Zebras boast the most flamboyant coats of all African animals, but scientists are still not sure why zebras have their black-and-white stripes, although camouflage is the most likely explanation. A herd of fast moving zebras confuse a lion. If a zebra is attacked, its family will try to drive away the attacker by running in circles around the wounded animal. Zebras live in herds and graze on grass. They groom each other by using their teeth to pull loose strands of hairs off each other.

Crib Notes:

• In England, the zoological collector Walter Rothschild frequently used zebras to draw a carriage through London.
• Zebras are members of the horse family and subsequently bray and snot like so.
• A zebra’s night vision is as good as that of an owl.

Time of year: March to May is the perfect season; the winds drop, it’s beautifully mild and the tourists have gone.

Destination: Gondwana Game Reserve, South Africa is an 11,000-hectare reserve that shares the Garden Route’s year-rould idyllic climate and is conveniently located only 4 hours scenic drive away from Cape Town. Proudly holding the title of being the only fynbos reserve in the world that is home to the free roaming Big Five as well as endangered species like the Cape mountain zebra, black rhinoceros and black harrier, this malaria-free reserve is perfect for families who don’t want the inconvenience of plane rides or bumpy car journeys to reach their safari location. Gondwana’s exquisite private bush villas are ideal for families and offer spacious luxury, and special children’s activities are available, including guided bush and fynbos nature walks, horseback safaris, bush picnics, fishing and a special Junior Ranger programme. The reserve is also on the doorstep of many local attractions, including top seaside garden route golf courses, coastal towns, stunning swimming and surfing beaches – where you may even spot the Southern Right Whale – local vineyards, and many adventure sports such as deep sea fishing, shark cage diving, and paragliding. These and more ensure that this reserve is unparalleled for not only its abundance of wildlife but its unbeatable location.

Price Guide: From R3400 and includes all meals, two game activities per day (game drive, horse safari or fynbos walk), Junior Ranger programme for children 3 years old and above, teas, coffees, local beverages and snacks.