Zebras Uncensored: Kenya Savannah's Most Intriguing Characters

Hey there, adventure seekers! Ever wondered why zebras are the talk of the savannah? Let me tell you, these stripy characters are more than just eye candy on your Kenyan safari!

Picture this: You're cruising through the Masai Mara, camera in hand, when suddenly - bam! A dazzle of zebras (yep, that's what you call a group of these beauties) appears on the horizon. Trust me, it's a moment you'll never forget.

Did you know that no two zebras have the same stripe pattern? It's like nature's own barcode system! Even Teddy Roosevelt, during his famous 1909 Kenya safari, was blown away by this. Word has it he spent hours just watching zebras, probably with the same awe you'll feel when you see them.

Now, let me let you in on a little secret. At Complete Safaris, we're kind of zebra nerds (among other things). We love digging up cool facts about these guys. In fact, we create a personalized book for each of our safari-goers, complete with your unique itinerary, space for your memories, and fun tidbits about the animals you'll see.

(Quick question: If you were joining us on safari, what would you want in your personal safari book? We're always looking to make our trips even more amazing!)

Here's a fun fact to impress your fellow travelers: Kenya's got not one, but two types of zebras! There's the Grevy's zebra, the supermodel of the zebra world - tall, slender, with narrow stripes and big round ears. You'll find these divas north of the equator in places like Samburu. Then there's the Plains zebra, the social butterflies you'll see all over, from the Masai Mara to Amboseli.

Here's the best part:  zebra stripes repel biting insects such as horseflies and tsetse flies.  The theory is that stripes create a pattern that confuses the insect's vision, making it harder for them to land on the zebra.  Sounds like it's time for this human to get a zebra tattoo!

Zebras also use rolling on the ground to get rid of insects and irritations.

Speaking of social, Plains zebras are the party animals of the savannah. They live in harems (one stallion, a few mares, and their kids), and these family groups often join up to form massive herds. It's like a continuous zebra block party out there!

Grevy's zebras, on the other hand, are more of the 'independent spirit' types. The males set up their bachelor pads (territories), and the females just cruise between them with their young. Talk about freedom!

And don't get me started on the drama! Male Plains zebras have fights that would put any reality TV show to shame. Biting, kicking, head-butting - all to impress the ladies and lead a harem. Who needs Netflix when you've got zebra TV?

One last thing - zebras are chatty! They've got a whole range of sounds and body language to communicate. Who knows, spend enough time with them, and you might just learn to speak zebra!

So, what do you say? Ready to join us on a zebra-spotting adventure in Kenya? Trust me, it's an experience that'll stripe, I mean STAY with you forever!  Email to ask Anthony or Lutricia for more inside knowledge.

Want to see these animals in person? Explore our safari itineraries that feature excellent viewing opportunities. The north loop provides opportunities specifically to see Grevey's Zebra, however you'll have a good chance of seeing zebra's with any itinerary.  On the other hand, nature is not a theme park and animal viewings are never guaranteed!