Follow the world’s second largest, and longest zebra migration in Botswana where 30 000 plains game roam the wilderness in a dramatic endless quest for greener pastures.
Botswana, like the Serengeti, is the scene of year-round southern African safari action as massive herds of zebra move about the countryside from the Okavango Delta to Makgadikgadi Pans on the edge of the Kalahari.
Where to catch up with the migration
Nxai Pan
As soon as the summer rains start to fall in Nxai Pan, about 60% of the zebras in the Okavango Delta and Moremi prick up their ears and start the 250km/150 mile journey south towards their summer grazing destination.
Most of the zebra have arrived at Nxai Pan by the end of November, some of them completing a 400km/250 mile journey via Seloko Plain – the longest migration in Africa.
Makgadikgadi Pans
From December to March massive herds are congregated at the 12,000 km2 (4,600 mile2) Makgadikgadi Pans, on the edge of the Kalahari, reveling in the lush grazing and abundant rains of this usually arid spot. See them at Jack’s Camp, San Camp and Camp Kalahari on game drives and walks or even from the veranda of your accommodation on some days.
The Botswana River Systems
During the dry winter months (Jun to August) over 25 000 zebra arrive at the Boteti River System from the lush summer grazing of Makgadikgadi. The rumbling of their hooves and barking calls can be heard from your camp at Meno a Kwena or Leroo la Tau as they make their way back to the Okavango. At this time of year the herds are more widely dispersed due to sparse grazing and you will also find large groups lingering beside the Chobe and Kwando-Linyanti Rivers until early November.
The crowds
While the sights of these herds moving en-masse is truly a thrill, they’re not the only attraction. Large numbers of wildebeest, buffalo and elephant tag along and predators such as lion are ever-present and ready to pounce.
Since few safari tourists have discovered the enjoyments of the Botswana Zebra migration yet, you can enjoy watching this spectacle relatively undisturbed by the crowds – for now.
Give us a call to arrange your southern African safari to the Botswana migration while you can still enjoy unimpeded seats on all the action.
