Botswana�s zebra migration: the country�s best-kept secret

| Monday October 6, 2014 06:59

One of Botswana’s best-kept secrets is the fact that the Makgadikgadi Pans are home to the world’s second-longest zebra migration. Every year, up to 25,000 zebras move in herds across the plains, from the Okavango to the Makgadikgadi, a journey of more than 150 miles. 

This particular migration takes place after the December-January rains which, by February and March have transformed the arid expanse of the massive salt pans into a paradise of shallow streams, large pool-like puddles and vibrant green vistas.

The season’s rains enable new grass to spring up throughout the plains. As the zebras move across the plains so do their predators, which obviously results in some incredible wildlife sightings with lions, hyenas, cheetahs as well as the occasional leopard. Unfortunately for those hoping to witness this wildlife spectacle, is very unpredictable and completely dependent on when the first rains fall. The event also occurs out of season after the first rains, whereas most people visit in the dry season.

The Botswana zebra migration was discovered by accident when a team doing research noted that some of the GPS-collared zebra migrated from parts of the Okavango Delta, all the way to the Makgadikgadi grasslands and back again. Researchers have since studied this phenomenon closely, and recently Michael Chase, founder of the conservation group Elephants Without Borders, uncovered information on yet another Botswana zebra migration. 

One of the most luxurious ways to experience the zebra migration is at Jack’s Camp, located deep in the Kalahari Desert. The camp is a classic desert safari camp accommodating 18 guests in nine large, walk-in tents. Inspired by the original 1940s safari camp established by the company’s owner, it is steeped in pioneer day history but has all luxury amenities. One of the itineraries organised from Jack’s Camp will enable travelers to witness the zebra migration during a picnic lunch in the shade of a grove of trees. 

However, the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans have more to offer visitors than merely the zebra migration. Although the wet season is undoubtedly the best season to witness an abundance of wildlife, during the dry season, travelers get to experience the true essence of the pans. 

The dry season is also the best time for interactive walks with the original inhabitants of the region, the San or Bushmen, who will showcase their survival techniques such as finding water in the desert.

Riding out onto the pans on a quad bike is also a highlight of any Makgadikgadi safari, for it is here where visitors can gain appreciation of the space and silence as well as experience riding for hours and not getting anywhere in particular.