The Mountain Zebra National Park is one of the smaller national parks in South Africa, but has a special, intimate atmosphere.
It is home to the very rare and endangered mountain zebra. A few decades ago fewer than 20 individuals of this zebra species existed, but since then their numbers have recovered and as of 2021 there are around 1000 of them in the Mountain Zebra National Park.
There is not much vegetation because the MZNP is close to the semi-desert Karoo.
Summer temperatures can reach into the upper 30°C and occasionally exceed 40°C. Sometimes snow can fall on the higher parts of the park during winter.
By car, 14 km north-west of Cradock on the way to Middelburg.
From October to April the park gates are opened at 7AM and closed at 7PM, from May to September the hours are 7AM to 6PM.
Valid until 31 October 2017:
You may use your own car to drive around and spot some animals.
There are also very nice hiking trails, which will allow you to experience wildlife and nature from very close. The trails start at the camp. Ask at the reception to get a small map and some advice on the trails. There is no danger when walking the trails, as there are no dangerous animals like lion in the park, but it is not uncommon to see fighting baboons or relaxing kudus and zebras in the distance during a walk.
The main attraction of the Mountain Zebra NP are the mountain zebras. But there are also other interesting animals, like the many antelopes that live in the park.
At the camp (way up to the pool) is a big colony of rock dassies. They hide between the stones and elsewhere. They can become very naughty, but are normally shy. You will surely spot more and more, if you stop for a second and stand still.
All activities start from the main rest camp. (Prices valid until 31 October 2017.)
There is a restaurant in the camp, which offers some interesting meals, like Springbok Carpaccio.
For evenings after a long day, a braai (South African word for barbeque) is recommended. All chalets have braai facilities and meat and wood can be bought in the camp's shop.
Do not forget to drink enough, especially in the summer months of December and January. Take enough water on a game drive, unless you want to spoil your wildlife experience, because you are thirsty and have to return to the camp.
Water and other drinks (also alcohol) can be bought in the camp's shop.
There is a small camp in the park and a camping site and chalets allow visitors to stay overnight. (Prices valid until 31 October 2017.)
Related: African National Parks
Related: African flora and fauna
Primary administrative division