Where Can I See Zebras in Uganda?
Zebras in Uganda are iconic and a quintessential African wildlife species. Many travelers describe them as the “horse in stripy pajamas” and are popular for being at the end of every child’s A-Z. Known as the distant relatives of the horse, Zebras are a common sight on most Ugandan wildlife safaris.
The stunning black and white striped coats of every Zebra’s markings are exceptional to each individual hence making them identifiable from the herd. It is therefore exciting to say that “no two zebras are the same” as you might think when seen from afar. Much as these stripes have always excited and inspired several fashion trends across the World, for these animals that wear them naturally they are more for protection. This acts as a unique way of camouflaging and hiding from predators such as lions. Thanks to the difficulty for a predator to differentiate one zebra from the other in the herd, they get protected while popular opinions believe stripes act like sunscreens. These perhaps help in protecting zebras’ sensitive skin. Some studies reveal that the changing colors of Zebras’ coats may also prevent disease-carrying tsetse flies, which have been proven to avoid settling on two-tone surfaces.
Much as the majestic shades of the zebras’ black and white coat pattern sometimes seem like a good idea among the tawny shades of the bushlands, the striking livery works best when it counts. Take your time to study a herd of zebras in the half-light of dusk or dawn, the time when predators are most active, you will understand how difficult it is to pick out one particular animal from the grey haze of the zebra herd.
Zebra Species in Uganda
There are currently three living and known species of zebras- Plains or Burchell’s zebras (Equus quagga), Grevy’s zebras (E. grevyi), and Mountain zebras (E. zebra). The Plains or Burchell’s Zebras are the ones you will most likely encounter during Uganda safaris, and are known for their feint brown lines that appear alongside their characteristic black stripes. They have faint stripes that are superimposed on the white sections of the coats and this is referred to as “shadow stripes”. Their stripes normally extend to the abdomen and continue down to the hooves. These can be seen on two of Uganda’s National Parks, wherever there is suitable grazing as you will discover in this article.
The Burchell’s Zebras are known as “Plains zebras” because they prefer open savannah grasslands and can even be spotted on a day trip from your Kampala accommodation to Lake Mburo National Park, 271 kilometers away. Generally, these species of zebras thrive in the savannah woodlands and grasslands where there are few trees. In so doing, they stay clear of deserts, wetlands, and rainforests.
Known as extremely sociable animals with distinct hierarchies within their communities, zebras can alter the structure of their herds and switch companions every few months on average. They tend to congregate in huge herds and sometimes form briefly stable subgroups within the larger herds. These herbivorous animals graze on grasslands (all day, clipping grass with their sharp front teeth) and sometimes browse on bush leaves as well as branches.
Where to See Zebras in Uganda
The Burchell’s zebras are found in two National Parks in Uganda, and these locations make it possible to see several other African wildlife. These places are Kidepo Valley and Lake Mburo National Parks. Wherever there is water and grass in these Protected Areas, you will find these zebras, often in the company of other species such as Elands, waterbucks, and hartebeests, to mention but a few. Sometimes you might be lucky to see predators in the vicinity too, especially around watering holes.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Situated in the Northeastern side of Uganda, Kidepo Valley National Park is one of the remarkable homes of the Plains (Burchell’s) zebras. This 1442-square-kilometer Protected Area offers incredible viewing of zebras all year round. These mammals are most commonly sighted around watering holes and if you are lucky, you might see them alongside lions stealthily plotting to capture them.
Where to stay in Kidepo?
Staying at Apoka Safari Lodge, Adere Safari Lodge, Zebra Safari Lodge, Katurum Lodge, Nga’Moru Wilderness Camp, and Kidepo Savannah Lodge makes it possible for safari lovers to spot the Burchell’s zebras even in the comfort of your room/cottage porch.
Lake Mburo National Park
While Uganda’s flagship Wilderness hotspot (Kidepo) will deliver reliable zebra sightings year-round, the easily accessible Lake Mburo National Park can be another favorite pick. Characterized by an arrestingly stunning, rocky landscape that heralds Uganda’s sweeping western semi-arid, the region is the traditional homeland of the “Bahima people” and a haven for exceptional wildlife species- impalas, Rothschild’s giraffes, Burchell’s zebras, and others.
Thanks to this Park’s incredible location, it can easily be accessed on your way to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Mgahinga, and Queen Elizabeth National Parks. You can therefore be sure to make a stop (or spend a night) and see some Burchell’s zebras as part of your Uganda safari.
Not only are you guaranteed zebra sightings in Lake Mburo National Park, but you will also get the chance to ride with them- Cycling tours, horseback rides, or Quad bike safaris. Expert Park Rangers show visitors how to identify zebras’ grazing lines, where they have been grazing, and how to interpret their unique behavior. These Rangers will also let you in on the secrets of differentiating between females and males, and how they camouflage from predators, especially lions.
Places to stay in Lake Mburo National Park
Accommodation facilities like Mihingo Safari Lodge, Kigambira Safari Lodge, Rwakobo Rock Lodge, Acacia Cottages, and Mantana Tented Camp provide some of the unmatched zebra sighting opportunities.
What is the best time of the year to see zebras in Uganda?
Zebras in Uganda are visible throughout the year. However, in the wet season (especially March to May or October and November), you will be able to see foals (baby zebras). This season is when the vegetation is lusher with lots of young/baby zebras and ideal for visitors who wish to add birding to your itinerary.
However, most Park roads (especially in Kidepo Valley National Park) become impassable due to heavy rains. Additionally, the wet months are associated with a high risk of malaria hence precautions are very important.
The dry months (June to September and December to February) are a great time for seeing zebras in Uganda, as the vegetation is sparser and these animals tend to congregate around water sources. However, this is a busy time thus the Parks are more crowded, so booking your wildlife safari well in advance is a great idea.
When it comes to day-to-day tours, it is important to note that Burchell’s zebras are diurnal, hence most active during the cooler temperatures at dawn and dusk. They usually shelter from the sun or prefer drinking water at water holes during the extremely hot times of the day.
Therefore, zebras are one of the extraordinary wildlife species you can see during wildlife tours, especially in Kidepo Valley and Lake Mburo National Parks. These animals are known for their black and white stripes which are distinct from individual to individual. Book your Uganda safari for a chance to identify these horses in stripy pajamas via game drives, nature walks, horseback rides, cycling tours, and others.
