About Mountain Zebra National Park
Mountain Zebra National Park Flora & Fauna
Mountain Zebra National Park is an enigmatic wilderness gem where you can see the finest display of flora and fauna. A majority of the vegetation in the Mountain Zebra National Park comprises shrubland and eastern upper Karoo grasses, escarpment grasses, and Riverine sweet thorn. The park thus incorporates the varying elements of three biomes: Grassland, the Nama-Karoo, and Thicket. The Eastern Upper Karoo features a combination of shrub and grass-dominated vegetation types like Pentzia incana and Aristida spp. The Karoo Escarpment Grassland is dotted with grass species and shrubs like Euryops annuus, Merxmuellera disticha, and Elytropappus rhinocerotis. Fynbos and Renosterveld bush can be seen in the temperate climate, and the park gets covered with flowers during the spring.
Mountain Zebra National Park houses the Cape mountain zebras that are characterized by their white, unstriped bellies. It also supports a wide variety of mammals, such as burly buffalo, red hartebeest, eland, black wildebeest, blesbok, and springbok. Keep an eye out for other wildlife animals like lions, black jackals, bat-eared foxes, and caracals. In the rocky mountainous regions, like the Kranskop Loop, you can spot mountain reedbuck, klipspringer, and grey rhebuck. There are also black buffalos, but they hide in the thickets, so it can be difficult to spot them. The national park also houses around 277 bird species, including jackal buzzards, Verreaux eagles, and little Rock Kestrels. The grassland species include Ludwig's bustard and blue crane.
Mountain Zebra National Park Tour Packages
This safari package takes you through three of the most famous national parks in South Africa, The Addo Elephant National Park, the Camdeboo National Park, and the Mountain Zebra National Park. Enjoy a game drive at Addo Elephant National Park and spot elephants, lions, the endangered black rhinos, leopards, spotted hyenas, antelopes, and an array of bird species. Track wild cheetahs on foot at the Mountain Zebra National Park and explore the vast open plains and majestic mountains of Nieu Bethesda. Visit the legendary Owl House in the village of Nieu Bethesda and get ready for nature exploration at Camdeboo National Park.
- Inclusions
- Entry fees to the national parks.
- Shared twin accommodations.
- Owl House entrance fees.
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
- Cheetah tracking and full-day game drive.
- Price (in USD): From $535.87 USD
Also Check: South Africa Safari Holiday Packages
Discover the best of the South African wonders by booking this 12-day Coast, Lesotho, and Cape Town Accommodated package. Join a guided tour of Lesotho, visit the historical sites of the Kwazulu-Natal battlefields and explore the Royal Natal National Park. Enjoy a mountain bike tour at Malealea, spot Cape Mountain zebras and other wildlife species at Mountain Zebra National Park, and enjoy canoe safaris and nature hikes at Tsitsikamma National Park. Hit the picturesque beaches and lush green forests of the Tsitsikamma National Park and enjoy whale watching at Hermanus.
Inclusions
- Twin-share accommodation
- Vehicle taxes and road tolls
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- All ground transportation
- Service of two guides
Price: From $1,815 USD
Enjoy a guided journey through the most enchanting destinations of South Africa by booking this tour package. Visit the picturesque winelands of Cape Town, explore the cliff paths of Hermanus, cruise the vast Knysna Lagoon, and have close encounters with the African wildlife at Mountain Zebra National Park. Meet Kapama's 16 habituated elephants and enjoy a two-day safari at Kapama private game reserve.
Inclusions
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Entry fees for all National parks
- Transportation cost
Price: From $2300 USD
This 19 days tour package will take you through South Africa, Johannesburg, and twelve other exotic destinations in Africa. Enjoy a 4x4 game drive in Kruger National Park, learn about traditional Swazi culture by going on an included Esitjeni village walk, and enjoy a sunset game drive at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. Hire a surfboard and hit the Golden Mile beaches, enjoy a guided hike in Malealea and have incredible animal sightings at Mountain Zebra National Park.
Inclusions
- Twin-share accommodations
- Guided tour of Cango Caves
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Two full-day game drives in Kruger National Park
- Wine tasting in Hermanus
- Overland safari truck. 4x4 safari jeeps.
Price: From $2515.35 USD
Things to Do at Mountain Zebra National Park
Mountain Zebra National Park offers visitors the chance to go cheetah tracking on foot. You can also drive out with a knowledgeable guide to spot the cheetahs that inhabit the Mountain Zebra National Park. The cheetahs wear GPS tracking collars so the forest ranger can listen to the beeps they emit and locate them based on the strength of the beeping signal. On the drive, keep your eyes peeled for other animals like buffalos and rhinos.
- Timing: 8:30am
- Price: From $21.82 USD per person
Also Read: Things to Do in South Africa
Sign up for guided game drives and marvel at the array of wildlife that inhabits the Mountain Zebra National Park. Guided game drives occur in the morning, evening, or sunset. On the evening drive, you might see a caracal, aardwolf, and night birds like owls and nightjars. A game drive in an open safari vehicle will get you closer to the animals, and the qualified field guides will share their experience and knowledge.
- Timing:
- Morning: 5 am in summer, 6 am in winter
- Sunset: 5 pm in summer, 3:30 pm in winter
- Evening: 7:30 pm in summer, 6 pm in winter.
- Price: From $6.59 USD per adult
Suggested Read: Places to Visit in South Africa
If you want to learn about the lives of The San people, then you must join the guided drives and see San Cave Paintings. There are three rock shelters in the park where you can see paintings of human figures, an antelope, a baboon, a leopard, or a cheetah. The trip involves walking and scrambling over the rock shelters, so wear comfortable shoes and stay agile.
Timing: 9 am(lasts for two hours)
Price: From $6.63 USD per adult
A self-drive safari is the best way to unveil the hidden wonders of the Mountain Zebra National Park. The main game-loop roads are in good condition, so you can easily drive a normal car through the rugged landscapes of the park. As you drive through the dirt roads, keep your eyes peeled for Cape mountain zebras, kudu, blesbok, buffalo, blue wildebeest, and springbok.
Timing: 6 am to 7 pm in summer , 7 am to 6 pm in winter.
Lodges and Camps in Mountain Zebra National Park
Mountain Zebra National Park's Rest Camp boasts nature-inspired family cottages and dining rooms, a campsite, a shop, and a restaurant. It is a wilderness haven situated about twelve kilometers from the entry gate. Guests can opt for mountain cottages for a secluded rustic experience.
- Location: 12 kilometers from the entry gate
- Amenities: lounge, queen bed, shower, open plan kitchen, air-conditioner.
- Price: From $41.74 USD
Also Checkout: South Africa Safari Lodges
Mountain Zebra National has two mountain cottages- Umthombo, which is situated near the Weltevrede picnic site, and Bakana, which is located in Berghof Kloof. Each hut has two spacious bedrooms, a toilet, and a fully equipped kitchen. From your hut, you can enjoy the picturesque landscapes and take in plenty of fresh air.Location: Umthombo, near the Weltevrede picnic site, and Bakana in Berghof Kloof.
Amenities: solar-powered fridge, hot water shower, crockery for cooking, gas stove, fireplace.
Price: From $59.73 USD
The campsites are livable and stylish spaces with organic accents and natural materials. You can't make any prior booking for them as they are allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis. The campsites come with two swimming pools; one in the camp area for guests and another one in the picnic site for day visitors. Location: Close to the reception area.
Amenities: shop, restaurant, bedding, fridge, television, charging points.
Price: From $20.73 USD
Plan Your Visit to Mountain Zebra National Park
How to Reach
- By Air
- By Car
Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg are the closest airports to Mountain Zebra National Park. Once you reach the airport, you can hire a taxi or cab to reach Mountain Zebra National Park.
From Cape Town, you'll have to drive at least 8 hours to reach Mountain Zebra National Park. If you're coming from Johannesburg, you'll have to cover a distance of around 800 kilometers.
Best Time to Visit
October to March is the best time to visit Mountain Zebra National Park, as the weather is pleasant and there are low chances of rainfall. During these months, the landscape is covered with vegetation and flowers, and you can spot many newborn animals, like the mountain zebra foals.
Carry a high-SPF sunscreen to protect yourself from sunburn.
Wear comfortable shoes as you'll have to walk a lot in the park.
Carry a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the tour.
Carry your camera to click beautiful pictures.
Carry a sun hat or sun cap to cover your head.
You don't need to take anti-malarial as Mountain Zebra National Park is a malaria-free zone.
The park's reception and main gate are open from 7 am-6 pm in April-September and 7 am to 7 pm in October-March.
Bring a headlamp if you decide to stay inside the park, as lighting is limited.
Consult a travel clinic before visiting the park so that you can get the recommended vaccinations before your departure.
FAQ's of Mountain Zebra National Park
What activities can we do at Mountain Zebra National Park camps?
At Mountain Zebra National Park, you can enjoy evening and morning guided game drives, cheetah tracking, and bush walks. You can also enjoy day hikes, multi-day camping treks, birdwatching, and picnicking.
How many days do you need in Mountain Zebra National Park?
You'll need at least two days to explore Mountain Zebra National Park.
On the first day, you can opt for guided game drives and see the San Cave paintings.
Reserve your second day for birdwatching, hiking, and cheetah tracking.
What is the best time of year to visit the Mountain Zebra National Park?
October to March is the best time to visit Mountain Zebra National Park, as the weather remains cool and comfortable, and the park seems alive with lush flora and fauna. You can spot many newborn animals, like the mountain zebra foals, during these months.
What facilities will I get in Mountain Zebra National Park camps?
At Mountain Zebra National Park camps, you get various facilities such as air-conditioners, television, a queen bed, a shower, a barbecue unit, towels and soap, and a Braai unit.
Why should you visit Mountain Zebra National Park?
Mountain Zebra National Park is an absolute paradise for nature lovers, bird watchers, and animal enthusiasts. You can spot more than 350 cape mountain zebra species and approximately 277 bird species. Enjoy hiking, bushwalking, cheetah sightings, and cultural tours.