Bontebok National Park

The Bontebok National Park in the Western Cape province is the smallest national park, but definitely worth it. The park is 6 km from the historic town of Swellendam on the N2 and is therefore easy to reach.

The bontebok was almost eradicated due to the many hunts, there were only 30 left when it was decided in 1931 to set up a National Park and protect the goats. A group of around 200 Bonteboks now live in the park. This medium-sized antelope can be recognized by the bright white spots on its head, legs and bottom. In addition to the Bontebok, there are also other antelopes in the park such as red hartebeest, ibex and Cape greybuck. Furthermore you will find here the Cape mountain zebras, caracal, foxes, hyenas and otters in the river.

The park consists mainly of fynbos and is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom. In the park there are more than 470 plant species for, among other things, the wild olive and proteas. Most plants bloom in the spring. In that time the area is a beautiful sea of flowers.

Some of the more than 200 different species of birds that occur in the park are cranes (Blue Crane), osprey and honeybirds (Double Collared Sunbird) but also some rarer species such as cuckoo (Klaas’s Cuckoo) and water gripper (Water Thick knee).

The Breede river forms the idyllic western border of the park and offers a wonderful view as well as a wonderful place to fish, swim or observe the birds.

It is a National Park that you can also easily visit as a day visitor. To recreate, go to ‘die Stroom’, a wonderful place for a picnic or for swimming.

Activities:
Wild spotting with your own car, bird watching, walking, swimming, mountain biking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, bbq and picnic at Die Stroom.

Facilities:
– Shop with basic facilities
– Picnic areas with toilets

Opening times October 1 to April 30: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
May 1 to September 30: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm

Conservation Fees: the South African National Park administration has set a daily entrance fee that applies to all parks. If you are going to visit several SAN Parks in South Africa, it may be useful to purchase a Wildcard.

Accommodation in the Bontebok National Park: Lang Elsies’s Kraal Rest Camp