Zebras are one of the more intriguing animals that children and adults love. Their unique black and white stripes make zebras stand out and seeing zebras never gets old.

Many people who travel to Africa to see wild animals often have zebras on top of their checklist. And rightfully so, zebras are amazing and every bit interesting for the curious mind.

While zebras can be seen in many zoos all around the world, the experience of the wilderness is always different. In this article, we are going to look at where zebras can be seen in their natural wild habitat.

Where Do Zebras Live In The Wild?

To see zebras in their natural habitat, you will have to visit some national parks in Eastern and Southern Africa. Zebras live in savannah grassland areas where they can get enough pasture and drinking water.

zebras in a super herd

Of the 3 zebras species, the Plains Zebra is more widespread and easily found in Eastern and Southern African countries, but the mountain zebras are found in Southern Africa while the Grevy's zebra is found in a few parts of Eastern Africa.

Because of their widespread, you can see zebras in more than 70 national parks in the 13 countries listed below.

In this article, we'll look at all the parks where you can see zebras in the various African countries, and briefly talk about a few places you should consider and why.

Natural Habitat Of Zebras Eastern Africa

Besides northern Kenya and Ethiopia where the grevy's zebra can be found, the other places all have plains zebras.

If you intend on seeing primates, especially gorillas and chimpanzees as well as wildlife like zebras all in one country, Uganda is your only option. If you are interested in the great migration, you can choose between Kenya and Tanzania - depending on your schedule.

1. Where To See Zebras In Ethiopia

You can see zebras in 4 of Ethiopia's National parks with the chance to see both the Grevy's and the Plains zebra species. Awash and Abijatta-Shalla National Parks are what we would recommend since they are quite close to  Adis Ababa the capital and are equally great for birds, hiking and hot springs.

The wilderness in this part of Ethiopia is quite different from the other parts of East Africa and in this case different is good.

NATIONAL PARK / RESERVE ZEBRA SPECIES
  • Awash National Park
 Grevy's Zebra
  • Abijatta-Shalla National Park
 Grevy's Zebra
  • Nechisar National Park
 Plains Zebra
  • Mago National Park
 Plains Zebra

2. Where To See Zebras In South Sudan

While South Sudan has just one national park where you can see zebras, the country remains one of the least explored because of safety reasons.

Much as we wouldn't urge many people to go there, the thrill-seeking adventurers would find South Sudan intriguing for both culture and wildlife.

NATIONAL PARK / RESERVE ZEBRA SPECIES
  • Boma National Park
 Plains Zebra

3. Where To See Zebras In Uganda

In Uganda, Zebras can be seen in only 2 national parks on opposite ends of the country. Lake Mburo National Park is the more popular option for zebras because it is near Kampala and located along the route to Southwestern Uganda where many travellers visit to see mountain gorillas. 

Lake mburo- zebras

The appeal of Kidepo Valley National Park is in its location in northern Uganda which has left it largely untouched.

NATIONAL PARK / RESERVE ZEBRA SPECIES
  • Lake Mburo National Park
 Plains Zebra
  • Kidepo Valley National Park
 Plains Zebra

4. Where To See Zebras In Kenya

With 9 places where you can see zebras, Kenya is also one of the places where you can see both the plains zebras as well as the Grevy's zebra. Most of Kenya's National Parks are highly popular as tourist attractions because of the other wildlife present in them especially predators, giraffes, hippos, elephants, and more.

grevys zebra in samburu

Not surprisingly, we recommend Masai Mara National Reserve, especially during the great migration and Nairobi National Park because it is near the city and some people need a quick detour on their business travel.

NATIONAL PARK / RESERVE ZEBRA SPECIES
  • Amboseli National Park
 Plains Zebra
  • Chyulu Hills National Park
 Plains Zebra
  • Hells Gate National Park
 Plains Zebra
  • Masai Mara National Reserve
 Plains Zebra
  • Meru National Park
 Grevy's Zebra
  • Mount Longonot National Park
 Plains Zebra
  • Nairobi National Park
 Plains Zebra
  • Tsavo East National Park
 Plains Zebra

5. Where To See Zebras In Tanzania

Tanzania has the most national parks in Eastern Africa that are home to zebras, with a total of 10. With renowned places like Serengeti, Tanzania's wildlife shines both in variety and numbers.

selous game reserve zebra giraffes

Our recommendation for Tanzania would be the Ngorongoro Crater as well as Serengeti National Park. However, if you want something a little less known to every travellerPark, Selous Game Reserve is great and provides equally great opportunities for other wildlife.

NATIONAL PARK / RESERVE ZEBRA SPECIES
  • Arusha National Park
 Plains Zebra
  • Katavi National Park
 Plains Zebra
  • Lake Manyara National park
 Plains Zebra
  • Mikumi National Park
 Plains Zebra
  • Mkomazi National Park
 Plains Zebra
  • Serengeti National Park
 Plains Zebra
  • Tarangire National Park
 Plains Zebra
  • Ngorongoro Conservation Area
 Plains Zebra
  • Selous Game Reserve
 Plains Zebra
  • Uwanda Game Reserve
 Plains Zebra

Natural Habitat Of Zebras In Southern Africa

In Southern Africa, Only Namibia and South Africa have populations of the mountain zebra as well as the plains (common) zebra that are shared by all the other countries.

In Southern Africa alone, there are more than 45 places where you can see zebras in the wild.

6. Where To See Zebras In Malawi

With 5 national parks where you can see zebras in the wild, Malawi can sometimes get less respect than it deserves but the country packs quite an extensive list of attractions and activities.

For zebras in Malawi, we recommend any of the Liwonde, Kasungu and Nyika National Parks for the reason that they have outstanding landscapes and a large number of other animals, and birds.

NATIONAL PARK / RESERVE ZEBRA SPECIES
  • Kasungu National Park
 Plains Zebra
  • Liwonde National Park
 Plains Zebra
  • Majete Wildlife Reserve
 Plains Zebra
  • Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve
 Plains Zebra
  • Nyika National Park
 Plains Zebra

7. Where To See Zebras In Zambia

Zambia's reputation with wildlife is renowned and you can see zebras in more than 8 national parks. Since almost all visitors to Zambia will be checking out the Victoria Falls - and rightfully so, we recommend Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park which surrounds Victoria Falls on the Zambian side.

If you are one to choose the quiet over the popular, Blue Lagoon National Park might be a great fit that also happens to be closer to Lusaka - Zambia's Capital and biggest city.

NATIONAL PARK / RESERVE ZEBRA SPECIES
  • Blue Lagoon National Park
 Plains Zebra
  • Kasanka National Park
 Plains Zebra
  • Liuwa Plain National Park
 Plains Zebra
  • Lusenga Plain National Park
 Plains Zebra
  • Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
 Plains Zebra
  • North Luangwa National Park
 Plains Zebra
  • Nsumbu National Park
 Plains Zebra
  • Sioma Ngwezi National Park
 Plains Zebra

8. Where To See Zebras In Mozambique

Much as Mozambique's coastal attractions have always attracted visitors, the country's wildlife is something more people should be excited about.

Our recommendation is Gorogosa National Park which is very undisturbed and raw, as well as Maputo Special Reserve for quick access to the Capital city of Maputo - and the pristine coastal beaches.

NATIONAL PARK / RESERVE ZEBRA SPECIES
  • Banhine National Park
 Plains Zebra
  • Gorongosa National Park
 Plains Zebra
  • Limpopo National Park
 Plains Zebra
  • Maputo Special Reserve
 Plains Zebra
  • Niassa Reserve
 Plains Zebra
  • Zinave National Park
 Plains Zebra

9. Where To See Zebras In Zimbabwe

For many people, it isn't easy to associate Zimbabwe with beautiful nature and tourist attractions but it truly is the jewel of Africa. In the 7 parks where you can see zebras in their natural habitat, you will be treated to many other animals such as elephants, buffalos, lions, and more.

We would advise you to choose Zambezi National Park for zebras since it is near Victoria Falls which is quite literally not supposed to be missed. Mana Pools National Park is also a great option because of the huge numbers of other wildlife.

Matobo National Park is good especially if you want to hike the famous rocky outcrops and check out the massive collection of ancient rock paintings.

NATIONAL PARK / RESERVE ZEBRA SPECIES
Plains Zebra
  • Kazuma Pan National Park
 Plains Zebra
  • Lake Chivero Recreational Park
 Plains Zebra
  • Mana Pools Nationa Park
 Plains Zebra
  • Matobo National Park
 Plains Zebra
  • Matusadona National Park
 Plains Zebra
  • Zambezi National Park
 Plains Zebra

10. Where To See Zebras In Botswana

Botswana's reputation as the leader of low-impact conservation-friendly tourism is centred around its wildlife and ecosystems. From the dry deserts to the flood plains, Botswana's wildlife dominance means you can see zebras in 7 protected areas.

okavango hot air balloon

Visiting any of the popular wildlife parks in Botswana will put you in front of zebras. Chobe National Park's boat cruises and houseboats are a popular activity to enjoy on your search for zebras.

NATIONAL PARK / RESERVE ZEBRA SPECIES
  • Central Kalahari Game Reserve
 Plains Zebra
  • Chobe National Park
 Plains Zebra
  • Makgadikgadi Pans
 Plains Zebra
  • Mokolodi Nature Reserve
 Plains Zebra
  • Moremi Game Reserve
 Plains Zebra
  • Nxai Pan National Park
 Plains Zebra
  • Okavango Delta
 Plains Zebra

11. Where To See Zebras In Angola

The Angolan Civil War that lasted from 1975 to 2002 is probably a big reason why many people don't think of Angola when it comes to Wildlife safaris because it did affect the populations of many animals.

While the government is trying to solve this by providing a safe home and ecosystem for the wildlife, the experience is not comparable to what you would get from neighbouring Zambia or Namibia.

Angola's wild areas are highly untouched and this can be attractive to some people. If you don't know Portuguese, you might need to get an English-speaking guide or tour operator.

NATIONAL PARK / RESERVE ZEBRA SPECIES
  • Luengue-Luiana National Park
 Plains Zebra

12. Where To See Zebras In Namibia

While Namibia's landscape is its most defining asset, the variety of wildlife adds to the experience that is Nambia's deserts, dunes, and culture. As far as zebras are concerned, you can see the black and white striped animals at 5 national parks as well as see both the mountain and plains zebra species.

We recommend that you visit Etosha National Park, because of its profusion of wild animals which gather near the water. if your trip focuses on the desert, you can visit the Namib-Naukluft National Park which encompasses the popular Sossusvlei sand dunes among others.

NATIONAL PARK / RESERVE ZEBRA SPECIES
  • Bwabwata National Park
 Plains Zebra
  • Etosha National Park
 Plains & Mountain Zebra
  • Hardap Recreation Resort
 Mountain Zebra
  • Mudumu National Park
 Plains Zebra
  • Namib-Naukluft National Park
 Mountain Zebra

13. Where To See Zebras In South Africa

 South Africa's tourism sector is the most developed in Africa with so many attractions and activities for travellers and locals. South Africa's most recognized wildlife hotspot is Kruger National Park, and rightfully so because, among other animals, you will find zebras too.

walking zebra

For those who want to enjoy wildlife closer to the Towns, Table Mountain National Park is just outside of Cape Town and has a myriad of activities you can enjoy there.

NATIONAL PARK / RESERVE  ZEBRA SPECIES 
  • Addo Elephant National Park
  Plains Zebra
  • Bontebok National Park
 Mountain Zebra
  • Golden Gate Highlands National Park
 Plains Zebra
  • Karoo National Park
 Plains Zebra
  • Kruger National Park
 Plains Zebra
  • Mapungubwe National Park
 Plains Zebra
  • Mountain Zebra National Park
 Mountain Zebra
  • Table Mountain National Park
 Mountain Zebra
  • West Coast National Park
 Mountain Zebra

Final Thoughts

Like all animals, zebras live in places where they can find food and thrive from other factors like poaching, habitat loss, insecurity and predators.

While the question of where zebras live in the wild seems very straightforward, we tried to dig deeper and get the best options in each of the countries. We hope that this can make your choice for a safari trip easier. The places where zebras live tend to have other big African animals and predators, and so depending on your exact needs, some of these national parks will be perfect fits.

With more than 70 places and 13 countries, this article can seem quite intimidating. Take a look at our guide on how you can choose a safari that is a perfect match for YOU. The article will help you quickly narrow down to a workable trip.

We hope this article managed to answer your questions, and if you have any more questions, just let us know.

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