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Botswana Zebra Migration 2026 : When & Where to See Africa’s Hidden Safari Gem
While the Great Migration of wildebeests in East Africa steals most of the headlines, there is another, lesser-known natural spectacle unfolding in southern Africa. The Botswana zebra migration, stretching over 1,000 kilometers, is not only the longest terrestrial wildlife migration in Africa, but also one of the continent’s most inspiring conservation stories.
Every year, tens of thousands of plains zebras move across Botswana’s vast wilderness, from the lush Okavango Delta to the arid Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and back, defying terrain, predators, and seasonal rains. This is not just a journey of survival—it’s a remarkable story of instinct, resilience, and ecological recovery.
What is the Botswana Zebra Migration?
Until recently, most believed that Botswana’s zebras had abandoned their ancient migration routes. For decades, fences were erected to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease, cutting off access to traditional migratory paths. It wasn’t until 2008 that researcher Hattie Bartlam-Brooks, through GPS collar tracking, made a stunning discovery: zebras were once again migrating.
What’s extraordinary is that these zebras were not returning to migration based on experience or learned behavior. Their average lifespan is only about 25 years, and the fences had been in place for over 40. These herds had reactivated the route through genetic memory alone.
Bartlam-Brooks explains:
“The migration wasn’t thought to still occur until we recorded it in 2008. It had been presumed that the zebras stayed in the Delta all year round due to the fences.”
Today, up to 30,000 zebras participate in the movement at any given time, making it the largest migration in southern Africa and second only to East Africa’s Great Migration in terms of scale.
Where Do the Zebras Migrate?
There are two major zebra migration routes in Botswana:
- Chobe River floodplains to Nxai Pan (part of the Makgadikgadi Pan system)
- Okavango Delta to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
These migrations are seasonal and bidirectional, meaning zebras move southward during the wet season (November to March) and return north in the dry season (April to October). Their movements are closely tied to the availability of water and the quality of grazing, which impacts breeding success—especially for zebra foals.
The routes vary by rainfall pattern, but both offer breathtaking opportunities for safari travelers to witness thousands of zebras marching in unison across the open plains.
When to See the Botswana Zebra Migration
The magic of this migration? You can witness it during Botswana’s low (rainy) season, when safaris are quieter, accommodations are more affordable, and landscapes are lush and green.
⬛ Chobe River to Nxai Pan Route
- Late November – Early December: Zebras gather at the Chobe River, preparing for the southbound journey.
- Late December – January: Large herds arrive at Nxai Pan National Park, with some stopping briefly at Seloko Plain.
- Late February – Early March: Zebras begin their return migration northward.
⬛ Okavango Delta to Makgadikgadi Pans Route
- Late November – Early December: Zebras leave Moremi Game Reserve in the eastern Okavango.
- Late December – Early January: Herds reach the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, dispersing throughout the region.
- Late February – March: Return migration begins toward the north.
The rainy season (Nov–Mar) creates temporary water holes and supports fast-growing grasses across the salt pans—essential food for the zebras and their newborn foals.
🦓 Note: Not all zebras migrate. Nearly 50% remain year-round in the Okavango and Moremi regions. Researchers believe the migrating herds are drawn to the richer mineral content in grasses growing on the pans—an essential nutrient source for lactating mares and young foals.
Why This Migration Matters
The resurgence of Botswana’s zebra migration is more than a spectacle—it’s a triumph of conservation. When the fences blocking migration routes were removed in the early 2000s, nature found its way back. It’s a rare example of how animal behavior can adapt and return if human interference is minimized.
While not all fences are harmful (some are used to limit cattle encroachment), this event shows the power of rewilding and restoring ecological corridors. Conservationists are now studying these movements to learn how similar migrations might be restored across Africa and beyond.
Top Places to See the Zebra Migration
Timing and location are everything. Depending on when you travel, you can experience this migration in different parks across Botswana:
✅ Best Zebra Migration Viewing Spots:
- Nxai Pan National Park: Excellent herds from December–March, plus sightings of giraffe, bat-eared foxes, elephants, and lions.
- Makgadikgadi Pans National Park: See herds along the Boteti River, often stalked by cheetahs, lions, and leopards.
- Chobe River Floodplains: View zebras prepping for migration or returning north.
- Moremi Game Reserve (Okavango Delta): Good for observing herds starting their southbound journey.
Each of these locations is also renowned for its birdlife during the rainy season. Expect to spot carmine bee-eaters, herons, storks, and migratory ducks, all thriving in Botswana’s revitalized wetlands.
What the Return of the Zebra Migration Means
The revival of the Botswana zebra migration is being celebrated by conservationists around the world as a sign of hope. It proves that ancient wildlife behavior—thought to be lost forever—can rebound when given the space and opportunity. By removing barriers like veterinary fences, we allow animals to reconnect with vital seasonal routes etched into their genetic code.
Interestingly, not all fences are harmful. A “responsible” fence installed on the western edge of Makgadikgadi Pans National Park in 2004 has actually supported zebra population growth. The fence keeps cattle out of the park, which has reduced competition for food and water and improved grazing conditions for wild herbivores.
As biologist James Bradley explains:
“Shortly after the fence went up, the behaviour of the zebras changed rapidly, and they relaxed more.”
This balance between conservation and local land use is a nuanced issue. But in Botswana, the benefits are clear: not only are zebra numbers rising, but so too are the populations of other species. Dung beetles thrive on zebra droppings, which in turn feed meerkats, birds, and reptiles. The entire ecosystem is enriched by the return of the migration.
What to Bring on a Botswana Zebra Migration Safari
Traveling to see the zebra migration during Botswana’s rainy season is incredibly rewarding—but it does come with challenges. Roads can get muddy, and visibility may vary depending on rainfall. Here’s how to prepare for an unforgettable safari:
🦓 Essential Safari Packing Tips:
- Light raincoat or poncho: Rain showers can occur suddenly, especially on early morning drives.
- Layered clothing: Mornings may be chilly, but afternoons are often warm and humid.
- Waterproof bags: Protect your camera gear, binoculars, and documents.
- Insect repellent: The wet season brings an increase in mosquitoes and flies.
- Sturdy hiking boots or waterproof shoes: Ideal for muddy trails and park visits.
If you’re doing a self-drive, make sure your vehicle is a proper 4×4 with high ground clearance. However, for safety and optimal sightings, most travelers choose to join an organized Botswana safari with expert guides who know the terrain and wildlife patterns inside out.
Book Your Zebra Migration Safari in Botswana
The rainy season in Botswana fades as March approaches—and with it, the last window of opportunity to witness this year’s zebra migration. January through March offers excellent wildlife viewing, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant birding opportunities as migratory species flock to the Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi floodplains.
If seeing tens of thousands of zebras on the move across Africa’s ancient salt pans is on your bucket list, now’s the time to act. Contact Jomert Gorilla Safaris and let our expert team craft a tailor-made safari for you.
✅ Why Travel With Us?
- Custom itineraries based on your travel dates and budget
- Access to the best local lodges and migration viewing spots
- Knowledgeable safari guides with deep experience in Botswana
- Flexible booking and seasonal discounts during the rainy season
We’ll handle the logistics so you can focus on what matters: watching one of the planet’s most awe-inspiring animal migrations unfold before your eyes.
Pro Tip: Combine your zebra migration safari with birdwatching in the Okavango Delta or elephant tracking in Chobe for the ultimate Botswana adventure.
Explore Related Blogs:
- Makgadikgadi Salt Pans: Wildlife, Culture & Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit Botswana for Wildlife
- Okavango Delta: A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
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