In one of Africa’s longest-documented mammal migrations, plains zebra travel 250 km from their dry season ranges along the Chobe River in Namibia to reach areas in and around Nxai Pan National Park in northern Botswana. Zebra begin their trek at the beginning of the wet season, typically December. From the floodplains and woodlands near the Chobe River, they cross the river into Botswana and continue south for the next 10-20 days until they arrive in the Nxai Pan area, with some individuals continuing as far as Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. Although the number of animals has not been well-established, researchers estimate that 5,000 – 10,000 individuals could be involved in the migration. Zebra remain in the Nxai Pan vicinity through the wet season months, where drinking water and forage are readily available. At the end of the rainy season (April), animals begin the trek back to the Chobe River floodplains. Zebra make a less direct and somewhat longer return migration than the initial southwards movement, as they take advantage of abundant waterholes and other ephemeral water sources that were replenished in the rainy season.