Where to spot zebras in Uganda

Where to spot zebras in Uganda: Uganda is one of the exceptional safari destinations that tourists from across the globe choose as their number one option. The country has several tourist attractions that attract tourists from different parts of the world to come and explore.  Among the attractions are the wildlife species like the mammals, primates, and birds.

Uganda has several wildlife species that live within different national parks across the country. Among the wildlife species are the Burchell’s Zebras, which are a subspecies of the plains zebra. Plains Zebras are among the most fascinating animals in the wilderness because of their striking patterns of white and black. Every zebra stripe pattern is unique, just like the human fingerprint.

The social structure of the plains zebras

Plains zebras are social animals that live in small groups called harems. Harems consist of one stallion, which is the male, and several mares, which are the females with their offspring. Plains zebras also have male groups called the bachelors, living in groups of up to 15 males led by young males. When stallions want to expand their harems, they abduct young mares from other groups.

The stallion in a harem mates with all the mares. The female plains zebras have a gestation period of 12 years and a mare gives birth to a foal that weighs 30 t0 35kgs. The foal stands within a day and is able to feed on grass within the first week. The mother zebra protects her foal from members of the group for some time, but later, it bonds with the members.

What do plains zebras eat

Plains Zebras in Uganda are herbivores that eat fresh grasses, but in the dry season, they are forced to eat leaves, bark, fibrous stems, shrubs, and berries. They like moving in herds and spend most of the time grazing in open savannah areas. Zebras remove the rough grass tops that are very tough to chew, making it easy for other herbivores to graze.

Where to see zebras in Uganda

Zebras in Uganda can be found in two national parks, namely Kidepo Valley National Park (The True African Wilderness) and Lake Mburo National Park (Whispers of the World). Apart from national parks, tourists still have an opportunity to meet zebras of Uganda in conservation areas such as the Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre and CTC Conservation Center.

Lake Mburo National Park is the best place to see zebras in Uganda

Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo National Park is the best place to see zebras in Uganda, with the highest population of these animal species living in different locations of the park. The park is the closest to the capital city of the country, which makes it easy for tourists to visit.  Another advantage that comes with seeing zebras of Lake Mburo National Park is that you can get so close to these animals by taking part in walking activities, which are guided by armed ranger guides.

Kidepo Valley National Park

Located in the extreme north-eastern part of the country, Kidepo Valley National Park is another habitat of zebras in Uganda. The park holds the second-largest remaining population of plains zebras, making it the second-best destination to see zebras in Uganda. These zebras thrive in open savannah vegetation where they feed on different grasses and water from seasonal sources around Narus and Kidepo River Systems.

The Uganda Wildlife Conservation Center and CTC Conservation Center

The Uganda Wildlife Conservation Center is located in Entebbe, while the CTC Conservation Center is located in Kalamba, Butambala District. These centers are home to different wildlife species that are found in national parks across the country. Among the animals that live in these centers are the zebras. Tourists will be able to get to the zebras and also feed them at places like CTC Conservation Center

More to discover in Uganda

On a Uganda safari, tourists have a lot to discover as the country has lots of tourist attractions. The mountain gorillas, which are the second closest relatives to human beings, top the list, and these are found in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park and Mgahinga National Park. The country is home to the Big Five mammals, namely lions, rhinos, buffaloes, elephants, and leopards.

Uganda is also home to chimpanzees, which are the closest relatives to human beings. They are currently living in Kibale Forest National Park, Budongo Forest, Kyambura Gorge, and Kalinzu Forest. Tourists can visit them by taking part in chimpanzee trekking activities as well as habituation. The country also has antelopes, giraffes, more than 1000 bird species, mountains, rivers, and lakes.

When to visit Uganda to see zebras

To witness the beauty of zebras in their natural habitats of Lake Mburo National Park and Kidepo Valley National Park, tourists need to visit the areas during the dry season, from June to September, and December to February. This is a period when the parks are receiving little or no rainfall. The grasses are short with clear views of the zebras, and the game tracks are dry, which makes it easy for tourists to access most of the park areas.

During the dry season, when the water is scarce, tourists get an opportunity to see these zebras near the few water sources, drinking water or grazing on fresh vegetation cover. Tourists may still travel in the low season months to see the zebras of Uganda, but in March to May and October to November, there is heavy rainfall on most days.