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Zebra
Asset 13

Zebra

Where to see Zebra in Malawi

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.


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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 Malawi

Based on 13 reports by our travellers since Jul 2018, visitors at these camps in Malawi 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.

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Our best Malawi holidays for zebra sightings

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


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Hyena Safari

11 days • 4 locations
VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT TO LILONGWE AIRPORT

Mix relaxation and adventure on a safari combining the South Luangwa with Victoria Falls and the beaches of Lake Malawi. These three locations are among the most iconic in southern Africa.

US$8,630 - US$11,910 per person

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Utaka Cichlid Safari

10 days • 3 locations
BLANTYRE AIRPORT TO LILONGWE AIRPORT

Explore two of Malawi's safari parks - Majete Wildlife Reserve and Liwonde National Park - before finishing your trip with some beach time: relaxing, snorkelling and sailing in Lake Malawi National Park.

US$4,340 - US$5,700 per person

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Red Zebra Cichlid Safari

7 days • 2 locations
BLANTYRE AIRPORT TO LILONGWE AIRPORT

Explore two of Malawi's highlights, with a safari in rugged, remote Majete Wildlife Reserve before some beach time: relaxing, snorkelling and sailing in Lake Malawi National Park.

US$3,400 - US$4,500 per person

View all holidays to Malawi

More information about zebra in our other destinations

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


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