This National Park in the Karoo, proclaimed in 1937, is dedicated to the protection of the Cape Mountain Zebra, an endangered species. In contrast to the - not endagered - savannah zebra (Burchell's Zebra) the mountain zebra has an orange blaze on its face and a smaller pattern of stripes.
About 300 Mountain Zebras as well as many wildebees, springbok, kudu and eland antelopes, Cape buffaloes and some black rhinos inhabit the park.
The Mountain Zebra National Park extends over an area of 28000 hectares and lies on a rocky plateau, a few kilometres from the small Karoo town of Cradock, 280 kilometres north of Port Elizabeth.
The climate is warm and dry with annual precipitation of less than 400 mm that fall mostly in the beginning of summer. The winter months are usually icy-cold with snow in higher regions. The vegetation belongs to Renosterveld and Fynbos type. In spring, after good rains, the wildflower blooming can be spectacular.
Visitor information, entrance fees and accommodation to be found on the INFO page:
Top: Mountain Zebras in the Mountain Zebra National Park. Left: It is excellent hiking in the park.
