Plains Zebra
Equus quagga
Zebras are the striped stars of the African savanna and a safari essential. Their bold black-and-white patterns make them unmistakable, and large herds create stunning visual spectacles across the plains. Zebras are key players in the Great Migration, traveling alongside wildebeest across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. Beyond their beauty, zebras are tough survivors: their kick can kill a lion, and their stripes may confuse predators and biting flies alike. Watching a dazzle of zebras (yes, that's the collective noun) grazing at golden hour is classic safari magic.
Quick Facts
- Scientific Name
- Equus quagga
- Family
- Equidae
- Diet
- Herbivore: grasses, sometimes leaves and bark
- Social Structure
- Family groups and bachelor herds
- Top Speed
- 65 km/h
- Lifespan (Wild)
- 25 years
Best Parks to See Plains Zebras
Top safari destinations for plains zebra sightings
Serengeti National Park
Tanzania
Guaranteed
Home to 200,000+ zebras that migrate with wildebeest. River crossings are spectacular.
Masai Mara National Reserve
Kenya
Guaranteed
Large resident population plus hundreds of thousands during migration season (Jul-Oct).
Etosha
Namibia
Excellent
Plains and mountain zebras. Stunning at waterholes against white salt pan backdrop.
Kruger National Park
South-africa
Guaranteed
Burchell's zebra common throughout. Often seen alongside wildebeest and impala.
Ngorongoro
Tanzania
Guaranteed
Resident population on crater floor. Excellent for photography with crater rim backdrop.
Hwange
Zimbabwe
Excellent
Large herds at waterholes during dry season. Great predator-prey dynamics.
Best Time to See Plains Zebras
Great Migration
July, August, September, October
Hundreds of thousands of zebras cross from Serengeti to Masai Mara. River crossings are unforgettable.
Dry Season
June, July, August, September, October
Zebras concentrate around water sources, making them easier to find and photograph.
Year Round
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Zebras are resident in most parks year-round and easy to see any time.
Physical Characteristics
Male Weight
350-450 kg
Female Weight
300-400 kg
Top Speed
65 km/h
Lifespan
25 years (wild)
Conservation Status
Population
Stable in protected areas500,000 - 750,000
Estimated wild population
Main Threats
- Habitat loss to agriculture
- Competition with livestock
- Hunting for meat and hides
- Climate change affecting grasslands
- Fencing blocking migration routes
Viewing Tips
Zebras are often the first animals you'll see on safari. They're common and approachable
Look for them alongside wildebeest. The two species often graze together
Listen for their distinctive barking call, especially when predators are near
Watch for stallion fights. They kick, bite, and push dramatically
At waterholes, zebras are very cautious, so wait patiently for drinking behavior
Family groups stay together. Look for foals close to mothers
Photography Tips
Patterns create incredible graphic compositions, so get creative with abstract close-ups
Black and white processing emphasizes their natural design
Dust clouds during running herds make dramatic images
Sunset silhouettes with distinctive outline are iconic
Capture social interactions: grooming, play, fights
Migration river crossings offer peak action photography
Interesting Facts
Each zebra's stripe pattern is unique, like human fingerprints
Zebras are black with white stripes, not white with black stripes (based on skin color)
A zebra's kick is powerful enough to kill a lion
Stripes may confuse predators and biting flies through optical illusions
Zebras can run at 65 km/h (40 mph) shortly after birth
They sleep standing up and have excellent night vision
Zebras communicate through facial expressions and ear positions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do zebras have stripes?
Scientists believe stripes serve multiple purposes: confusing predators when herds run together, deterring biting flies (stripes disrupt their landing), regulating temperature, and individual recognition. The exact reason is still debated.
Are zebras white with black stripes or black with white stripes?
Zebras are black with white stripes. Evidence comes from their skin color (black) and embryonic development, where the default color is black and white stripes are added later. Some zebras have been observed without stripes, and they're entirely black.
Can you ride a zebra like a horse?
Zebras have never been successfully domesticated despite many attempts. They're more aggressive than horses, have a ducking reflex that makes them hard to lasso, and kick and bite more readily. Their temperament makes them unsuitable as riding animals.
When is the best time to see the zebra migration?
The Great Migration moves throughout the year. Zebras and wildebeest are in southern Serengeti from December to March (calving season), western Serengeti from April to June, and cross to the Masai Mara from July to October. November sees them heading south again.
How many zebras are there in Africa?
Plains zebras number around 500,000-750,000, making them the most common zebra species. Grevy's zebras are endangered with only 2,500 remaining. Mountain zebras number around 35,000. Protected areas maintain stable populations.