Zebra Facts
With their striking black-and-white stripes and social nature, zebra are among the most recognisable animals on safari. Found across various ecosystems in East and Southern Africa, these highly adaptable grazers play an essential role in the savannah landscape. Their alert behaviour and strong herd instincts make them an early warning system for other species, often the first to detect potential danger.
Species of Zebra
There are three species of zebra in Africa:
- Plains Zebra (Equus quagga)
- Mountain Zebra (Equus zebra)
- Grevy’s Zebra (Equus grevyi)
Each species occupies a slightly different ecological niche and shows variation in both physical features and social behaviour.
What are the differences between the three Zebra species?
While zebra may look similar at first glance, each species has adapted to different environments and has its own unique features. Understanding their differences can add depth to your safari experience, especially if you’re lucky to encounter more than one species on your travels.
1. Plains Zebra (Equus quagga)
The most common and widespread of the three species, the Plains Zebra, are found across much of Eastern and Southern Africa.
- Bold, broad stripe patterns that vary depending on region – some have shadow stripes (faint brownish bands between the black and white)
- Smaller in size than Grevy’s Zebra
- Highly social; seen in family groups or large herds, often mingling with wildebeest
- Commonly found in savannahs, grasslands, and open woodlands
- Key player in the Great Migration in Tanzania and Kenya
2. Mountain Zebra (Equus zebra)
Adapted to rugged, dry environments, Mountain Zebra live in southern Africa’s mountainous and arid regions.
- Slightly smaller and more stocky in build
- Distinctive grid-like stripe pattern, particularly on the rump
- No shadow stripes; pure black and white
- A prominent dewlap (fold of skin) under the neck, unique to this species
- Typically found in small family units in mountainous or hilly terrain in Namibia and South Africa
3. Grevy’s Zebra (Equus grevyi)
The largest and most endangered zebra species, Grevy’s Zebra, is native to dry, semi-arid grasslands in northern Kenya and parts of Ethiopia.
- Narrow, closely spaced stripes that extend all the way to the hooves
- Large, rounded ears and a white belly
- Less social than the other species; often seen alone or in loose associations
- Adapted to arid regions, with a remarkable ability to go without water for longer periods
- Listed as endangered, with fewer than 2,000 individuals remaining in the wild
Stripes and survival
A zebra’s stripes are more than just beautiful – they serve several important functions. One key advantage is predator confusion. When zebra move together as a herd, the vertical stripes create a ‘motion dazzle’ effect, making it harder for predators like lions and hyenas to single out an individual. Research also suggests the stripes may help regulate body temperature by creating micro air currents along the coat, and may even deter biting insects such as tsetse flies.
Interestingly, no two zebra have the same stripe pattern, and newborn foals imprint on their mother’s unique stripes within hours of birth. This helps the young recognise and stay close to their mother, especially in the midst of a moving herd..
On safari
Zebra are commonly seen on game drives throughout East and Southern Africa. In the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem, vast herds of Plains Zebra join the Great Migration alongside wildebeest and eland. Each year, over a million animals move in a continuous cycle between Tanzania and Kenya, following the rains and fresh grazing. The zebra often travel ahead of the wildebeest, grazing on tougher grasses and paving the way for the herds behind.
Botswana’s lesser-known but equally fascinating migration occurs in the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pan regions. Thousands of zebras move between the Boteti River and the salt pans as the seasons shift, creating one of Southern Africa’s most impressive natural movements. This migration is driven by the search for water and nutrient-rich grass, offering dramatic wildlife encounters far from the crowds.
Whether grazing in open grasslands or crossing a dusty floodplain in single file, zebra add a timeless rhythm to the African bush – their bold patterns a striking contrast against the golden plains.
