The zebra is an archetypal African animal and anyone choosing to take a safari holiday wants to encounter these comical looking characters. There are actually three species of zebra of which the plains zebra is the most common. The plains zebra occurs in six regions, each with its own stripe pattern and all are distinct from the two other zebra species, the larger Grevy’s zebra of northern Kenya, and the smaller mountain zebra of southwest Africa. Their pattern has long puzzled zoologists who think it may function as camouflage, as an insect deterrent or to dazzle pursuing predators such as lions.

Although zebras are a common sight in most major reserves across eastern and southern Africa. The greatest gatherings are seen in Serengeti-Mara (Kenya/Tanzania) and Makgadikgadi Pans (Botswana), during seasonal migrations. While such open grasslands allow spectacular viewing, you will also find good numbers in other habitats, from the woodlands of Kruger to the thorn bush of Etosha and wetlands of the Okavango.

Waterholes, which zebra visit daily, offer an opportunity to observe social behaviour, with a dominant stallion shepherding his harem, and rival males biting and kicking in occasional skirmishes. In zebra country try to spot the distinctive horse-shoe tracks and kidney-shaped droppings whilst listening for the hiccupping laughter of the herds, which carries through the night during the migration season.