When it comes to iconic African species to hunt, the zebra ticks all the boxes. With its striking stripes, it certainly does turn heads on the savanna, but this game species is by no means a pushover regarding a target during an African plains game hunting safari. And believe it or not, those famous stripes help it to camouflage itself!

Learn more about zebra hunting safaris, and what makes this African plains game species such a popular target for African hunts. From top zebra hunting destinations and different zebra species to hunting methods and frequently asked questions, we’ll cover them all.

[DYNAMIC-BLOGTABLEOFCONTENT]

Key Takeaways

• The zebra is a sought-after African plains game species. Hunters target it for its meat and beautiful pelt.
• There are three main species of zebras, namely the Plains game zebra, Grevy’s zebra, and the Mountain zebra.
• The plains game zebra has 7 recognized sub-species plus one that is now extinct, while the Mountain zebra has two sub-species.
• The plains game zebra is the most common, while Grevy’s zebra is the largest in Africa.
• Zebras are native to more than 15 African countries.
• Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Zambia all offer exceptional zebra hunts for hunters, whether an expert or still gaining experience.
• Permits are required to hunt zebras, check with your local African outfitter as to what is required in the region you wish to have a zebra hunting safari.
• Hunting methods include the spot and stalk, ambushing at the local water hole, or making use of an expert tracker to track this African plains game trophy.

The Zebra at a Glance

There is no way that you can miss this exceptional plains game species on your African hunt as you gloss over the savanna. Their striking white and black striped coats are exquisite! This African plains game species also has a horse-like build, with a barrel-shaped body. Their sturdy, muscular legs support them and assist them in reaching speeds of up to 65 miles per hour to evade both hunters and predators.

The most impressive and unusual physical feature of a zebra is its stripes. Each zebra’s stripes are unique, and their pattern and width vary depending on the sub-species concerned.

There are three main species of zebra found in Africa, namely the Plains zebra, Grevy’s zebra, and the Mountain zebra. Two of these three species have sub-species, with Grevy’s zebra being the exception.

The plains zebra is the most common species, with the widest distribution, while the Grevy’s zebra is the largest zebra species in Africa. When it comes to zebra hunting, the plains zebra species is also the most targeted.

Why are Zebra Hunting Safaris so Popular?

• Any hunter targeting a zebra will tell you that it is a unique big game hunting trophy! No zebra skin is alike, allowing the hunter to experience the thrill of hunting zebra, and then having an unusual game hunting trophy to display in their trophy room.
• Trophies can differ from a beautiful zebra rug to a life-size fully mounted animal, the choice is up to the hunter and what they would like to enjoy in their trophy room.
• In terms of trophy fees, zebras are not the most expensive African plains game trophy fee available and provide value for money with a memorable hunting experience.
• Hunting is conservation…by joining a zebra hunt, hunters contribute to local communities and economies, helping them thrive in the harsh African conditions.
• Ethical and controlled zebra hunts are another way to support conservation efforts aimed at protecting the species’ habitat as well as local zebra populations.
• Many hunters target the zebra for its meat, which is said to be flavorsome and delectable. Popular dishes in some African countries include roast zebra, as well as barbequed meat.

Where are the Best Destinations to Enjoy a Zebra Hunting Safari?

Zebra hunting in Africa is a truly exciting African hunt and can be enjoyed in many locations across the continent. We take a look at some of the more popular options for zebra hunts:

Botswana

Botswana is a region thriving with abundant wildlife including the Burchell’s zebra. The area’s landscape and habitats with its savannas and wetlands, make it the perfect habitat for this African plains game species.

Namibia

If you want a unique experience when hunting zebra, then Namibia is the place to go. Explore the mountainous region and rugged terrain as you stalk and hunt Hartmann’s Mountain zebra in the Khomas region.

The private game farms surrounding the Etosha National Park also allow for exceptional habitats and experiences when zebra hunting in Namibia.

South Africa

From the grasslands of the Eastern Cape to the Free State region’s open plains, with its abundant zebra hunting packages available to the premier game hunting location in the country, namely the Limpopo province, hunters are spoilt for choice when enjoying zebra hunts.

Many South African plains game hunting safaris include the zebra as part of their hunting safari package.

Zimbabwe

Offering hunters a diverse range of game species, habitats, and locations, Zimbabwe remains a popular destination when hunting zebra. These African plains game species are available to hunt on private land and in numerous game reserves throughout the country.

Tanzania

Hunting is restricted to national parks, but some surrounding concessions may offer zebra hunting experiences.

Zambia

Zambia’s national parks are home to various zebra populations that thrive in the region. Hunting can be arranged in areas outside the parks, where sustainable practices are both encouraged and practiced.

Zebra Hunts: A Challenging Experience

• Hunting zebra can be quite a challenging hunting safari, relying on the hunter’s skill, perseverance, and patience to target the correct animal.
• When the animals stand together in herds, telling a stallion from a mare can be quite challenging amongst all those stripes and so many animals.
• With this African plains game species being more active during the early mornings and late afternoons as they search for food and head to the watering hole to quench their thirst, it is a good idea to time your hunt accordingly.
• While you may spot them at the water hole, these animals are very nervous drinkers and tend to drink in groups with other animals, which could leave the hunter unable to target his chosen trophy.
• Those who have enjoyed the experience of zebra hunting will confirm that they can be quite tough to hunt, so ensure that your shot placement is on target before taking that first shot.
• Zebras have keen senses, and with so many ears and ears in the herd, the hunter will need to pull out all the stops to ensure that he reaches a point close enough from which to take a good and calculated shot. Once the danger is spotted, the animal quickly vocalizes the threat to others, leading to the herd moving along and the hunter unable to target one specific animal.
• With zebras enjoying habitats of grasslands and savannas, any threat or danger is clearly visible from afar, and with the group alerted they can quickly move away, leaving the hunter without an exceptional trophy.

Are Any Special Permits Required for a Zebra Hunt?

When it comes to zebra hunting in Africa, numerous rules and regulations need to be abided by. These regulations can be quite different, depending on which regions you are traveling to, and what type of zebra you are looking at hunting. Speak to your African outfitter for the latest information relating to their region or country.

CITES Regulations: Zebras are listed under CITES Appendix II in South Africa, which requires regulated hunting with specific permits, especially the Cape Mountain zebra. This means that their trade and hunting must be controlled to ensure that the species do This means that while they are not endangered, their trade and hunting must be controlled.

Hunting Permits: Depending on the country or region, hunting licenses and permits must be obtained prior to the commencement of the zebra hunting safari.

Country-Specific Regulations: In countries like Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana, the controlled hunting of zebras is allowed under certain conditions and requires specific permits depending on the region and the subspecies being targeted.

Zebra Hunts: Hunting Methods & More

Zebra hunting experiences can be enjoyed by hunters across the board, and various hunting methods and techniques are available for a zebra hunt. A quick reminder that zebras are more active during the early morning and late afternoon when they are out grazing or quenching their thirst at the local water hole, so time your hunt accordingly.

Popular hunting methods include a water hole ambush, where zebras are known to frequent, with the hunter in place to take the perfect shot. With expert African trackers on hand, hunters can enjoy the tracking method of hunting, where the tracker leads the hunter through to his zebra target by following the tracks and other signs left by this African plains game species. Another common practice is the spot and stalk, where the herd is seen from afar, and the hunting party slowly but surely stalks closer until they are within striking distance for the perfect shot.

A Zebra’s Stripes: Camouflaging Cover

Did you know that a zebra’s stripes assist it in camouflaging itself from predators? It has been said that the stripes of the zebra assist it in camouflaging itself while standing amongst high grass and reeds. While some research has called this theory into question, another theory suggests that the stripes on the zebras confuse predators when the zebras move in large groups.

When it comes to the zebra’s stripes and camouflaging in the tall grasses, their stripes have been known to assist these African plains game species in hiding from the lion, one of their primary predators. Lions are colorblind to a certain degree and cannot differentiate between the stripes of the zebra and the long grasses in which they stand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Africa’s largest zebra species?

The largest zebra found in Africa is the Grevy’s zebra (Equus grevyi). It weighs around 770-945 pounds, with a shoulder height of approximately 4,5 feet.

Are all zebras’ stripes the same?

No, each zebra’s stripes have a different pattern. Each zebra has stripes that are unique to it, almost like a fingerprint is unique to a human.

Is zebra hunting legal in South Africa?

Yes, it is legal to enjoy a zebra hunt in South Africa.

Why are zebras hunted?

There are numerous reasons that zebras are hunted, including for meat, for their beautiful pelts, as well as to stop overgrazing on land. Their numbers are also decreasing due to droughts, overgrazing, poaching, and hunting.

How long do zebras live?

Zebras can live up to 20 years in the wild, whereas in captivity they are known to reach ages of up to 40 years.

What are a zebra’s main predators?

Lions are by far the most prevalent apex predator targeting this African plains game species. Zebras are also preyed upon by wild dogs, cheetahs, and leopards, as well as spotted and brown hyenas.

How fast can an African plains game zebra run?

Zebras are quite fast, reaching speeds of up to 65 miles per hour to evade predators, including the lion, wild dog, cheetah, and spotted hyena, amongst others.

Why can lions at times not see zebras?

The zebra’s striped coat blends in with the tall grasses around it, allowing it to successfully camouflage itself against the lion. The fact that the color of the grass and the zebra’s stripes are not the same doesn’t matter, as the lion is, in fact, colorblind.

Do zebras migrate?

Yes, during the hot months, or when water is scarce, zebras will migrate in search of water. Zebras are water-dependent and can drink up to a gallon at one time. While wild zebras have been known to last up to 5 days without water, they will migrate in search of a water source.

What is the most common zebra in Africa?

Found in southern and eastern Africa, south of the Sahara, the plains zebra is the most common and widely spread of the zebra species.

Conclusion

African hunts featuring the iconic zebra are thrilling, with the hunter requiring great skill, perseverance, and patience to land this beautiful African plains game species. With zebra hunts being available in many countries throughout Africa, hunters are spoilt for choice as to when and where to target this striking striped species. Spoil yourself and consider adding this striking species to your hunting safari.

Author: B. Hershensohnn