Accommodation near Mountain Zebra National Park - 2
The Mountain Zebra National Park was established in 1937 as a means to save the Cape Mountain Zebra population from dying out. While starting off humbly, the 28 000-hectare park is now a conservation success story, boasting a population of 700 zebras.
Situated in Cradock in the malaria-free area of the Eastern Cape Province, visitors to the park will be greeted with a tranquil ambience and a unique African wilderness experience.
In the 1930’s, following the imminent threat of their extinction, the National Parks Board of Trustees proclaimed an area of 17km² in an attempt to preserve the animals. In the initial stages, chances of success seemed rather slim as there were only five stallions and one mare – insufficient numbers to expand on an almost depleted population. By the 1950’s, the situation had worsened with only two stallions remaining. During that time, a good samaritan and neighbouring farmer expanded on the breeding pool by donating eleven zebras to the park. The numbers began to steadily increase as the years passed, and in 1975, the first herd were successfully re-introduced into the wild. Today, the park is home is home to approximately 700 zebras, where 20 are relocated to a new habitat each year.
While predominantly a haven for zebra, the park is also home to a number of mammals, including caracal, the endangered black rhino, gemsbok as well as other types of antelope. In 2007, cheetahs were brought into the area. To sate the concerns of neighbouring farmers over the protection of their livestock, predator-proof fences were built around the grounds. With further plans to expand the number and variety of animals, additional farms have been purchased to increase the size of the park.
Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling distance.
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Cradock Reviews
Cradock
Though it has seen better days with respect to its infrastructure, especially the roads, Cradock remains a town with an interesting history. It is probably most famous (in modern times) for the story of 'The Cradock Four'.
It is one of the Cape's chief centres of the wool industry.
We took an interest in Schreiner House where the author of The Story of an African Farm lived as a young girl. The house, which is located at 9 Cross Street and is a satellite of the National English Literary Museum, contains a modern set of exhibitions portraying the life of Olive Schreiner.
Cradock had a name change in 2022. It has officially been renamed Nxuba.
- Louise Cloete
Cradock
A convenient stopover point en route to one’s destination.
- Louise Cloete
Cradock
Lovely little town. Clean and neat. Received great assistance from the local policeman when we reported our stolen goods.
- Hanlie Van Schalkwyk
Cradock
It was our second time in Cradock, we knew where all the shops were and the locals were friendly as usual. The only bad thing was the condition of the roads.
- Karen Arendse
Cradock
Cradock is a beautiful Karoo town and well worth a visit. It is a convenient place to break the long journey between the Eastern Cape and Gauteng. It has numerous excellent guesthouses and a choice of good restaurants too.
- Louise Cloete