The WildNet Africa on-line directory of destinations, safaris, products and services available in Africa.THESE DIRECTORY ENTRIES PROVIDE BASIC CONTACT DETAILS ONLY. VISIT THE WEBSITE IF AVAILABLE. THE WILDNET AFRICA HOME PAGE WILL LEAD YOU TO DESTINATIONS AND SERVICES WITH FULL ON-LINE INFORMATION.  MOUNTAIN ZEBRA NATIONAL PARK(NATIONAL PARKS BOARD)Postal address: PRIVATE BAG X66, CRADOCK, 5880, SOUTH AFRICA Tel (International): +27-481-2427 Tel (South Africa): 0481-2427 Fax (International): +27-481-3943 Fax (South Africa): 0481-3943 e-Mail: Web Home Page: http://wildnetafrica.co.za/nationalparks/parks/mountainzebraintro.html Our situation/ areas of operation:EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICAOur type of wildlife enterprise:GAME/NATURE RESERVEOur wildlife products and/or services:GAME VIEWING, BIRDING, TRAILS The Mountain Zebra National Park, which covers 6 536 ha, was established to protect one of the last remaining populations of the Cape mountain zebra. The park is cradled in a huge natural amphitheatre on the northern slopes of the Bankberg and mostly consist of grass-covered mountain slopes, flat, open plateaux, deep ravines and the lightly wooden course of the Wilgerboom River. Altitudes range fro 1 200 m above sea level to the 1 957 m peak of Bakenkop. The vegetation within the park occupies a transitional zone between the arid Karoo scrub of the west and the temperate sweet grasslands of the east. I most areas it consist of mixed Karoo scrub and grassland, with trees and taller shrubs in the ore rugged areas. The park protects approximately 200 Cape mountain zebra, numbers being maintained at this level in order to prevent overpopulation. Surplus animals are caught and transferred to other parks and reserves. The best area for observing zebra is that known as the Rooiplaat, although I winter many animals spend ore time on the hill slopes. Most foals are born during the summer months, between October and March. Of the total of 58 mammal species that have been recorded, others likely to be seen are eland, red hartebeest, black wildebeest, blesbok, springbok and mountain reedbuck. Rock dassies are very common and can be observed close to the camp. More than 200 bird species have been recorded in the park and they include martial, back and booted eagles, Cape eagle-owl, blue crane and pale-wined starling. Forty-five reptile species are known to occur, of which the most easily observed are the large mountain tortoise and the rock monitor, or leguaan. The park experiences climatic extremes: heavy frost and snowfalls in winter, and very hot days in summer. Location: Eastern part of the region; south-west of Cradock Access: From Cradock follow the N10 towards Middelburg for 6 km, then turn west onto the R61 in the direction of Graaff-Reinet and continue for 5 km; turn left onto a clearly signposted, graded gravel road to the park Internal roads are grave and well maintained. An entrance fee is charged. Accommodation: 4-bed cottages, each with a fully-equipped kitchen, bathroom and living room (R110 for 2 persons per night); the fully-equipped, 6-bed Doornkloof Guest Cottage (R240 per night); a caravan and camping site with 20 stands and full ablution facilities (R9 per stand, R4 per person; maximum 6 persons per stand). The 3-day Mountain Zebra Hiking Trail (maximum 12 persons) has 2 overnight huts with basic ablution facilities (R30 per person). Other facilities: A 40-km network of game-viewing roads; Mountain Zebra Hiking Trail; shorter walking trails; picnic sites; conference facilities; restaurant; swimming pool at main camp; 1-hour fixed horse trail (booking essential); shop selling basic foodstuffs; fuel. Open: Throughout the year. Opening time: 1 October to 30 April - 0700 to 18h00; 1 May to 30 September - 08h00 to 18h00. Speed limit: 40 km/h |
