This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Skip to main content

Talk to an expert 1-800-242-2434 Lines open now

User menu
Zebra
Asset 13

Zebra

Where to see Zebra in Botswana

The zebra is a quintessential African animal: the horse in stripy pyjamas at the end of every child’s A–Z. There are three species, of which the plains zebra is much the most common.


About image

Quick facts about Zebra

Scientific name: Equus quagga Habitat: Woodland and savannah
IUCN status: Near Threatened Adult weight: 155–322kg

The plains zebra occurs in six regional races, each with its own stripe pattern. All are distinct from the two other zebra species: the larger Grevy’s zebra (Equus grevyi) of northern Kenya, and smaller mountain zebra (Equus equus) of southwest Africa.

Plains zebras are highly sociable: dominant stallions preside over harems of females and young, which may coalesce into much larger herds. especially during migration, and often associate with wildebeest and other grazers. Zebra crop grass using flexible lips and powerful incisors, and open up grassland habitat for other species.

Their pattern has long puzzled scientists: it may function as camouflage, as an insect deterrent or to dazzle pursuing predators such as lions; perhaps all three.


500,000

Population (IUCN, 2016)

10–12km

Max distance from water

10–15cm

Min. height at which grass cropped

3 years

Age female first gives birth

The top camps for seeing zebra in Botswana

Based on 664 reports by our travellers since May 2018, visitors at these camps in Botswana have the best chances of sighting zebra.


Best chances to see

Good chances to see

Some sightings

No sightings yet

Top 10 camps for zebra

% of travellers who saw zebra

Top 10 camps for zebra

% of travellers who saw zebra

Where to see zebras in Africa

Plains zebras occur in most major conservation areas across eastern and southern Africa. In some places, they gather in large seasonal migrations. Lively and noisy, their social dynamics can be enthralling.


Top tips for viewing zebra

Zebras are a common sight in most major reserves across eastern and southern Africa. The greatest gatherings are seen in Serengeti-Mara (Tanzania/Kenya) and Makgadikgadi Pans (Botswana), during seasonal migrations. While such open grasslands allow spectacular viewing, you will also find good numbers in other habitats, from the woodlands of Kruger, Hwange, Nyerere (Selous) and Luangwa to the thorn bush of Etosha and wetlands of the Okavango.

Waterholes, which zebra visit daily, offer an opportunity to observe social behaviour, with a dominant stallion shepherding his harem, and rival males biting and kicking in spirited skirmishes. In zebra country, look out for the distinctive horse-shoe tracks and kidney-shaped droppings, and listen for the hiccupping laughter of the herds, which carries through the night during migration season.

image

Our best Botswana holidays for zebra sightings

Based on our travellers' reports, these ideas for Botswana safaris are likely to give the best zebra sightings


Itinerary image

Rock Hare Self-drive Safari

20 days • 12 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

An in-depth look at Namibia from the Namib Desert to the Caprivi, with additional stops in Botswana and Victoria Falls. This three-week adventure includes an unrivalled mix of environments and is great value.

US$5,100 - US$7,270 per person

Itinerary image

Pygmy Mouse Self-drive Safari

18 days • 10 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

A truly epic southern African self-drive safari adventure from Namibia’s mountains and deserts, along the lush Caprivi Strip to Botswana and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, staying at luxury lodges throughout.

US$5,410 - US$8,730 per person

Itinerary image

The Highlights of Africa

17 days • 7 locations
CAPE TOWN AIRPORT TO KIGALI AIRPORT

An epic adventure taking in some of Africa’s most incredible sights and wildlife experiences, from Cape Town to the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, the Maasai Mara and an encounter with mountain gorillas.

US$14,330 - US$18,200 per person

Itinerary image

Wild Dog Safari

13 days • 5 locations
KASANE AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT

An in-depth discovery of northern Botswana’s wilderness, from Chobe and the private Kwando Reserve to the Moremi and iconic Okavango Delta with a great variety of activities and wildlife.

US$12,230 - US$21,930 per person

Itinerary image

Leopard Safari

13 days • 4 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO CAPE TOWN AIRPORT

Victoria Falls, Botswana and Cape Town – a classic southern African itinerary combining luxury, wilderness, safari and culture. We can't think of a better way to spend two weeks.

US$9,240 - US$13,070 per person

Itinerary image

Sable Self-drive Safari

12 days • 7 locations
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

A great-value southern African self-drive adventure from Namibia along the Caprivi Strip to Botswana and Zimbabwe, combining other-worldly landscapes, unforgettable wildlife spectacles and rarely visited places, and ending at Victoria Falls.

US$6,000 - US$8,130 per person

Itinerary image

Great Egret Safari

12 days • 4 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT

A wonderfully varied adventure to Botswana and Zimbabwe combining three fantastic safari areas, a luxury river cruise and the mighty Victoria Falls.

US$9,200 - US$17,100 per person

View all holidays to Botswana

More information about zebra in our other destinations

Click here for detailed information about zebra in other countries, including the places for sighting zebra.


Login to Expert Africa

Sign in with password

Sign in with email link


New to Expert Africa? Create an account

Forgotten your details?

It's free & quick to set up

  • Save your wish-list
  • Send us an enquiry
  • Pay online for your trip
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Give us feedback on your trip
  • Full site benefits of the site

Need some help? Talk to our team