This is a national park in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa proclaimed in July 1937 for the purpose of providing a nature reserve for the endangered Cape mountain zebra.
Mountain Zebra National Park is the best place to see the endangered endemic Cape mountain zebra. Sightings are almost guaranteed in a day visit.
The game drive circuit takes you through stunning mountain scenery with several viewpoints. Black rhino, lion and buffalo are also present, but sightings are hit-and-miss.
Attractions
The main attraction is the ±700 Cape Mountain zebras, easily spotted in the open grassland. Other animals usually encountered are red hartebeest, black wildebeest, eland and springbok. Black rhino, lion and buffalo have been reintroduced.
Cheetah tracking by car and on foot is offered as a new activity, but generally the park is not about spotting predators or the Big Five.
The rare black wildebeest, a real grassland special, is quite common in the park and can often be seen together with zebra. Cheetah is easily found with the cheetah tracking activity, and leopard are present, but rarely spotted. There is a reasonable chance of seeing bat-eared fox and caracal when on an early morning game drive.
The focus lies mostly on the Cape mountain zebra since the Big Five animals are absent or rarely spotted. The mountain zebra can be seen throughout the year and, because winters get very cold, the best time to visit is during the warmer summer months (October to March). Most of the Cape mountain foals are born in this period, and some social interaction might be observed.
Mountain Zebra NP has as many as 20 birds on its list that are endemic to southern Africa. It is quite possible to check off 100 species, many of them of special interest, in a three-day stay.
The impressive Verreaux’s eagle, martial eagle and jackal buzzard can often be seen soaring over the mountains. Pale-winged starling is very common and interesting grassland species to look out for are blue crane and Ludwig’s bustard. Migratory birds are present from November to April.
The surrounding Bankberg Mountains are a magnificent backdrop to the park. The circuit takes in several viewpoints overlooking the rugged landscape of mountains, grassy plains, bushy hillsides and rocky gorges, bisected by the densely wooded banks of the Wilgerboom River.
Where to stay
Camp Site (CK6P)
4×2 Mountain Cottage (MC)
Family Cottage (FA4)
Family Cottage (FA4Z)