Mountain Zebra National Park 4x4 Trails

About 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 experiencing the glorious beauty of this park and the diversity of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. This area is close to the coastal metropolis of Port Elizabeth (Nelson Mandela Bay) and the small inland town of Cradock.

The Mountain Zebra National Park 4x4 Trails comprise two circular trails and a one-way option, which have gradings of two to four. None of the trails take longer than about two hours to complete. The Sonnenrust Trail is just over 14 kilometres long and is a grade two, while the Juriesdam Trail is 10 kilometres long, with the same grading. The Umngeni Trail measures eight kilometres and is a grade four. The trails are rocky and have a few great ascents. During the rainy seasons, water crossings add extra challenge to the adventure.

None of the trails require a formal guide, and they are all accessible through the year. Drivers need not book ahead of time, as they are open and available during the park's normal hours.

As its name implies, this park is home to a population of Cape mountain zebra (or berg kwaggas). In fact, it was established with the express intention of conserving their numbers, and their population now stands at about 300 individuals. Drivers should keep an eye out for these beautiful species. There are other antelope, birds and even predators that may be spotted by those keeping a keen eye open. Qualified rangers are available to take hikers through the countryside and show them how to track cheetah and other animals. Other popular activities in the park include game viewing, hiking and bush walking.