5 Best Places to see zebra with Wilderness

The three species of zebra, found across southern and East Africa, are the plains zebra Equus quagga, the mountain zebra E. zebra, and the Grévy’s zebra E. grevyi. The genus Equus also includes horses and donkeys. On an African safari, you will encounter zebra herds regularly, but like many other endemic animals, these equids are threatened by environmental and diminishing population issues.  

The patterns of zebra stripes vary widely by species and individuals. The plains zebra’s stripes vary by location: they have either black striping on a primarily white background, or lighter, dark brown stripes overall. Mountain zebras are white or off-white with black or deep brown stripes that are spaced close together; they do not have stripes on their bellies, which my guide suggested is a form of temperature control in the desert. Found only in parts of Kenya and Ethiopia, the Grévy’s zebra is the largest of the species, and has narrow vertical stripes covering its entire body, including its ears and mane. No two zebras have the same stripes – they are as unique as fingerprints.

Scientists have debated the important question of why zebras have stripes for some 150 years. Theories have ranged from camouflage to throw off predators, to ways of signalling members of their species, and methods of regulating their temperature. But the most likely explanation is that zebra stripes are a form of pest control: they protect the animals from biting flies.

Plains and mountain zebras live in small family groups called harems, with one male, and one to six females and their offspring. The bonds of the females in the harem are strong; they will stay together even if their dominant male leaves or is killed. Grévy's live alone or in loosely associated herds.

Remaining vigilant for signs of lions, hyenas, leopards, and cheetahs, a zebra herd is always watching for danger. When plains zebras sense a predator, they use a high-pitched sound to alert the herd. And at night, at least one member of the group stays awake to keep watch.

In 1882, Jules Grévy, the president of France, was given a zebra as a gift from the King of Abyssinia (now Ethiopia). A French zoologist realized that this zebra was markedly different from other species and named it after his president.

Perched on the Magashi Peninsula, Wilderness Magashi looks out over the very scenic Lake Rwanyakazinga towards the Mutumba Mountains in the west. On the peninsula’s western side, plains zebra, waterbuck, impala and warthog can often be seen grazing, while on the eastern flank, eland frequent the lakeshore. The shoreline itself offers views of hippo, large crocodiles and a chance of elephant bulls, while the core of the Amahoro lion pride is ensconced on this spit of land.

Eight spacious and airy tented guest rooms offer uninterrupted views over Lake Rwanyakazinga, while Magashi’s main area comprises a luxurious lounge and dining area, bar and pool, as well as an expansive viewing deck with convivial fire pit. The architecture and interiors pay homage to traditional Rwandan culture.

The name Qorokwe means ‘the place where the buffalo broke through the bush into the water’ – though many more than just these even-toed ungulates occur in abundance in this wildlife-rich area. Predators and herbivores, including plains zebra – an odd-toed ungulate – proliferate thanks to the area’s mix of habitat types that lie between its western and eastern borders: the Santantadibe and Gomoti channels.

Combining a contemporary style with a classic bush feel, Qorokwe’s nine tented suites (including one very spacious family unit with private plunge pool) are well shaded and catch the prevailing breeze. The whole camp, including the magnificent main area, overlooks a lagoon, while its infinity pool is a focal point for the expansive views.

Little Vumbura is situated on a wooded island and is accessible only by boat, encapsulating the very essence of a water-based safari in the Okavango Delta, with mekoro and boats to explore the channels. Wildlife viewing on game drives, as well as birding, are consistently good all year round in the savannah areas and on walks around the island. Look for plains zebra here too. 

Six beautiful tented rooms have views over the shimmering grasses, known locally as melapo, of the surrounding floodplains, while a pool and reading area overlook the floodplains, and a deck for stargazing leads off the dining area.

Named for Scandinavian royalty, this stylish camp overlooks the oxbow-shaped King’s Pool Lagoon and Linyanti River system. Activities include day and night game drives, and guided nature walks; nearby hides are ideal for photographing birds and wildlife. Seen in abundance are plains zebra, blue wildebeest, waterbuck, impala, southern giraffe, red lechwe, reedbuck, kudu, as well as rarer species like roan and sable antelope. In the dry season, guests can spend their siesta watching animals come down to drink at the unique underground hide, where the water is at eye level. Seeing elephant feet and trunks almost within touching distance while safely inside is a truly transcendental safari experience.

This 100% solar powered camp has seven well-appointed thatch and canvas twins and one suite, each boasting a spacious bedroom and lounge area leading to a deck that soaks up the gorgeous views of the lagoon. The expansive and stylish main area comprises a pool, lounge, library, and dining and convivial bar area, set on raised decks close to the water's edge. There is an open-air kgotla for dining under the stars.

Little Makalolo lies in the Kalahari ecoregion of Hwange National Park, one of the park’s most ecologically diverse areas. There are over 100 mammal species alone, with good populations of African elephant, sable antelope and southern giraffe, while greater kudu, impala, common waterbuck, plains zebra, chacma baboon, lion, leopard, and spotted hyena all occur. Also present are impressive herds of African buffalo.

Numerous waterholes attract the wildlife, and with a pan in front of camp, viewing starts at the pool or your breakfast table – or, more intimately, from the camp’s famed log-pile hide. Game drives, walks and cultural activities sometimes end at our pizza stop at Madison Pan, where later, a Star Bed invites a sleep-out under the night sky.

Hwange's original classic bush camp, Little Makalolo is nestled in the dappled shade of a tree-line. Its six traditionally styled tents (including a family unit) are connected to the main area by teak walkways, where a towering false mopane tree in the centre of the camp shades a separate dining and living area, with an open fire deck for evening fireside tales under the stars. A raised pool deck, which also shelters the bar and breakfast area, offers uninterrupted views of the busy waterhole.