This national park, 12km west of Cradock, is on the northern slopes of the Bankberg Range (2000m), covers 28,000 hectares and has superb views over the Karoo. The park protects one of the rarest animals in the world: the mountain zebra (Equus zebra ). Mountain zebras, of which there are now over 300 in the park, are distinguished from other zebra species by their small stature, reddish-brown nose and dewlap (a loose fold of skin hanging beneath the throat).
The park also supports many antelope species and buffaloes. The largest predator is the cheetah, and there are several species of small cats, genets, bat-eared foxes and black-backed jackals. White rhinos have recently been reintroduced. Some 200 bird species have been recorded. Among the silence and wide-open spaces, thick patches of sweet thorn and wild olive are interspersed with rolling grasslands and succulents.
The entrance gate is well signposted off Rte 61. It’s quite feasible to get a taste of the park in a half-day excursion from Cradock. You’ll find a shop and restaurant in the main camp. There are three hiking trails ranging from one to 10km, and a 25km, three-day hike where you overnight in mountain huts. A sunset guided wildlife drive costs R110 per adult. Ask at reception where you’re likely to find various animals: at the time of our visit the rhinos were hanging out on the Ubejane Loop and the mountain zebras up at Kranskop.
The park has a range of accommodation. The cottages at the park’s rest camp are comfortable and well-equipped, with their own bathrooms. The most interesting place to stay is at Doornhoek, a restored historic farmhouse, built in 1836 and hidden in a secluded valley. There is a 10% discount available from early June to mid-September, excluding school holidays.
The park headquarters has a restaurant called Jabulani, with a decent selection of pasta, salad, steaks and burgers. There’s no public transport to the park so the only option is to bring your own car. One of the tour agencies in Graaff-Reinet should be able to organise a day trip.
