In the heart of South Africa’s Eastern Cape province is a national park that showcases the Cape mountain zebra, and also allows you an unmatched experience with one of Africa’s big cats.
Mountain Zebra National Park is a 284 km2 reserve accessed via road from two major centres in South Africa – Gqeberha and East London. Once there, visitors are greeted by a biodiverse landscape, with a mix of habitats ranging from grassy plains and wooded thickets to mountain tops.
Within these areas, expect to find a range of antelope, from smaller varieties like the petite grey duiker and steenbok, to the bigger gemsbok and eland – a commanding animal with long, straight horns, and that can weigh up to a ton. It’s easy to take the Cape mountain zebra in the park for granted, but incredibly, the now 1000-strong herd is the result of an intensive breeding project. Starting off with just six animals, the program was put in place to stave off extinction and has been an undoubted success.
Cheetahs can also be found in the park, and the presence of lions is another success story. After an absence of 130 years, three lions (one female and two males) were introduced to the park in 2013. In 2019, the area welcomed its first litter of cubs in over a century.
Mountain Zebra National Park is a great place for bird watchers. Its varying terrain and habitats welcome 277 bird species, with 20 being endemic to the area. While your attention may be drawn to the larger birds like Verreaux’s eagle, Martial eagle, jackal buzzard, ostrich, secretarybird, and blue crane, don’t forget to look out for the many smaller species that are no less interesting – the Drakensberg rockjumper and ground woodpecker would make a proud addition to any bird-watching list.
While guided game drives are available both during the day and night, consider joining the morning walk. This 10 km hike with a guide will expand your knowledge and deepen your experience of the African bush. For those who like a challenge, a hike to Salpeterkop will reward you with magnificent views over the park, and of an Anglo-Boer War relic. However, the history of the area extends to long before then, as is evidenced by the San cave paintings, which can be visited on a guided drive.
But perhaps the ultimate experience to be found at Mountain Zebra National Park – and indeed almost any wildlife reserve – is the opportunity to track a cheetah. Although their numbers are limited, a radio collar makes finding them relatively easy. Drive out with your guide, and once within range, step out of the vehicle and track them on foot for an unforgettable, up-close encounter with the world’s fastest animal.
Mountain Zebra National Park also has three short 4×4 trails, easily taken on within a few hours.
Accommodation in the park is located mainly at one rest camp 12km from the park entrance, with a guesthouse and two mountain cottages located further in.
Within the main rest camp, there are fully equipped family cottages, two-sleeper cottages and two bedroom rock chalets. Each of these options has a fireplace, air conditioning and TV.
The Mountain Cottages, only accessible by high clearance and 4×4 vehicles, offer a more rustic experience in an off-the-grid setup that can accommodate up to 16 people.
A camp site with 25 berths is also available. Each has its own power and braai (BBQ) area, and there are communal ablutions and kitchen facilities.
- A unique cheetah walk experience.
- A conservation success story, with both lion and zebra once again beginning to flourish in the area.
- Experience the area’s sights and sounds by walking, hiking or driving.
- The park witnessed the first ever documented case of a male cheetah raising cubs.
- During the 1800s, British soldiers created a chessboard on the top of Salpeterkop and played chess with their fellow soldiers in the old fort in Cradock, transmitting moves by means of a signalling mirror.
- The park’s initial Cape mountain zebra conservation efforts were assisted by farmers in the area, who protected small herds of the endangered animal before the park was established.
- There are a few self-drives on reasonable gravel roads, fit for any vehicle.
- The Rock Chalets have the most amazing views!
- The cheetah tracking is amazing - it lasted a few hours, and our guide was determined!
