The Mountain Zebra National Park, near Cradock in the Eastern Cape, offers visitors a range of outdoor activities such as guided drives & activties on foot.
Please note that all bookings for activities are done at the Park's reception.
Sonnenrust 4x4 Trail: this Grade Two 14.2km trail starts on the Ubejane Loop and ends on the Link Road (which joins Ubejane to Rooiplaat Loops). It is situated in the north-western area of the Park, skirting the base of Saltpeterskop and ending on a plateau with scenic views.
* Juriesdam 4x4 Trail: this Grade Two10km trail starts and ends on the main entrance road into the Park. It explores the eastern plateau area of the Park.
* Umngeni 4x4 Trail: this Grade Four 8km trail takes about 1 hour to complete and starts on the Parks main entrance road just north-west of the restcamp area.
No booking necessary as the trail is open during the normal operating hours of the Park. Only 4x4 vehicles may be used on the trails.
Guided walks, cheetah tracking and guided drives are led by fully qualified, knowledgeable guides.
Drive out with your guide to search for the elusive Mountain Zebra National Park cheetahs. When signal from a collared cheetah is found, you will have the opportunity to get closer on foot.
* Ranging between 1-3 hours. Advance bookings are essential. Departure time to be confirmed by reception.
* Minimum of 2 and maximum of 4 people. Minimum age of 16 years old.
* Neutral clothing (not white or black) and walking shoes required; bring own water and a small snack; * binoculars optional
One will experience the early karoo mornings with potential of seeing Black Rhino, Cheetah, Buffalo and other antelope. The bird life in the mornings is good with viewing of Eastern Clapper Lark, Blue Korhaan, Blue crane and many other species.
* Time: Summer: 05h00 07h00; Winter: 06h00 08h00
* Minimum 2 guests and a maximum 9 guests. Minimum age of 6 years old
* Dress warmly during winter
One will experience the best of both the late afternoon and the early evening. Animals to be on the lookout for are Black Rhino, Cheetah, Buffalo, Bat-eared Fox, Aardwolf, Aardvark and Caracal. Night birds like the Spotted Eagle Owl and Fiery-necked Nightjar are also to be seen.
* Time: Summer: 18h30 20h30; Winter: 18h00 20h00
* Minimum 2 guests and a maximum 9 guests. Minimum age of 6 years old
* Dress warmly on cool evenings
* Time: 09h00 11h00
* Minimum 2 guests and a maximum 9 guests. Minimum age of 6 years old
* Note: some clambering over rocks is required so this activity is not suitable for frail people or very young children
Get out on foot in some of the more remote areas of the park and get up close and personal with some of the smaller creatures and plants, but dont forget the bigger ones. This is definitely the way to experience the Karoo Bush. These walks may include the existing 10km route or other areas of interest, depending on the groups abilities and interests.
* Time: Summer 05h00 08h00; Winter 07h00 10h00
* Minimum of 2 and maximum of 6 people. Minimum age of 16 years old
* Neutral clothing (not white or black) and walking shoes required, bring own water and a small snack; binoculars optional; moderate level of fitness required
* Time: Summer 05h00 08h00; Winter: 07h00 10h00
* Minimum of 2 and maximum of 9 people. Minimum age of 16 years old
* Neutral clothing (not white or black) and walking shoes required, bring own water and a small snack; binoculars optional;
* Warning: should be fairly fit and prepared for a challenging climb
Please note: Activities on foot may be cancelled at any time due to weather conditions rendering the activity unsafe.
The two short walking trails (1-kilometre and 2.5-kilometre trails) are available to visitors as self-walk options, having been enclosed, along with the rest camp area, with electrified fencing.
