Zebra
Near Threatened

Zebra

Equus quagga

About the Zebra

Zebras are iconic African herbivores recognizable by their black-and-white striped coats. Scientists believe their stripes may confuse biting flies, regulate body temperature, or serve as individual identification. They are a key part of the Great Migration in the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem.

HabitatSavanna, grassland
Found InAfrica
Best SeasonYear-round (migration: Jul-Oct)
ConservationNear Threatened

Biology & Stats

DietCoarse tall grasses other herbivores avoid
Daily IntakeUp to 15 kg of grass per day
Weight (Male)300-380 kg
Weight (Female)250-340 kg
Lifespan (Wild)20-25 years
Lifespan (Captivity)25-30 years
Wild Population~500,000-750,000 Plains Zebra (decreasing)
Social BehaviourFamily groups (harems) of 1 stallion, 1-6 mares, and foals.

Migration: Great Migration (1.5M wildebeest + 400K zebras). Longest African mammal migration in Botswana (500km).

Best time of day: Active throughout the day. Migration crossings during daylight.

Typical viewing distance: 10-30 metres from vehicle

Camera settings: 1/500s-1/1000s, f/8-f/11 for herds, ISO 200-800, 70-200mm. Slightly overexpose (+0.3-0.7 EV).

Fun Facts

  • Each zebra's stripe pattern is unique — like a human fingerprint.
  • Zebras sleep standing up.
  • A group of zebras is called a "dazzle".
In the Wild

Where to See Zebra in the Wild

Serengeti National Park

Tanzania

Massive zebra herds during the Great Migration.

Best time: Jun-Oct

Etosha National Park

Namibia

Zebras at salt pans create striking contrast.

Best time: May-Oct
Country Guides

Explore Zebra by Country

Country guides connect the species with other wildlife, featured places, planning context, and responsible-viewing advice.

Habitat Guides

Habitats Used by Zebra

Species may rely on several ecosystems across their range. Explore how conditions and conservation pressures differ.

At the Zoo

Where to See Zebra at Zoos

San Diego Zoo

San Diego, USA

Open Verified Visitor Guide →
Safari.com

Safari Packages to See Zebra

Safari.com itinerary examples that may include zebra habitat. Request a current quote and confirm the operator, exact route, wildlife policy, recent reviews, and cancellation terms before booking.

10 Day Luxury Fly-in Kenya & Tanzania Tour

10 Day Luxury Fly-in Kenya & Tanzania Tour

Embark on the ultimate East Africa safari with this 10-day journey through Kenya and Tanzania’s top game reserves. Stay in luxury safari lod...

  • 1 night at Gran Meliá Arusha, then 2 nights at Meliá Ngorongoro Lodge
  • Guided game drive on the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater
  • 3 nights at Nimali Serengeti in the heart of the migration corridor
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10-Day Best of East Africa Migration Safari

10-Day Best of East Africa Migration Safari

Your adventure starts in Nairobi, showcasing modern Kenyan style, before heading to the Masai Mara to see the Big Five, Mara Cats, and the G...

  • 2 nights at Karen Blixen Cottages with visits to David Sheldrick Trust and Giraffe Centre
  • 2 nights at Kichwa Tembo in the Masai Mara for Big Five game drives
  • 2 nights at Simbavati Grumeti Camp in the Serengeti with private guide
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6-Day Grumeti Safari Promotion

6-Day Grumeti Safari Promotion

Home of the Great Migration. Simbavati Grumeti is nestled on the open plains between the Serengeti National Park and the Grumeti River, with...

  • 5 nights at Simbavati Grumeti between the Serengeti and Grumeti River
  • Daily open-vehicle game drives across the acacia-dotted plains
  • Walking safari, night drive and full-day game drive included
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10 Day Bush and Beach Safari

10 Day Bush and Beach Safari

Embark on a 10-day journey of a lifetime that combines thrilling safaris with barefoot luxury. From iconic wildlife encounters in the heart ...

  • 2 nights at Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha bookending the safari
  • Game drive in Lake Manyara, home to tree-climbing lions
  • 2 nights at Serengeti Kati Kati Tented Camp with full-day Central Serengeti drives
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3-Day Singita Faru Faru Luxury Fly-In Safari

3-Day Singita Faru Faru Luxury Fly-In Safari

Singita Faru Faru Lodge offers a luxurious and immersive safari experience in the heart of the African wilderness. The lodge is renowned for...

  • 2 nights at Singita Faru Faru Lodge in the Grumeti Game Reserve
  • Twice-daily open-vehicle game drives across the Grumeti plains
  • Tennis at neighbouring Sasakwa Lodge
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9 Day Masai Mara, Serengeti & Manyara Safari

9 Day Masai Mara, Serengeti & Manyara Safari

Explore some of Africa's best game parks on this 10-day safari through Kenya and Tanzania. Set out on an adventure combined with 5-star luxu...

  • 1 night at Hemingways Nairobi on arrival
  • 2 nights at andBeyond Bateleur Camp in the Masai Mara tracking the Big Five
  • 2 nights at Serengeti under Canvas, a mobile camp following the Great Migration
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Photography Tips for Zebra

Black-and-white stripes look stunning in monochrome. Try converting zebra shots to B&W for artistic impact.

Safety Guide

Zebras can deliver a powerful kick. Maintain distance in the wild and never approach on foot.

Zebra FAQ