South Africa's Mountain Zebra National Park
Help Me PlanMountain Zebra National Park Destination Guide
Set near Cradock in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, Mountain Zebra National Park protects rolling Karoo grasslands and rugged peaks. Beyond its signature Cape mountain zebra, you can look for cheetah, black wildebeest, eland, and kudu, plus excellent birding. It’s a quieter, scenic alternative to busy routes—big skies, starry nights, and rewarding year-round viewing.
Getting There
By Air: The closest major airports are Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and East London. On arrival, we arrange a road transfer to the park; driving time is typically three to four hours depending on routing and stops.
By Road: Classic itineraries link Cape Town, the Garden Route, and the Eastern Cape. The park is roughly nine hours by road from Cape Town and about three hours from Gqeberha.
Weather & Best Time To Visit
The park’s main attractions can be seen year-round. Winters are cold—temperatures can dip below freezing and snow is possible on surrounding peaks. Summers (October to March) are warm, with most rain from December to February. Summer is best for birding, newborn animals, and flowering flora.
Besides Cape mountain zebra, the park hosts herds of large game such as eland, red hartebeest, kudu, and black wildebeest, with more than 200 recorded bird species. Set within classic Karoo scenery, it pairs sweeping views with dependable wildlife and fewer crowds than many better-known reserves.
Experiences to Savor at Mountain Zebra National Park
Standout experiences combine charismatic wildlife with sweeping Karoo scenery.
Cheetah Encounters
Guided drives and walks that track cheetah are exhilarating. With expert guidance—and some luck—you may find this superb hunter and learn about its behavior and conservation.
Zebra Crossing
On game drives you’ll often see Cape mountain zebra crossing roads or grazing close by, offering excellent photo opportunities from a respectful distance.
