Cradock & Mountain Zebra National Park founded as a stronghold at the end of the 1812 Frontier War on the banks of the Great Fish River, and named after the Cape Governor, Sir John Cradock, Cradock is today a busy centre for fruit, dairy and poultry farming, and wool and mohair production; it is also a treasure trove of historic buildings. There are three irrigation dams, one of which, Lake Arthur, is a popular venue for boating.

Founded as a stronghold at the end of the 1812 Frontier War on the banks of the Great Fish River, and named after the Cape Governor, Sir John Cradock, Cradock is today a busy centre for fruit, dairy and poultry farming, and wool and mohair production; it is also a treasure trove of historic buildings. There are three irrigation dams, one of which, Lake Arthur, is a popular venue for boating. Visit the Sulphur Springs (Cradock Spa) just outside the town and next to the Great Fish River, the 'Egg Rock', a 10m-high, precariously-balanced oval dolerite rock. Only 26km away is the Mountain Zebra National Park.

Zebra at Mountain Zebra National Park

The municipal park is the site of the memorial to 'The Cradock Four' - Matthew Goniwe, Fort Calata, Sparrow Mkonto and Sicelo Mhlanli - struggle activists whom the Truth and Reconciliation Committee found were murdered by apartheid-era security police. Specific farms in the area may be visited by appointment to view San rock art and fossil remains.

A typical example of an early 20th-century horse drinking trough can be seen in Frere Street. The Dutch Reformed church was based on the design of St Martins-in-the-Field in London, and its roof was used as a lookout tower by British soldiers during the South African (Anglo-Boer) War. Don't miss the beautifully restored mid-19th century Tuishuise in Market Street - formerly occupied by craftsmen, they now serve as overnight accommodation. You can visit the Great Fish River Museum with its 19th-century English, Voortrekker and Boer rooms and the cottage Olive Schreiner occupied in Cross Street from 1867-1870. Her grave is on the top of Buffelskop Mountain, reached by a three-hour hike.

The Mountain Zebra National Park, is close by and provides a sanctuary for the rare Cape mountain zebra. Other species of game such as blesbok, black wildebeest, eland, gemsbok, mountain reedbuck, red hartebeest, kudu, klipspringer, springbok, grey rhebok, duiker, steenbok and caracal may be seen on game drives on the plateaux and hills, and many species of birds including the Black eagle are also found here. Black rhino and African buffalo have recently been reintroduced. You can also walk and view game along several nature trails.