Zebras are one of the most familiar sights on a Tanzanian safari. Plains zebras live in almost every northern park, and hundreds of thousands move with the Great Migration. They are more interesting than they first appear.
Zebra facts
| Species in Tanzania | Plains zebra |
| Swahili | Punda milia (striped donkey) |
| Weight | About 200–350 kg |
| Diet | Grass |
| Social life | Family groups led by a stallion |
| Lifespan | Around 20–25 years in the wild |
Why do zebras have stripes?
Scientists have debated this for more than a century. The main theories:
- Deterring biting flies. Studies show horseflies and tsetse flies struggle to land on striped surfaces. This is currently the best-supported explanation.
- Confusing predators. A moving herd may make it hard for a lion to pick out one animal.
- Keeping cool. Stripes may create small air movements over the skin, though evidence is mixed.
- Recognition. Each zebra’s pattern is unique, and zebras may recognise each other by it.
Family life
Plains zebras live in small family groups called harems: one stallion, several mares and their foals. Groups join together into large herds but stay recognisable. Bachelor males form their own groups. Stallions fight by biting and kicking, and often rear up on hind legs.
Zebras and wildebeest
Zebras and wildebeest graze side by side for good reasons. Zebras eat the longer, tougher grass tops, exposing the shorter shoots that wildebeest prefer. Zebras have sharp eyesight, wildebeest a good sense of smell, and more eyes help spot predators. During the Great Migration, zebras often lead the way.
Foals
Foals are born with brownish stripes and can walk within minutes. Mothers keep other zebras away for a few days so the foal learns her pattern, smell and voice.
Where to see zebras
| Park | Notes |
|---|---|
| Serengeti | Huge numbers with the migration, especially December–March in the south |
| Ngorongoro Crater | Resident herds all year |
| Tarangire | Large numbers in the dry season |
| Lake Manyara | Floodplains |
| Ruaha and Nyerere | Present in the south |
Zebras and predators
Lions and hyenas hunt zebras. Adults defend themselves with powerful kicks and bites, and stallions protect their families. River crossings are dangerous too, as crocodiles wait in the Grumeti and Mara rivers.
See zebras on safari
Calving season brings zebras and wildebeest together in huge numbers on the southern plains. See Calving Season, Ndutu or Serengeti & Crater. Read about the Ugly Five, including the wildebeest, and animals in the Serengeti.
Frequently asked questions
Research suggests the main benefit is deterring biting flies such as horseflies and tsetse flies. Other ideas include camouflage, temperature control and social recognition.
Zebras have black skin, and the stripes are white and black hair. Many scientists describe them as black with white stripes.
Yes. Hundreds of thousands of plains zebras migrate with the wildebeest, often leading the way.
