Mountain Zebra National Park is situated on the R61 road near Cradock (Nxuba) in the Eastern cape. The park was gazette in 1937 to save the dwindling cape mountain zebra population covering over 28000 hectares.
Mountain Zebra National Park is situated in the Karoo region, recognized for its stratified sedimentary rocks. The layers, created between 300 and 180 million years ago, consist of the Beaufort Group, featuring river-deposited rocks that hold fossils, and the Stormberg Group, characterized by desert-formed sandstones.
Attractions in Mountain Zebra National Park
Activities in Mountain Zebra National Park
Guided Game Drives
A morning game drive is a perfect way to begin the day. The drive begins at 05:00 during the summer months and at 06:30 in the winter, lasting approximately two hours. Guided drives are available exclusively for children who are 6 years old or older. The drives do not follow a set path. The itinerary for each drive is determined by potential animal sightings and any specific interests expressed by the group.
Winter morning drives can be chilly, and spotting wildlife may prove challenging; therefore, excursions typically head to raised regions. Many animals ascend the slopes to benefit from the warmer air and the early morning sunlight.
Early morning drives frequently provide opportunities to see nocturnal animals before they retreat for the day. Aardwolves, porcupines, springhares, and even owls are among the species that can be observed.
Sunset drives offer a wonderful opportunity for those looking to pause and appreciate the breathtaking Karoo sunset, accompanied by light snacks and a drink (provided). Autumn and winter drives offer excellent chances for aardwolf sightings, and you might encounter some nocturnal species on your return to camp. Sunset drives commence at 15:30 during the winter months and at 17:00 in the summer season.
Night drives commence at 19:00 during the summer months and at 18:00 in the winter season. The procedure remains consistent with the early morning drives, with the exception that routes are typically navigated at lower altitudes (main road and Ubejane Loop) to avoid the winds, as nights can be chilly even during summer. Night drives, as long as the temperature is moderate, can uncover a variety of fascinating animals and birds. Species including the bat-eared fox, aardwolf, black-backed jackal, porcupine, Spotted Eagle-Owl, and Fiery-necked Nightjar are frequently observed. On incredible nights, animals like aardvark, Cape fox, bushpig, black-footed cats, and brown hyena can be observed engaging in their nocturnal foraging activities.
Cheetah Tracking
The most thrilling of all the Park’s activities is the chance to encounter a wild cheetah on foot – an intimate experience that should not be overlooked. The cheetah has the freedom to roam throughout the Park, making the search for a specific individual a time-consuming endeavor. Several cheetahs in the Park are equipped with GPS/satellite collars that include a VHF component, allowing them to be monitored through VHF telemetry.
in Mountain Zebra National Park
The process of tracking begins with identifying the cheetah’s signal, after which the guide transports visitors to this specific location by vehicle. As they draw near, the group makes their way toward the animal on foot. Observing a cheetah as it engages in its daily routines, unnoticed by the presence of humans, may greatly affect one’s life.
Cheetahs are elusive animals, and encounters with them cannot be assured. Skilled guides possess an 80 – 90% likelihood of finding a cheetah. Great attention is given to ensuring that the group does not interfere in any manner, and when cheetahs are actively hunting, guides maintain a respectful distance to minimize any disruption to their natural behavior or circumstances.
San Cave Paintings
This activity provides an insight into the lives of the individuals who inhabited this region decades ago. The site has a history spanning approximately 300 years, featuring paintings of antelope alongside a predator believed to be a cheetah. To access the main site in Boesmanskloof, visitors must navigate a brief drainage line, which may pose difficulties for elderly or frail individuals. The entire activity lasts approximately 2 hours.
How to get to Mountain Zebra National Park
To access Mountain Zebra National Park, you have the option to fly into O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg or Cape Town International Airport. The journey from Cape Town spans 800 kilometers, taking about 9 hours, making it an ideal complement to a tour of the Winelands and Garden Route.
Another option is to fly into Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport in Gqeberha (previously known as Port Elizabeth) and then drive the 260 km (approximately 3 hours) to the park. The park is located 12 km from Cradock and can be easily reached using the N10 and R61 highways.
Climate in Mountain Zebra National Park
Mountain Zebra National Park has a climate that ranges from semi-arid to arid, with the majority of rainfall taking place between October and April. Winters (May to September) are distinctly cold, with temperatures frequently falling below freezing, particularly in June and July. Mornings may dip to a brisk 1°C, whereas daytime temperatures can rise between 16°C and 20°C as the season progresses. While snow can occasionally blanket the mountain peaks, such occurrences are infrequent. During the summer months, from October to April, temperatures tend to be milder, and there is an increase in rainfall, though it remains infrequent.
Best time to Explore Mountain Zebra National Park
The park remains accessible throughout the entire year. During the summer months, the hours of operation are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., whereas in winter, it closes one hour earlier. The summer months, stretching from October to March, enhance your visit with their milder temperatures, and the park’s scenery truly comes alive during this season. During winter, the park’s high altitude can lead to quite a chill, so consider this if you prefer warmer temperatures!
Hiking Trails in Mountain Zebra National Park
Black Eagle Hiking Trail
The Black Eagle Hiking Trails is a 2.5 km (1.5 mi) route of moderate challenge that climbs a rocky outcrop on the slopes of Soetkop. It offers a perspective from which black eagles occasionally glide above the cliffs. As they traverse the path, hikers can appreciate the variety of plant species and might come across smaller wildlife, including meerkats, vervet monkeys, and dassies (rock hyrax).
Idwala Hiking Trail
The Idwala Hiking Trail derives its name from the Xhosa term for ‘big rock,’ referencing a 20-tonne dolerite boulder that slid 250 meters (820 ft) down a mountain in 1974. Hikers traverse challenging rocky terrains on this 10 km (6 mi) guided hike. The trail provides chances to observe the park’s renowned Cape Mountain Zebras, red hartebeest, and a variety of raptors.
Impofu Hiking Trail
The Impofu Hiking Trail is a remarkable 25 km (15 mi) 3-day trail that showcases some of the park’s highlights, including Bakenkop, one of the park’s highest peaks. The initial day’s hike winds through grassy fields and mountain shrubland, leading past the remarkable ‘Big Rock’ boulder. On the second day, you will encounter a mountain grassland setting, where you may spot herds of eland and mountain reedbuck. The last stretch traverses a riverine thicket, ending at the rest camp. Two mountain cottages offer overnight accommodations for hikers in relaxed and beautiful spots.
