Mountain Zebra NP
Near Cradock, at the eastern end of the rugged Bankberg's sweep, a species that came close to extinction has found a home. The Mountain Zebra National Park was proclaimed in 1937 with only six Equus zebra, but today their numbers have increased to well over two hundred.
Soon after proclamation the park was restocked with animals known to have lived in the area before it was turned into farmland, and today visitors to this mountain sanctuary can expect to see eland, red hartebeest, black wildebeest, springbok, ostrich, steenbok, duiker and klipspringer. On the suurveld slopes and scrub-covered pediments of the southeastern section mountain reedbuck and grey rhebuck may be flushed from cover, but the main predator of the park, the caracal or rooikat, is rarely seen as it hunts by night.
Hikes and Trails
The Mountain Zebra National Park offers tourists various hiking and running trails that allows for beautiful nature scenery and animal-spotting. The Impofu Hiking Trail is a 3-day, 25 km trail that will take you past Karoo shrubland and riverine bushveld. The hike is easy to moderate, but due to its length hikers should be relatively fit and have endurance. An armed guide will accompany you, and you’ll most likely spot some giraffe, zebra and antelope.
The Idwala Hiking Trail starts at the Mountain Zebra National Park and ends close to Middelburg. The hike is fairly easy and covers 10 km of Karoo heartland scenery. Hikers will go up the Idwala hill, which allows for beautiful views. As the Karoo heat can be daunting, make sure to bring along water and plenty of sunscreen.
The park also offers great 4x4 trails. There are 3 trails, and each will give you the opportunity to experience the beauty and diversity of the park. There are 2 circular trails and a one-way option, all taking about two hours to complete. The trails are quite rocky and have a few ascents, and during the rainy season you’ll have plenty water crossings to add to the adventure.