About Scar of Grootkloof
Mountain Zebra National Park lies in amongst the Bankberg Mountains and a series of undulating hills just outside Cradock in the Karoo.
Did you know? This area receives 25% more rain than other more dry parts of the Karoo, mostly because of its proximity to mountains.
In 1974, just after a particularly heavy downfall of rain, when the rangers were setting the roads to rights along the Grootkloof area of the park, there was a sound like thunder rumbling, except that it sounded oddly off-key, not really like thunder at all. And it continued for about half an hour. The noises were such that people heard it in Cradock, 12 kilometres away.
On closer inspection the park discovered that a huge 22-ton dolerite rock had rolled down Bankberg Mountain, leaving a 250 metre-long scar on the landscape that is still visible today (you can hike the 10 km Idwala trail up to the Grootkloof scar).
The rock eventually came to rest at the foot of the mountain where it became known simply as the Big Rock, whilst the scar has been eroded by both wind and water over time to deepen into a visible scar; the scar of Grootkloof.
Need to Know
WhereScar of Grootkloof, Mountain Zebra National Park, Cradock, Karoo Heartland, Eastern Cape, South Arica
WhenBest during daylight hours.
OvernightStay in Cradock Accommodation, Eastern Cape
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
Feedback?
If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.
Additional Reading
You might also be interested inAlso See These Attractions
National Parks / Nature Reserves
Mountain Zebra National Park
The craggy heights of the Mountain Zebra National Park's Bankberg embrace rolling plains and deep valleys, and has become an entrancing preserve for the Cape mountain zebra. The proclamation of the park in 1937 saved these animals from extinction, and ...
Nature Reserves / National Parks
Mountain Zebra Wilderness Corridor
The valuable grasslands between the Mountain Zebra National Park and the Camdeboo National Park are now formally protected by a partnership between the Wilderness Foundation and SANParks. Known as the Mountain Zebra Wilderness Corridor, the aim ...
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Cradock
The Palms Cradock
The Palms is situated along the Great Fish River, in the charming town of Cradock. There are many attractions in and around the area, including t...
Cathy's Guesthouse
Cathy's Guesthouse is a charming guest house close to restaurants and shops. The house is 150-years old and decorated in the style typical of the...
Albert House B&B
Albert House B&B offers accommodation in six en-suite rooms, five of which have garden entrances. Each room has a television with Cable TV, micro...
Chive's Cottages
Chives Cottages offers accommodation for up to four guests, in two tastefully decorated units. The units are furnished with two twin beds each an...
SANParks Mountain Zebra National Park
Mountain Zebra National Park offers guests a special and personal African wilderness experience and is situated near Cradock in the Malaria-free ...
Sanctuary Guest & Adventure Farm
Sanctuary Guest & Adventure Farm is located on the Great Fish River bank. There are shared braai facilities, tea / coffee making facilities, a mi...
Things to do in the area
Daggaboer Farm Stall
The Daggaboer Farm Stall initially started off as an outlet for handmade sheepskin slippers and delicious (filled or plain) roosterkoek. The Dag...
Impofu Hiking Trail
The Mountain Zebra National Park is home to a number of hiking trails, including the 25 kilometre Impofu Hiking Trail. This trail takes three day...
Idwala Hiking Trail
The Idwala Hiking Trail is a fairly easy trail that starts at the rest camp of the beautiful Mountain Zebra National Park close to Middelburg in ...
Great Fish River Museum
A monument dedicated to showcasing the history of the hard lives led by pioneer settlers in the area, between 1840 and 1900, you will find the Gr...
Olive Schreiner House
The Shreiner House museum is an interesting one situated in Cradock and is former home to Olive Schreiner and her siblings. Olive was a South Afr...
The Dutch Reformed Mother Church
The Dutch Reformed Church was a Reformed denomination in the Netherlands, stemming from the Roman Catholic Church, beginning in 1570. It was an a...
Mountain Zebra National Park 4x4 Trails
The Mountain Zebra National Park is home to three different 4x4 trails, and gives drivers and their passengers the prime opportunity of experienc...
Hoeksfontein 4x4 Trails
In the heart of the Karoo, deep in the South African province of the Eastern Cape, lies the fun and excitement of the Hoeksfontein 4x4 Trail. Thi...
Accommodation convenient to Scar of Grootkloof
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Eastern Cape Accommodation / Karoo Heartland Accommodation / Cradock Accommodation