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Bontebok National Park is devoted to protecting this once-threatened antelope species. It is a small national park in southern South Africa that rarely features in South African safari packages. Other antelope that occur in the Bontebok National Park include the grey rhebok, Cape grysbok, steenbok and grey duiker.
Need Advice?A couple of centuries ago, hunters brought the Bontebok to near extinction. Farmers in the area saved a small antelope population, and in 1931 the national park was proclaimed - the Bontebok began to flourish again, a powerful reminder about the importance of conservation.
There are nearly 500 different plant species in the park, including a variety of proteas and pin cushions known as leucospermum. Some beautiful indigenous tree species line the Breede River, including sweet thorn, Breede River yellowwood, boekenhout, wild olive, and milkwood. The birdlife is prolific and includes the stately secretary bird, Stanley's bustard, several species of sunbird, fish eagle, Cape whydah, guinea fowl, hamerkop, francolin, and even a couple of spur-winged geese, which remain in the park throughout the year. Jackals and foxes prowl the renosterveld, which dominates the low shrub and grassland vegetation in this transitional fynbos region.
Although it is known for many attractions today, the Bontebok National Park has a single purpose – saving its namesake, the Bontebok, from sure extinction. It is a testament to how the conservation efforts of a small group of people can make an enormous contribution. You cannot help but feel awed when you witness what many believed impossible.
A safari in the Bontebok National Park is different from any other safari you will experience anywhere in South Africa. Not just because of the Bontebok and the unique fynbos environment but also the prevalence of other rare wildlife such as the Cape mountain zebra, grey rhebok, and a great variety of marine and other birds.
One of South Africa's best know rivers, the Breede River, flows through the park. It provides a peaceful charm and an adventurous allure to the area. Recreational fishing and kayaking are popular. Birdwatching canoers can be seen goggling through their binoculars along the riverine vegetation, and a dip on a hot summer day is simply sensational.
Savor the opportunity to stroll through a wildlife-rich but predator-free national park with its unique natural spoils when visiting Bontebok National Park. The experiences are oriented around taking advantage of the pristine surroundings.
Traveling to the Bontebok National Park will start in either Cape Town or George, depending on your tour choice. It is the smallest of the national parks, and we recommend you combine the park with other destinations in the area. It is easily accessible from both sides, with flights available daily between OR Tambo, Cape Town, and George International airports. In both instances, the drive is roughly two and a half hours.
You are transferred to the Bontebok National Park in your own private, air-conditioned vehicle from either the George or Cape Town International Airport or an alternative park or reserve on your chosen safari. The park is approximately two and a half hours from both airports, and the routes are characterized by the striking panoramic scenery of the Western Cape region.
The region is well-known for its moderate climate, with dry, hot summers and rainy winters accompanied frequently by mild winds. The coastline is extremely popular in summer among South Africans and foreigners, especially during the summer holidays, because of the comfortable summer conditions.
It is, however, best to visit the park at the end of the rainy winter through to late spring, between July and October, when the Cape fynbos and the revered proteas are everywhere in bloom. During this time, migratory birds also start visiting the park for their annual summer in the south, and the various antelope have their young.
Thousands of years ago, as was customary for the historic Khoi-khoi people of Southern Africa, the nomadic people settled close to life-giving waters. The Breede River was a perfect location for the Hessequa herders of sheep and cattle, and the Bontebok National Park lies where two Hessequa captains and their people lived. The arrival of the European settlers eight years after their arrival at the famous Cape of Good Hope was disastrous for the locals – disease, addiction, and rivalry reduced the people to a fraction of their once powerful clan. The park works hard to protect its cultural history as well.
Agriculture is prevalent in the Overberg region; the mineral-rich lands have been used as grazing lands since people arrived there. The arrival of European farmers and their guns spelled doom for the wild animals in the area. The Bontebok were hunted until the species neared extinction. After realizing the destruction's magnitude, local landowners set up private reserves. In 1931, with just 17 left, the Bontebok National Park was established, and today these beautiful animals can be seen in large numbers throughout the park.
As the name indicates, the park is best known for the Bontebok that roam the region. Bontebok are unique antelope, not just because of their rarity but also for their multifaceted appearance. The prominent white backside is a signaling mechanism and acts as a 'follow me' sign to their young. Many other plains game join these magnificent creatures on the park grounds, including the unusual Cape mountain zebra, grey rhebok, red hartebeest, grysbok, and steenbok. Carnivores are harder to find because of their nocturnal hunting habits, but the caracal, aardwolf, Cape fox, and bat-eared fox frequent the area.
Birding in the park is exceptional; you can look forward to seeing the blue crane, secretary bird, malachite and pearl-breasted swallow, to name a few. The area is also particularly well-known for hosting the Denham's bustard, one of the largest of the bustard species. The river valley also sports the water thick-knee and makes a perfect home for the Cape clawless otter. It should be noted that the region is also home to various reptiles, which include venomous snakes such as the puff adder. Snakes are shy and tend to avoid humans, but be vigilant at all times, especially when hiking or venturing into unpopulated areas.
The Bontebok National Park falls within the prolific Cape Floral Kingdom that is part of the fynbos biome and conserves critically endangered fynbos species, such as renosterveld, found nowhere else on earth. It is one of the most biologically diverse biomes endemic to the Western Cape. Despite its initial dull appearance, upon closer inspection, you will see an assortment of fauna and flora. A medley of multi-colored wildflowers and the famous protea can be seen everywhere. With over 650 plant species, of which approximately 30 are globally threatened, the conservation focus at the park is not limited to animals alone.
Nestled between the Langeberg Mountains and the coastline of the Western Cape, a couple of kilometers from Swellendam, the park and its rolling hills are a testament to dedicated conservation efforts. It is pretty unheard of to move a national park physically, but for the Bontebok National Park, this is a reality. Upon finding that the vegetation at the initial location of the park in Bredasdorp lacked the minerals to sustain the Bontebok effectively, the decision was made to move the entire park to another location.
The Bontebok National Park is extremely popular amongst fans of hiking. The differentiating features of the fynbos biome are emphasized splendidly along these routes, and each is beautiful in its own way. The routes range from 1.6 km to 5.5 km and are easy to moderate in terms of difficulty. Game viewing and bird watching are spectacular all year round, but spring is exceptional, with the antelope rearing their young, the flowers in bloom, and the migratory birds present. Mountain biking activities are available in the park - a great way to see a larger part of the park while getting some exercise.
Water-based activities are also available in the area, including canoeing, fishing, water-based birdwatching, and non-propelled boating. We recommend you spend some time at or on the water when the sun sets, and the river mirrors the pink, purple and orange colors. Swimming in the river is allowed at your own risk. A picnic near the river or a local 'braai' at a designated area is a perfect way to relax while taking in the surroundings. If you'd like to participate in a specific activity, please get in touch with us so we can arrange the necessary equipment.
