If you’re looking for breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife, and a true Karoo adventure, a Mountain Zebra National Park self-drive safari should be at the top of your list.
Just outside Cradock in South Africa’s Eastern Cape lies one of the country’s most beautiful and underrated gems: Mountain Zebra National Park. I recently explored this incredible park on a self-drive adventure, and what I saw truly blew me away.
For wildlife lovers, Mountain Zebra is a must-visit. Located in the Eastern Cape, it’s ideal for those seeking a wild escape without the crowds of larger parks.
It’s one of the best places in South Africa to see the rare Cape mountain zebra in their natural habitat, and the park also offers stunning Karoo landscapes that make every drive unforgettable.
What animals can you see
Mountain Zebra National Park is full of life – from the iconic Cape mountain zebra to smaller, rarer creatures that make every drive exciting. On my self-drive adventure, I was amazed at how much you can see, even in this beautiful and diverse park.
You’ll spot large herds of antelope, including red hartebeest, springbok, blesbok, gemsbok, black wildebeest, eland, and kudu, scattered across the open landscapes. Mountain zebras can be seen throughout the park in small herds, often grazing peacefully in the valleys or on the mountain slopes.
For those seeking big predators, Mountain Zebra doesn’t disappoint. Lions, reintroduced in 2013, are present along with cheetah, which were reintroduced in 2007. Buffalo roam in the Acacia thickets and wooded valleys, adding excitement to any self-drive. And while rhino sightings are rarer, the park contributes to conservation efforts for these majestic animals.
For wildlife enthusiasts looking for something different, Mountain Zebra is special. I even saw Bat-eared foxes and Aardwolves, animals you rarely get to see in other parks.
The park is also home to smaller mammals like Cape ground squirrels, which scurry across the plains and bring a smile to anyone watching.
They are some of the cutest creatures around, endlessly curious, hopping and chasing each other in the sun, making every stop along the road more enjoyable.
Where I stayed
During my visit, I stayed at the campsite in the main camp of Mountain Zebra National Park, and it was such a relaxed and enjoyable experience.
The campsite has clean ablutions, shaded spots, and power points, making it comfortable for both short and longer stays. There’s also an amazing swimming pool to cool off and a restaurant for meals, so everything you need is close by.
Inside the campsite, you can spend hours watching the birdlife and small animals that move around. One of my favorite moments was seeing a little striped mouse darting around my tent – it was fun to watch how this tiny creature explores and interacts with its surroundings all day.
If camping isn’t your style, the park also offers chalets, self-catering cottages, and guesthouses, all with beautiful views of the mountains and valleys. No matter where you stay, you’re right in the heart of the park, with easy access to wildlife sightings.
- If you’re looking for more incredible Eastern Cape safaris, check out my Addo Elephant National Park Self-Drive Safari experience, where you can spot elephants, lions, and more.”
My Mountain Zebra National Park self-drive
Mountain Zebra National Park covers 28,400 hectares, and trust me, it feels vast when you’re out exploring. To really take it all in – the wildlife and the breathtaking Karoo landscapes – you’ll need more than one day.
There are three 4×4 trails in the park for those with the right vehicle, but even without one you can explore a large part of the park on normal roads. One of my favorites was the Sonnenrust 4×4 Loop, which winds through bushy areas and offers some beautiful scenic views.
Along the way, I came across a massive male lion print in the sand – a thrilling reminder that you’re sharing the trail with some serious predators.
On my drive, I was lucky enough to see three of the Big Five – lion, black rhino, and buffalo – along with so many antelope and smaller animals. What really sets Mountain Zebra apart are the animals you don’t often see in other national parks.
You won’t believe your eyes when you spot an aardwolf relaxing in daylight, or watch bat-eared foxes playing around so close to the road. These moments make the park truly unforgettable. And of course, spotting the lions themselves was pure magic – a reminder of the wild beauty that thrives here.
For spectacular scenery, the Kranskop Loop is a must. From the top, the views stretch over mountains and valleys, showing the Karoo at its most beautiful. It’s a peaceful drive with plenty of spots to stop, admire the landscape, and maybe even catch sight of wildlife along the way.
Why Mountain Zebra is a must-visit
For me, Mountain Zebra is easily in the top three most scenic national parks in South Africa. The mix of rolling Karoo mountains, wide open plains, and dramatic valleys makes it a park that’s just as much about the landscapes as it is about the animals. It’s the perfect weekend getaway – peaceful, uncrowded, and absolutely breathtaking.
What makes it truly stand out is the abundance of wildlife spread across those open plains. You’ll see herds of antelope grazing beneath mountain backdrops, buffalo moving slowly through the valleys, and if you’re lucky, even lions or cheetah resting in the grass.
Of course, spotting the rare Cape mountain zebra in its natural home is something really special. This park exists to protect them, and seeing them against the Karoo scenery feels unforgettable.
It’s this unique balance – rare species, wide-open wilderness, and spectacular scenery – that makes Mountain Zebra National Park such a gem.
It’s not just another safari destination, it’s a place that feels wild, peaceful, and a little bit magical.
