MOUNTAIN ZEBRA NATIONAL PARK

No prizes for guessing which animal is the highlight of this Park. The Cape Mountain Zebra, the smallest of the living zebra species, at one time inhabited most of the Cape area in South Africa. Burgeoning human populations resulted in indiscriminate killing of the zebra and by 1922, only about 400 animals were left in the region. To stop the species from sliding over the edge and into oblivion, the Mountain Zebra National Park was established in 1937 amidst the acacia- rich veldt of the Eastern Cape. Today, as a result of careful conservation, 200 or more zebras inhabit the Park. The zebra population of the Park has in fact reached such a comfortable position that some animals have been transferred to other nature reserves.

Within the Mountain Zebra National Park, most zebra are to be seen in the Bankberg mountains, along with other highland species such as grey rhebok and reedbuck In the low-lying regions of the park, prominent species include antelope, eland, springbok, African wildcat, black-footed cat, bat eared wolf and over 200 species of birds including the black eagle, booted eagle, pale-winged starling and blue crane. The scenery in the Park is unmatched with its surrounding mountains, grassy plateaus and many exotic flowering shrubs. A number of hiking trails meander through the park, and a walk along one of these- accompanied by an experienced guide, of course- is the perfect way to see the Park’s wildlife.

Entry Permits
The gates to the Park are open from 7.00 am to 7.00 pm between October and April, and from 7.30 am to 6 pm the rest of the year. Entry passes- R12 per adult and R6 per child- can be purchased at the gate of the Park.

Access
Within easy access of Port Elizabeth, the Mountain Zebra National Park is well connected to the rest of South Africa. The town of Cradock, 25 km from the park, is the nearest urban settlement, and is linked by bus to other towns in the country, including Port Elizabeth (280 km from Mountain Zebra National Park), Johannesberg (800 km) and Cape Town (800 km). Cape highways are good roads, and driving down from Port Elizabeth is a great way to savour the beauty of the Garden Route.
The access roads to the Park, as well as internal roads, are graveled. Wildlife viewing is possible aboard your own vehicle, on horseback, or on a hike along one of the many nature trails which cut through the Park. The longest of these is the Mountain Zebra Hiking Trail, a 3 day route which takes you up into the habitat of the mountain zebra. The Rooiplaat Plateau is particularly favourable for game viewing.

Best time to visit
Mountain Zebra National Park, thanks to its location in the mountains, faces extremes of climate. Winters are cold and snowy, while summers are warm, even hot at times. Rainfall is less than 400mm a year, and some of the higher reaches receive precipitation in the form of snow. Summer - between October and April - is generally the best time to visit the Park.

Accommodation
The options for accommodation in the Park include fully equipped chalets, a caravan park and a charming Victorian guesthouse. There is an a-la-carte restaurant, a shop and conference facilities for about 60 delegates.

Accommodation tariffs per person range from R60 per night for camping to R500 per night for a room at the guesthouse. Family cottages or chalets cost about R270 per night.

More information on the Mountain Zebra National Park can be obtained from the offices of South African National Parks Board (in Pretoria, 643, Leyds Street, Muckleneuk, Tel: 27 (0)12 343-1991). Accommodation can also be booked through the offices of the board.

For detailed country and visitor information, see South Africa.