Discover Africa’s zebra migration, the longest land migration

You’ve probably heard of the Great Migration in Africa, an incredible spectacle of wildebeest and zebra sweeping across East Africa. But did you know that Africa’s longest land migration doesn’t happen in Kenya or Tanzania? Instead, it unfolds during the zebra migration, Botswana’s own hidden wildlife spectacle.

Every year, tens of thousands of zebras embark on a journey that stretches over 500km (311 miles) — a route so impressive, it was only fully understood when scientists fitted zebras with GPS trackers. They expected to find routine seasonal movements. What they discovered instead was a migration so vast, so determined, and so perfectly repeated, it rivaled any natural wonder in the animal kingdom, including its continental counterpart, the Great Migration.

If you’re dreaming of raw wilderness, thundering hooves, and expansive skies filled with drama, Botswana’s zebra migration should be right at the top of your list.

What is the zebra migration in Botswana?

Think of it as the country’s best-kept secret, a zebra migration that flies under the radar of most Botswana safari-goers, yet stretches farther than any other overland migration in Africa.

Each year, around 25,000 Burchell’s zebras (plains zebras) move between two regions: the lush floodplains of the Chobe River and Okavango Delta in northern Botswana, and the grassy, open landscapes of the Nxai Pan and Makgadikgadi Pans National Parks in the south.

The annual movement begins with the summer rains (November to March) when the zebra herds start heading south in search of fresh grazing. A few weeks later, they reach the Boteti River and the salty grasslands of the Makgadikgadi pans, which are now transformed by the rains into a green paradise. The migrating zebra herds spend a couple of months here before their return journey.

But here’s the incredible part: these herds pass by perfectly decent water sources and grazing spots along the way, but they don’t stop. Scientists believe the route is hardwired into their DNA, passed down over generations. So, the zebra migration isn’t just instinctive; it’s ancestral.

Why do zebras migrate?

Basically, to survive. Botswana’s landscape transforms dramatically with the changing seasons. During the dry season, water is scarce, and the grass withers away. That’s when the northern streams — like the Chobe River and the Moremi-Okavango Delta area — become lifelines.

But when the rains come, everything changes. The grasses shoot up in the south, and the dusty Makgadikgadi Pans turn into shimmering lakes surrounded by new pasture, perfect for grazing.

That’s when the zebras know it’s time to move. The migration allows the zebra herds access to richer grazing grounds, therefore avoiding overgrazing in one area. It also helps them escape increasing predator pressure up north, improving their chances of successful breeding.

Botswana’s zebra migratory routes

The zebra migration in Botswana primarily follows two ancient corridors, cutting through wild and largely undeveloped wilderness. These migratory routes are both remote, both stunning, and both offer an off-the-beaten-track Botswana safari vibe, depending on what you’re after.

Compared to the other migration in Africa, from Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater into Kenya’s Masai Mara, this route has fewer steps, following a linear trek as opposed to a cyclical one. This straight-line route makes it the longest mammal migration in Africa, covering hundreds of miles.

Let’s take a closer look at these two migratory routes and what you can expect at each one.

Chobe River – Nxai Pan National Park (part of the Makgadikgadi Pans)

This is the core route of Africa’s longest mammal migration on land, stretching across the heart of Botswana. The long journey begins in the freshwater floodplains of the Chobe River and their nutrient-rich surrounding grasslands, which support large zebra herds during the dry season.

When the rainy season begins in November, the zebra herds start moving south, passing through Savuti — a region known for its lion prides — before arriving in Nxai Pan National Park.

But it’s worth mentioning that some zebra herds don’t follow this direct route, often taking a detour via the Seloko Plains, which delays their arrival at Nxai Pan National Park by a few weeks.

The Nxai Pan area comes alive after the rains. Picture zebra herds dotting the open plains, baobabs towering in the distance, and predators like cheetahs and lions blending into the golden grass. It’s a dreamy setting, the perfect spot to catch the herds at rest.

Okavango Delta / Moremi Game Reserve – Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

A separate group of zebras begins its journey in the Okavango Delta and the adjacent Moremi Game Reserve. This inland delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering year-round water and supporting a staggering diversity of wildlife, from predators to prey, as well as bird species.

From here, the zebra herds travel southeast toward the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, one of the largest salt flat systems on Earth. During the wet season, these usually arid salt pans turn into grassy plains rich in life. Flamingos arrive to breed, migratory birds fill the skies, and big cats like lions and brown hyenas follow the zebra herds closely — eagerly waiting to pounce.

The main difference between the Chobe River – Nxai Pan zebra migration and the one from the Moremi-Okavango Delta Area to the Makgadikgadi grasslands is the size. About 20,000 zebras migrate from the Chobe River, while only 15,000 move away from Botswana’s Okavango Delta.

Note that only about 55% of the zebras migrate; the rest stay in the Moremi-Okavango Delta Area.

Best time to see Botswana’s zebra migration

Timing is everything when it comes to witnessing the zebra migration. While some wildlife migrations around the world are predictable to the week, Botswana’s migration is more fluid, driven by rainfall patterns and water availability. Still, with the right planning, you can increase your chances of seeing the herds on the move — or at rest in their seasonal grazing zones.

November to January: southbound journey

This is when the spectacle begins. With the onset of the rains, zebras start migrating south from the Chobe River and Okavango Delta. You’ll see them marching across dry riverbeds, filtering through mopane forests, and bunching up along the migration routes. By mid-December, large herds usually move across the Savuti region and into Nxai Pan and Makgadikgadi Salt Pans.

It’s a dynamic time for game drives and mobile safaris, where expert guides follow the herds in real time. Anticipate predator activity, dramatic skies, and seasonal rains with thunderstorms lighting up the plains.

January to March: grazing season

Once they reach the salt pans, the herds spend a few weeks enjoying the nutritious grazing. The Nxai Pan area becomes a sea of green, with zebras dotting the horizon. Makgadikgadi’s wide-open flats are teeming with life, especially bird species like flamingos and storks.

Even though the movement slows down, this period is arguably the most rewarding for wildlife viewing. Large concentrations of zebra, elephant, wildebeest, and predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs can be seen in a small area of the Greater Makgadikgadi Pan System.

This is a fantastic time to stay at permanent lodges in Nxai Pan or enjoy a fly-in safari to Makgadikgadi. The crowds are low, the air is clear, and the bush is alive with activity.

March to April: northbound return

As the rains taper off and the grasses begin to dry, zebras gradually start their return journey. This leg of the zebra migration in Botswana is less dramatic and more dispersed than the southbound leg, but still offers intimate sightings. It’s also a quieter time for tourism in Botswana’s national parks, allowing for a more personal and budget-friendly safari experience.

When to go: wet season VS dry season

Botswana has a wet season (November to April) and a dry season (May to October). Each offers a very different experience. Let’s take a look at what you can expect from each season.

Wet season

The wet season is a great time to experience the zebra migration, particularly along the Chobe River. However, the lush green landscapes mean the wildlife is dispersed, making it harder to spot, unless you stake out permanent water sources. The rainy season also sees fewer crowds, so you can take advantage of the lower prices at some safari camps.

• Pros: Best time to witness the migration in motion or large herds grazing in the pans; dramatic green landscapes; fewer safari vehicles and tourists.
• Cons: Some areas may be inaccessible due to muddy roads or swollen rivers; mosquitoes are more prevalent.

Dry season

The dry season, or winter, is also a wonderful period to see the zebra herds, especially at year-round water sources like the Okavango Delta. Expect vast concentrations of wildlife at these watering holes, more game drives, and likewise higher prices for safaris and lodges.

• Pros: Excellent wildlife viewing near permanent water sources like the Chobe River and Okavango Delta; easier travel conditions.
• Cons: You won’t see the migration in motion — most herds are settled and dispersed.

If your goal is to experience the zebra migration Botswana is known for, aim for early December to April, ideally with local guides who can track the herds in real time.

What to pack for the zebra migration in Botswana

Packing for a migration safari is all about blending comfort, practicality, and readiness for unpredictable weather. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essentials

• Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing (long sleeves against sun and bugs)
• Breathable layers — the wet season is hot and humid, but mornings can be cool
• Warm clothing (shirts and trousers) as dry season (winter) days can be quite chilly
• A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
• Comfortable walking shoes or boots
• A waterproof jacket or poncho (especially November to early March)
• Sunscreen and insect repellent (malaria is a risk in some areas)

Safari extras

• Binoculars — essential for spotting wildlife from afar
• Camera with zoom lens (you’ll thank yourself later)
• Dry bag or waterproof pouch for electronics
• Headlamp or small torch for camps and night walks
• A refillable water bottle (many lodges encourage eco travel)

Tips for experiencing Botswana’s zebra migration

Seeing the zebra migration in Botswana is all about timing, flexibility, and local knowledge. Here are some tips and essential things to know before you go to enhance your safari experience:

• Book with local experts: They know the terrain, the migration routes, and where herds are likely to be spotted based on recent sightings.
• Choose mobile safaris: Some operators move with the migration, setting up luxury camps near where the zebras and other incredible animals are at the time.
• Combine regions: Visit both Chobe National Park and Nxai Pan area, or the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans to follow different legs of the migration in Botswana.
• Be patient: Wildlife doesn’t follow strict schedules — give yourself a few days in each area.
• Travel in 4×4 vehicles: Some routes get muddy or rough during the rains, and you’ll need a suitable car.

FAQs about the zebra migration in Botswana

If you still have some lingering questions about zebra migration in Africa (particularly in Botswana), here are a few of the most commonly asked ones and their answers.

What is the difference between the Great Migration and Botswana’s zebra migration?

The Great Migration happens in East Africa, mainly in Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara. It involves over a million wildebeest, zebra, and other grazers in a circular route.

The zebra migration in Botswana, while smaller in number, covers a longer straight-line distance — over 500km (311 miles) — making it Africa’s longest land migration. It also receives far fewer visitors, so it feels more remote, and you’ll get uninterrupted views of the wild animals.

Why do wildebeest and zebra migrate together?

Zebras and wildebeest often travel together because they complement each other ecologically. Zebras eat the tougher grasses, while wildebeest prefer softer shoots that follow. Traveling together also offers better protection from predators like lions and hyenas.

Do all zebras participate in the migration?

No, only certain populations of Burchell’s zebras make this journey, especially those living near the Chobe River and the Okavango Delta. Others remain in localized areas with reliable water sources. Migration depends on food, water availability, and patterns of the natural habitats.

How far do zebras migrate in Botswana?

The longest route recorded is just over 311 miles (500km) in a direct line between the Chobe River and Nxai Pan. When factoring in terrain and detours, the journey can be even longer. The Nxai Pan zebra migration is currently the longest recorded land migration in Africa.

Make it happen

If you’re looking to witness the zebra migration, Botswana is like stepping into one of Africa’s best-kept secrets. While the Great Migration in East Africa draws global attention, this migration in southern Africa plays out quietly across wild, open spaces, just as it has for generations.

Whether you want to follow the herds in real time or explore the national parks they pass through, our local experts in Botswana can help tailor a great trip that fits your style and budget, so reach out to them today.