Mountain Zebra National Park

Mountain Zebra national Park is the preserve of the Mountain Ze

The craggy heights of the Mountain Zebra National Parks Bankberg embrace rolling plains and deep valleys, and have become an entrancing preserve for the Cape mountain zebra. The proclamation of the park in 1937 saved these animals from extinction, and currently their population stands at 300. Other mammals found here include Cape buffalo, black rhino, eland, black wildebeest, red hartebeest and gemsbok, while mountain reedbuck and grey rhebok frequent the higher areas. Caracal occupies the niche of primary predator.

5 things to seek

• Black rhinoceros
• Cape buffalo
• Cape mountain zebra
• Blue crane
• Stanleys bustard

Located 26 km from Cradock on the Graaff Reinet road. This scenic park of more than 6000 ha, where the scenery varies from grass-covered plateaux to wooded ravines, provides a sanctuary for the rare Cape Mountain Zebra, as well as herds of eland, springbok, kudu, black wildebeest, blesbok and red hartebeest, to name but a few, and smaller predators such as the African wild cat, bat-eared fox and aardwolf. Over 200 bird species have been recorded here. In the park one really gets back to nature. There are opportunities for game viewing from your own vehicle, horse riding in the bracing mountain air, walking along several nature trails, or undertaking the three day hiking trail. With overnight huts. Visitors to the park can overnight in the rest camp’s caravan park or completely self-contained chalets. The park also offers a licensed restaurant, conference facilities, swimming pool, petrol and diesel and a shop for provisions and souvenirs. An unforgettable experience is a stay in the Doornhoek farmstead which houses six persons, dates from 1836 and lies hidden in a secluded valley. It is a national monument, furnished with beautiful antiques. A number of factors have contributed to an alarming decrease in the numbers of Cape mountain zebra at the beginning of this century. In the 1930’s, the species was on the brink of extinction. To ensure their survival, the Mountain Zebra National Park was established in 1937 and today some 200 mountain zebra inhabit the park. The scenery is exceptionally beautiful, encompassing, mountains, ravines and high plateau, with attractive trees and a great variety of aloes and flowering shrubs. Nature trails and the three day Mountain Zebra Hiking Trail hold the promise of exciting discoveries. Game viewing is rewarding throughout the year, particularly on the Rooiplaat plateau. Antelope species originally found in the region, as well as small predators and 200 species of birds, including the magnificent Black Eagle, may be seen.

Climate

Summers are warm, and winter nights are cold. Rainfall averages some 390 mm per annum, with regular snowfall on high lying areas.

Travel

The park is situated 25 km from the picturesque town of Cradock, and is 280 km from Port Elizabeth, 800 km from Cape Town, 800 km from Johannesburg and 1050 km from Durban. The access route to the park entrance, as well as all internal tourist routes are gravel, whilst roads in the restcamp area are tarred.

Gate Hours

1 October - 30 April 07:00 – 19:00

1 May – 30 September 07:00 – 18:00

Accommodation

All accommodation is serviced daily and provided with bedding, towels and soap. Doornhoek Guest House, a restored Victorian homestead, accommodating six persons, three bedrooms, en suite bathrooms (bath), fully equipped kitchen. Four bed family cottages, each with two bedrooms, bathroom (shower) and partially equipped kitchen.

Camping

Caravan and camp sites equipped with 220v power points. A maximum of six persons, one caravan with a side tent and one vehicle, or one tent and one vehicle, or one autovilla or one motorized caravan will be permitted per site.

Other Facilities

Fully licensed a la carte restaurant, also serving light refreshments. Shop where curios and basic commodities may be purchased. Barbeque and ablution facilities for day visitors. Petrol and diesel are available in the restcamp. The park has it’s own post office.

Outdoor Activities

Game viewing from own vehicle. Several short nature trails. Horse Riding. Swimming pool for resident guests only.

Conference Facilities

Full conference and catering facilities. Reservations can be made through the central reservations offices.

Handy Hints

Remember to bring along a hat, walking shoes, sun block, camera, binoculars and wildlife reference books. Hikers on both the nature trail and the overnight trail must carry sufficient water. Warm clothes are essential in the winter months.

Take Note

Pets are not allowed in national parks. Firearms must be declared at reception where they will be sealed. The seal will be broken upon departure. Motorcycles or bicycles are not allowed. Medical, pharmaceutical, vehicle repair and police services available in Cradock.

Accommodation in and around South Africa