In Search of the Rare Cape Mountain Zebra, Cradock, South Africa

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Cape Mountain Zebras - Kissing??

The Cape Mountain Zebra is a much less common animal than the Burchell's Zebra, in fact, it is one of the rarest animals in the world.  It has tighter black stripes that do not continue to it's underside.  It also does not have the grey 'shadow' stripes between the black, therefore, giving it a much more black appearance (less white).   The mountain zebra also has a reddish-brown tinge to it's face.  We went in search of these creatures in the aptly named Mountain Zebra National Park, near Cradock.
We have loved the parks here in South Africa, but this one not only had great game, but also the best scenery we have seen in a park yet.   The park seemed to have three sections to it.  First, the wide open grassland plains interspersed with some of the regional bushes, home to many animals in the park.  Second, a stepped up plateau, with a large grassland area, where many herds of grazers dot the plateau.  Third, a beautiful drive through the south end of the park, traveling from the low lying rivers, high up onto the steep slopes, and up to the plateau.  This area was the most scenic, with a super road cut into the slope of the hillside, with views of the surrounding mountains.

A Gemsbok with massive horns

We had great success finding the rare zebras, as they seemed relatively prominent in the park.  I think they are the better looking zebras, with the strong, black stripes.  It's good to see they are taking measures to protect these wonderful creatures.
There was plenty of other wildlife in the park, from jackals to gemsbok, but there are not too many predators.  Sounds like a good place to live for these animals, and we felt happy to camp at the park amongst the mountains.  *Stub

Martin will remember:
- the 'kissing' zebras
- the super long, straight horns of the gemsbok