Species profile
About this species
The African Civet is a large, robustly built carnivore native to sub-Saharan Africa, recognised by its distinctive black & white patterned coat & dark facial mask. It is primarily nocturnal, spending the day resting in dense vegetation before emerging at night to forage for a wide variety of food including fruits, insects, small mammals & carrion. The species plays an important ecological role as a seed disperser & is well adapted to a range of habitats from forests to savanna woodland.
African Civets occupy a broad range of habitats including tropical & subtropical forests, woodland savanna, grassland & areas near rivers & wetlands. They show a preference for dense vegetation cover which provides shelter during the day & tend to favour areas with access to water.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph African Civet with us in Kenya.
These departures are part of our Africa programme.
In the field, David Miles & Pui Hang Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
The best time to photograph African Civets is after dark, particularly in the first few hours after sunset when they are most active. The dry season, typically between June & October in much of sub-Saharan Africa, is ideal as reduced vegetation makes spotting & tracking the animals considerably easier.
Use a camera with strong high-ISO performance & pair it with a fast lens to capture sharp images in low-light nocturnal conditions. Employ a red-filtered torch or infrared spotlight to locate & track the animal without disturbing its natural behaviour. Setting up near known scent-marking posts or fruiting trees can greatly increase your chances of a close encounter & a well-composed shot.
Available holidays
Trips featuring African Civet
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.