms the link: hyraxes, elephants and sea cows belong to a group that evolved in Africa.
Types of hyrax
Rock hyrax
Lives in colonies on rocky outcrops. Groups lie together in the sun in the morning, since hyraxes do not control their body temperature well. A lookout watches for eagles, leopards and snakes and gives an alarm call.
Bush hyrax
Similar to the rock hyrax and often shares the same rocks. It feeds more on leaves from shrubs and trees.
Tree hyrax
Lives in forests and is mostly nocturnal. Tree hyraxes are rarely seen but often heard. Their calls start as clicks and build into loud, rising screams. Guests on Kilimanjaro or in highland lodges often ask what the noise is.
Built for rocks
- Grippy feet: soft, rubbery pads kept moist by glands, which help them climb smooth rock.
- Sun-loving: they bask to warm up and shelter in cracks at night.
- Efficient kidneys: they get most of their water from food.
Where to see hyraxes in Tanzania
| Place | Type |
|---|---|
| Serengeti kopjes | Rock and bush hyraxes |
| Lodges on rocky sites | Rock hyraxes, often around paths |
| Kilimanjaro forest and heath | Tree hyraxes (heard at night) |
| Ngorongoro highlands forest | Tree hyraxes |
| Usambara and Udzungwa mountains | Tree hyraxes |
Hyraxes and predators
Hyraxes are an important food for leopards, eagles, especially the Verreaux’s eagle, and pythons. On the Serengeti’s kopjes, watching a hyrax colony can lead to a leopard sighting.
Visiting the kopjes
The kopjes of the central and eastern Serengeti are among the best places for hyraxes, lizards and lions. Read our Serengeti facts and Serengeti guide, or see Serengeti & Crater. Climbing? You will likely hear tree hyraxes on the Machame Route.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Hyraxes, elephants and manatees share a common ancestor, although hyraxes look more like large rodents.
It is often a tree hyrax. Males make loud, rising calls at night, especially in forests on Kilimanjaro and the highlands.
On the kopjes of the Serengeti, around rocky areas at lodges and along parts of Kilimanjaro’s trails.
