Winter Migration To MZNP

[PJL]

We have recently returned from another winter trip to Mountain Zebra NP... probably my favourite park at the moment due to so many reasons, but things like the views, 4x4 trails, 'different' wildlife as well as low visitor numbers (read no traffic jams at sightings) make it a great place to relax and unwind. Winter is also my favourite time of year in the park as it tends to bring out some of the nocturnal animals in the daytime which is a bonus. The freezing night temperatures also mean I get to make endless fires in the chalet

Our visit this time was for 4 days / 3 nights, but I'm splitting this TR into more of a category style report rather than chronological (RP will like that word)

So let's get started....

The Icons

MZNP was founded in 1937 to preserve a few remaining Cape Mountain Zebra in the area. Today they number over 350 and the park has even managed to export some to other reserves. They are the true icons of the park and have such a different look to the Burchell's variation what with their stockier build, browner hue and small dewlap.

They are found all over the park, but they seem to be good companions along the 4x4 trails. Here are some of the sightings we had




Good to see the next generation flourishing




They are excellent at standing to attention




Mountain Zebra... with... mountains





TBC

[Richprins]

Ooh! Very clever, Peej! You like making fires, you Cape types!

Great zebra shots - they look a bit like donkeys to m...!

Chronological!

[Flutterby]

They are very pretty.

[Pumbaa]

Awesome Zebra shots, PJL

Ready for more

[Lisbeth]

They are such decorative animals

[Mel]

Mountain Zebra definitely is an awesome park! Although I have to admit that I admire your bravery going there in winter
You do have a point with the nocturnal animals though… hmz…

[PJL]

Ooh! Very clever, Peej! You like making fires, you Cape types!

Great zebra shots - they look a bit like donkeys to m...!

Chronological!

Thanks RP... yep we're all pyromaniacs down this way

They are very pretty.

Flutts
Quite a different look to the standard version which is cool

Awesome Zebra shots, PJL

Ready for more

Thank you Pumbaa and nice to have you on board

They are such decorative animals

Agreed Lis
They match the scenery very well

Mountain Zebra definitely is an awesome park! Although I have to admit that I admire your bravery going there in winter
You do have a point with the nocturnal animals though… hmz…

Winter is my favourite time in MZ Mel
Cold at night for sure... but tends to warm up nicely in the day time

[PJL]

Smaller Animals

There are quite a lot of smaller animals in MZNP, but this time round we didn't get to see some of the locals such as the rock hyrax, scrub hare or spring hare which we've seen on previous visits. Even so, the smaller players in the park tend to entertain our kids which is great

Ground squirrels are found in abundance in the park, and we know of a number of den sites which we stop off at - there are a couple very close to the road on some of the 4x4 routes....







Double vision!



The den site on the Juriesdam 4x4 trail had some youngsters with a high cuteness factor




There's a long running joke in our family that yellow mongoose don't like me. The kids always manage to get decent pics but for some reason the moment I point my camera at them they vanish instantly So I was quite pleased to get a shot of one finally looking at me




Our final feature in the smaller animals category was a couple of meerkat near their den



TBC

[Lisbeth]

They are adorable

[Richprins]

Very nice, Peej!

And a glimpse of your arch-nemesis!