Cradock - Mountain Zebra National Park

The Mountain Zebra National Park (area 6536ha/16,144 ac), established in 1937, lies on the northern slopes of the Blankberg range (up to 2000m/6560ft), 24km/15mi southwest of Cradock. It is one of the finest National Parks in South Africa, on account both of its unique fauna and its magnificent scenery. It is also an area of archaeological interest in which remains of Paleolithic man have been found, and there is a cave containing Bushman paintings, reached on a well signposted road.

The park was established to ensure the survival of the mountain zebra. Standing only 1.25m/4ft high, with a reddish-brown nose and a white belly, the mountain zebra is in grave danger of extinction. In 1960 there were only 50 of them left, but the herd in the National Park has now risen to over 200. Every year, too, a number of mountain zebras are given to other parks, so that the total stock is now estimated at 600.

In addition to the mountain zebra other animals of the savanna live in the park, among them springboks, bonteboks and kudus, as well as caracals, jackals, mongooses and many species of birds.

The vegetation is typical of the Karoo, with the addition of wild olives, sumac and thorny acacias.

From the ranger's house there are roads to different parts of the park, and there are also a number of short walks and trails, as well as the 31km/19mi Mountain Zebra Trail (overnight accommodation in mountain huts).

Within the park there are various types of accommodation for visitors, as well as a shop and a restaurant.