Zebra

(Equus burchellii)

lion

For many visitors to the Kruger National Park, zebras are high on the list of must-see animals. It might therefore help to know that they prefer open habitats with relatively short grass. In Kruger, they are most plentiful in the Open Tree Savanna and Stunted Knob-thorn Savanna ecozones. Zebras are generally found in small herds, but can gather in great numbers after good rains.

affection   stripes
Zebras are very social and are often seen grooming each other or simply standing with their heads on each other's backs.   Each zebra has a unique set of stripes that distinguishes it from any other zebra. Foals use the stripes to recognise their mothers.


Males and females look virtually the same:
Shoulder height: 1.3m / 4.2ft
Weight: 290-340kg / 530-750lbs


More zebra facts:

Habitat:

Zebras occur in open areas where short grass is plentiful. They may also be found in areas that are relatively hilly, as long as there is enough food. In Kruger, they prefer the Open Tree Savannas and Stunted Knob-thorn Savannas.

Active:

Zebras feed throughout the day and rest at night, usually lying down

Food:

Zebras predominantly eat grass and can feed on both very short and somewhat longer, tougher grass stalks

Gestation:

±375 days

Calves:

One

Weaned:

Cubs are weaned after 7-9 months

Herds:

Zebras generally occur in small family herds of between 4-6. Herds have a dominant stallion and some mares with their foals. These family groups often join each other after good rains. Other males form separate, small herds.

In Kruger:

To learn more about how to find zebras in Kruger, check out the right-hand sidebar.



Back to main mammals page

How to find zebra in the Kruger National Park:

leopard

Stay at these camps:
Satara
Lower Sabie
Olifants/Balule
Crocodile Bridge

Drive these roads:
H6 tar road
H1-4 tar road
S28 Nhlowa road
S90 gravel road

Top tips:
If you are looking for zebras, go to the open plains of the park.

The area around Satara is probably the best in the whole Kruger.

Check out our Kruger plains game gallery:plains game gallery



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