September 28th 2016 |
Botswana, Travel, Wildlife Safaris, Countries, Experiences, South Africa | by
Alice Gully
The wildebeest migration is the famous one, but it’s not the longest animal migration in safari Africa. That accolade goes to the zebra that travel some 350 miles across Botswana from parts of the Okavango Delta to the Makgadikgadi grasslands in search of fresh grazing. Like the short grass plains in the Serengeti, the grass in the Pans is nutrient rich, unlike that in the Delta. This makes it ideal for producing milk for zebra foals. It’s also a place with better visibility of predators than in the Delta.
Game drive on the Makgadikgadi salt pans, Botswana, Meno A Kwena
During the dry season, the Makgadikgadi Pans are chalky white and almost devoid of vegetation. It’s a spectacular, haunting, landscape and in complete contrast to the watery wonderland of the Delta; just mile upon mile of shimmering white stretching endlessly towards the horizon.
When the first drops of rain fall, the zebra throng together and start to move south, in their thousands, across the scrub-lands. As the summer rains increase and fresh grass begins to coat the surface of the pans some 30,000 zebra will congregate to give birth and graze.
Zebra herds in the green season, Makgadikgadi, Botswana
It is extraordinary viewing and perhaps one of the more engrossing migrations to witness. As ever, with such a great gathering of herbivores, there are plenty of predators in attendance too so a great opportunity to witness the reality of Africa’s wildlife in the raw.
Elephants drinking in the river, Makgadikgadi, Botswana Meno A Kwena
Pair of cheetah at Naxi Pan, Botswana, Kwando Safaris
With the onset of the dry season, the herds make their way to the Boteti River where they can graze the lush riverbanks from April/May until November when they migrate back north again.
Jack’s Camp – a wonderfully stylish camp with fabulous views over the pans, Uncharted Africa
Among the places to stay to witness this extraordinary event are Jack’s Camp, a wonderfully stylish tented camp with fabulous views over the pans; Nxai Pan in the heart of the migration country; or Meno a Kwena on the banks of the Boteti River.
Naxi Pan Lodge, Makgadikgadi, Botswana, Kwando Safaris
Meno A Kwena on the banks of the Boteti River, Botswana
Any questions?
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What next?
We would be delighted to help you plan a holiday, or answer any questions if you’re at an earlier stage. Our team of experts have travelled widely throughout Africa. They can offer expert advice on every type of safari from family and beach holidays to riding and primate safaris. If you would like to talk to someone who has been there and done it, please just send us an email or give us a call.
2 responses to “Where can I see the Zebra Migration?”
Fabulous post.
Would April be a very good time to visit the Naxi Pans, the Makgadikgadi Pans and the Boteti River?
Do you do mobile tours of this region as interested in seeing migrations / large herds of African herbivores?
Went to northern Botswana in May – blown away by the experience.
Roger
Dear Roger,
Your enquiry has been passed on to a Botswana sales expert who will be in touch to help plan your Botswana family safari. Best regards Renate
Alice Gully, the owner of Aardvark Safaris, has been involved in African travel since 1995. Her interest in all things African started with a zoology degree at Newcastle where her entomology tutor inspired with stories of exotic creatures that could only be found in Africa.
Alice Gully, the owner of Aardvark Safaris, has been involved in African travel since 1995. Her interest in all things African started with a zoology degree at Newcastle where her entomology tutor inspired with stories of exotic creatures that could only be found in Africa. When a second degree in vet science did not go according to plan, she fulfilled a dream by working in Zambia. First, she helped set up a safari camp on Lake Kariba and undertook a small study on a family of seven elephants that shared her island. Next was a stint skippering catamarans on the Zimbabwean side of the lake where sailing along the wildlife filled shores of Matsuadona National Park still inspires wonderful memories.
Her last job was living the dream as a back-up guide for a riding safari in Hwange, Zimbabwe, which she describes as one of those few jobs where you forget it's work, and where managing 28 horses and showing guests the wonders of Africa from horseback was pure joy. She decided on her future career as an African tour operator before her return and now says that anything is possible in Africa if you know how.
Now married, and mother to three daughters, Alice runs the Scottish office. Riding is still a big passion she competes and hunts when time allows. Alice and husband Jim are keen hill walkers and love the outdoors, and on their African travels they are happiest on foot, in a canoe, or on horseback. She is also an experienced diver and counts the peaceful reefs of Mozambique as some of the best in the world. Her triplets got a taste of Africa at the age of two on a camel safari in Kenya with some time at the coast – never too young! They are now nearly 12 and have been to Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania and Zanzibar, Malawi being the highlight.
In her many years organising holidays, Alice has travelled extensively through Africa, exploring some of the more off the beaten track safari areas as well as the better known. Kenya remains an old favourite and she has returned six times, unable to resist the draw of all that’s on offer here. Post children she’s also come to appreciate the value of R&R holidays in beach destinations like Mauritius and the Seychelles. Of the countries Aardvark Safaris sells, it’s only Madagascar Alice has yet to explore, but it’s only a matter of time.
Favourite African experience
Too many to pick one, each time I travel something takes my breath away, the people, the endless scenery, the incredible wildlife. For pure wow factor, riding horses through the migration in the Masai Mara or flying in a private plane along the Skeleton Coast of Namibia.
Favourite animal
Other than giraffe (which I’d most like to come back as) it’s the little stuff like the insects and birds that enthral me. If you sit still in Africa, life is busy all around you, no matter where you are. Under the sea, in the ground or high in the trees, there is never a dull moment.
Favourite three camps
I love the small owner run camps where you feel as though you are staying with a friend. The host is your guide and looks after you in every way, they care how you feel and what you do, some of these camps (and owners) include PJ and Barney at Okavango Horse Safaris in Botswana, Kerry Glen at Karisia in Kenya, Ant and Tessa Baber at Ant's Nest in South Africa, but there is a long list, not just three! Luwi Camp in the South Luangwa, Zambia is my desert island camp if there was only one last African trip.
I pride myself on the fact that no two holidays I plan are the same. I enjoy really listening to what people want, before going to the drawing board to sketch out ideas. I believe in top end customer service, so no wedding anniversary goes unnoticed or dietary requirement is missed, and I will spend hours thinking about what could improve everybody’s experience - I want everyone to come home with the same warm fuzzy feeling about Africa that I have. As an experienced rider, I know what makes the difference between a good riding safari and an unforgettable one and will do my best to match riders to the most suitable horses and will always try to look after the non-riding spouse (I have one) as well as learner riders (like my three girls). As a mother I know the pitfalls of travelling with children and will do my utmost to choose the best camps and lodges to create a perfect family holiday – I’m proud to say my repeat and word of mouth business speaks for itself.
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Fabulous post.
Would April be a very good time to visit the Naxi Pans, the Makgadikgadi Pans and the Boteti River?
Do you do mobile tours of this region as interested in seeing migrations / large herds of African herbivores?
Went to northern Botswana in May – blown away by the experience.
Roger
Dear Roger,
Your enquiry has been passed on to a Botswana sales expert who will be in touch to help plan your Botswana family safari. Best regards Renate