Mountain Zebra Hiking Trail

Description

The National Parks Board has declared that its management policy for this reserve is to conserve a viable, genetically pure and representative population of Cape mountain zebra as well as a representative range of the fauna and flora characteristic of this environment. When the park was set aside in 1937, only five stallions and one mare lived in the area. Today that number has grown to about 200 mountain zebras
NO MAP

The trail begins at the park office. On the first day the trail ascends the slopes of Grootkloof. One of the highlights of this first leg is the forest near the rockslide, which rings with birdsong. The day ends with a descent into Fonteinkloof to the Olien hut. It is wise to start out early on the second day in order to ascend the slopes of the Bankberg while conditions are cool. You will reach the highest point on the trail - 1 885 m - during the course of the day's hike. The night is spent at the Karee hut. The final day of the hike is a short walk along the Wilgerboom River, past the Doornhoek Dam and the old homestead to the park's office. This homeward stretch has been altered so that, instead of following the game-viewing road, it leads through the veld.

Summary

Rating : Lack of water and the summer heat are the only factors which make the Mountain Zebra Trail physically demanding

Duration : 3 days. Terrain : Demanding Karoo Midland vegitation.

Climate : Spring and autumn are recommended as the most enjoyable times to hike this trail

Elevation : Higest point 1 885 m

Accommodation : The Olien hut and Karee hut built of stone each has 12 bunk beds, firewood, chemical toilets, and shower- when water is available.

Group limit : 12 people

Possible hazards : No Water, carry in your own! (at least 2 litres per person per day is recommended)

Booking authority : Telephone: 048-881-2427 Fax: 048-881-3943 Address: P Bag X66 Cradock 5880

Permit needed : Permits are obtainable from National Parks Board offices around the country

Cost :

Day 1 : Park office - Olien hut 9.2Km
Day 2 : Olient - Karee hut 9.2Km
Day 3 : Karee hut - Park office 7.2Km

Fauna Cape mountain zebra, blesbok, kudu, duiker, steenbok, red hartebeest, eland, mountain reedbuck, springbok, black wildebeest, baboon and ostrich. Carnivores in the park include aardwolf, African wild cat, black-footed cat, blackbacked jackal, bat-eared fox, Cape fox and caracal

Flora Karoo Midlands vegetation.


Updated Mon, 24 September, 2001 http://www.rocksport.co.za