Bontebok National Park was proclaimed in 1931 to protect the last 30 Bontebok left in the wild. The majestic Langeberg Mountains provide a picturesque backdrop for this Park and the Breed River provides an idyllic western border. A part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, now heralded as a world heritage site, Bontebok National Park conserves the endangered fynbos veld type and is one of the largest remaining areas of renosterveld, containing several plant species found nowhere else in the world.

Reduced to a mere 17, through effective management, the present world population of bontebok amounts to around 3000. A diversity of other indigenous animal life and over 200 bird species occur in the Park.

Bontebok National Park also provides its guests with an experience of South African culture. The rest camp is named after the 'Hessekwa' khoi-khoi chieftains called 'Lang Elsie'. The Hessekwa traded with the first Dutch settlers who landed in Cape town in 1652. Connect to the people of the past and learn about how the Khoisan lived and changed through local history.

How to get there

Air: The Swellengrebel Airfield is adjacent to the park, suitable for light aircrafts.
Car / Coaches: Bontebok National Park is situated ~6 km from the picturesque and historic town of Swellendam, 240 km from Cape Town and 540 km from Port Elizabeth. The park's current entrance is about five kilometres off the N2.

GPS Waypoints:

S 34 04' 33.7"
E 20 27' 19.3"

Gate hours

1 October to 30 April: 07:00 - 19:00
1 May to 30 September: 07:00 - 18:00

Accommodation

Chalavans

• All accommodation is serviced daily and provided with bedding, towels and soap.
• Six-berth combination caravan/chalets each with wooden anteroom, basic kitchen equipment and communal ablution facilities.
• Locally generated 220V electricity is available in the ablution blocks from sunset to 21:30.

Camping

• Caravan and tent campsites are located close to the Breede River.
• A maximum of six persons, one caravan with a side tent and one vehicle, or one tent and one vehicle, or one autovilla or one motorised caravan will be permitted per site.
• There are no electrical outlets at the individual sites.
• Locally generated 220V electricity is available in the ablution blocks from sunset to 21:30.

Activities

• Game viewing from own vehicle. Two main loops that can be completed in 1-2 hours each.
• Two short nature-hiking trails, starting and ending in the rest camp area.
• Bathing in the Breede River.
• Angling in the Breede River.
• Canoeing / Kayaking in the Breede River, with own equipment.
• Biking opportunities available, regular and mountain biking.

Facilities

• Picnic and braai / barbecue sites with ablution facilities are available for day and overnight visitors.
• A shop supplies basic commodities and curios.
• The nearest fuel supply is in the town of Swellendam

Climate

Temperate climate with average rainfall of approximately 500 mm per annum, occurring mainly during early summer and winter.