The Best Places To See Zebras In Africa

The Best Places To See Zebras In Africa

Zebras are distant relatives of the horse and are a frequent sight on any African safari. With black and white striped coats each zebra's markings are unique to the individual and make them recognisable from the herd. There are three different species of zebra in Africa - Grevy, Plains (also known as Burchells) and Mountain zebra.

1. Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana

The Makgadikgadi Pans are home to the world’s second largest migration, which mainly consists of Plains zebra. Unlike the rest of Botswana, the best time to visit this area is in the rainy season (November-March) which also coincides with the zebra migration. The migration leaves the Okavango Delta and reaches the lush Makgadikgadi grasslands after a few weeks, having covered around 250km.

Where To Stay:

The opulent Jack's Camp is the perfect base to witness the zebra migration. It has recently undergone a full rebuilding and refurbishment and offers extensive activities such as quad biking, visiting meerkat families, horse riding and bushman walks.

2. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

The Serengeti offers fantastic game viewing year round however it's particularly spectacular during the Great Migration - the world’s largest migration of wildlife. Over a million wildebeest and more than 200,000 zebras head south from Kenya to Tanzania every October and November; returning northwards after the long rains from April to June.

Where To Stay:

You don’t even need to leave the luxurious Singita Sanbora Tented Camp to be able to see an abundance of zebras roaming outside the camp. This 1920s style tented camp is located in the Northern Serengeti plains and in direct line of the Great Migration route.

3. Etosha National Park, Namibia

Burchells zebra are common all over Namibia, however Etosha National Park offers the best chance to see both Burchells and the rare Hartmans Mountain zebra. They are most commonly seen around waterholes and if you’re lucky, you may see both Burchells and Hartmans Mountain zebra gathering at the same time.

Where To Stay:

Onguma Game Reserve is located on the Eastern side of Etosha National Park and is home to over 30 different animal species including a large zebra population. Each of the five lodges and camps located on the reserve has a waterhole so an abundance of wildlife is never far away.

4. Lewa Conservancy, Kenya

The Grevy zebra population is found almost exclusively in Northern Kenya and unfortunately remains endangered. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy has made considerable progress toward protecting the Grevys zebra and increasing their population. This has resulted in it being home to the largest concentration of Grevys zebra in the world.

Where To Stay:

Lewa Safari Camp is the only tourist facility within the conservancy that is actually owned by the conservancy which means all profits and conservancy fees generated by the camp are reinvested directly into conservation and the community. By staying here, you are helping conservation efforts to protect the Grevy zebra population. 

5. Klein Karoo, South Africa

The Cape Mountain zebra is endemic to South Africa and is a subspecies of the Mountain zebra. The majority of the population of this South African zebra can be found in the Western and Eastern Cape, such as the Klein Karoo. Unlike other species of zebra found throughout Africa, the Cape Mountain zebra thrives in rugged and inaccessible terrain.

Where To Stay:

The Samara Game Reserve is home to a variety of animal species, some endangered such as cheetahs and the Cape Mountain zebra. Space, space and more space are on offer at Samara, where a wonderful wildlife rehabilitation programme has transformed the landscape.