Only about 200 of these antelope can be sustained in the park without inflicting serious damage to plant life. The surplus of these has been translocated to other nature reserves and private owners with suitable habits.

The Bontebok National Park has the highest density of rare and endangered birds, animals and fynbos species and the indigenous plants found here, can be found nowhere else in the world. The region between the Langeberg Mountains and the Breede River, bordering the park to the south, is home to about 200 bird species, including Stanley’s Bustard, Blue Crane and Secretary Bird.

This is a winter rainfall area, but rain occurs throughout the year. The driest months are December and January, and the majority of rain falls from April to September.

The nearest town, Swellendam, is about 6 km away from Bontebok National Park. There are a variety of banks, shops, pubs, restaurants, fuel stations and other facilities in Swellendam, including the Drostdy Museum.

Amenities List

• Tourism information desk
• Shop with basic commodities and curios
• Picnic sites
• Ablution facilities
• Barbecue facilities
• Wheelchair friendly facilities

Because the Big 5 – elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard – are not present in the Bontebok National Park, visitors have the freedom to walk, cycle or hike through the park safely. A variety of hiking and walking trails are available. Visitors can swim in the river and enjoy other water sports like kayaking or canoeing.

Self-drive game viewing is available, but don’t expect to see large quantities or a wide variety of animals. Enjoy the peaceful tranquillity and soak up the fresh air while birdwatching. The Bontebok National Park is the ideal location for a family breakaway.s

Activities List

• Birding
• Game viewing
• Walks and trails
• Mountain biking trails
• Swimming in Breede river
• Canoeing or kayaking on Breede river
• Nature trails
  • 6-day hiking trail
  • Pump house hiking trail
• Fishing
• Day visitors’ area
  • Ablution facilities
  • Barbeque facilities
  • Picnic sites

Activities and attractions near Bontebok National Park

• Wine routes in area
• Hot springs in Montagu
• Historic buildings in nearby towns
• Swellendam restaurants
• Drostdy Museum in Swellendam

• Lang Elsie’s historic homestead ruins
• Drostdy Museum in Swellendam
• Bontebok
• Cape Mountain Zebra
• Stanley's Bustard
• Breede River

• The viewing platforms, pathways and some of the accommodation units are wheelchair-friendly
• Due to high volumes of mist and spray, the walkways and decks are slippery. Be cautious and wear appropriate shoes with non-slip soles
• Be prepared to get wet
• Day visitors are welcome between 07:00 and 17:00
• Bring walking shoes
• Binoculars and cameras are a must
• Cool, comfortable clothing for summer
• Warm clothing for winter – especially for night times
• Malaria can occur, but is not very prevalent
• Use mosquito repellents and malaria prophylactics as precaution
• Wear closed shoes on summer evenings to avoid scorpion stings
• No immunisations needed
• Use water sparingly as this is a low rainfall region
• Plastic refuse bags are essential as all rubbish must be removed on departure
• Don’t drive around after specified gate hours
• Driving off indicated routes and outside camping sites is a serious offence. It is harmful to the park and dangerous to the visitor.
• No pets, generators or outboard motors permitted
• Motorcycles are allowed to enter the park and stay in camping site
• Motorcycles are not allowed in the game viewing area
• Picking of plants, removal of seeds, rocks, crystals or driftwood is an offence. Please help us to preserve the park’s wilderness atmosphere

• Documentation required on entry:
  • Driver’s licence of driver
  • Valid vehicle’s licence disc
  • ID book/card/driver’s licence for all South African visitors over 18
  • Passport for international guests
• Driving in the park at night is not permitted
• Firearms must be declared at the entrance

The Bontebok National Park is located 6 km south of the historic town, Swellendam and can be reached by travelling on the N2 from the east or the west:

Items List

• Cape Town: 240 km
• George: 221 km
• Gqeberha: 540 km
• Johannesburg: 1360 km
• Durban: 1479 km
• Bloemfontein: 964 km