Bontebok National Park was created in 1931 to protect the localized antelope for which it is named. South Africa’s smallest national park, it has an attractive and convenient location bordering the aptly named Breede (Wide) River near the historic town of Swellendam. This park isn’t a destination, but it hosts plenty of wildlife and offers a variety of outdoor activities.
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Best Time To Go
- October to April (Dry summer months)
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High Season
- December to January (Never very busy)
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Size
- 28km² / 11mi²
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Altitude
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60-200m /197-656ft
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Pros & Cons
- Good for mammals such as and
- No dangerous large animals, so unguided walking is permitted
- Other possible activities include cycling and
- Convenient stop on road trips from Cape Town to the Garden Route
- The checklist of 200-plus bird species includes several
- Three species are regularly seen on the roads
- No
- Accommodations within the park are basic (better options are available in nearby Swellendam)
Wildlife
The star attraction is the , a striking chocolate-toned antelope with a bold white face and rump. This subspecies is to the Western Cape, and the entire global population of 3,000 descends from a herd translocated to Bontebok NP in the 1960s. Other and include , , , , angulate tortoise and birds such as , and southern black korhaan.
Scenery
Bontebok NP supports a cover of largely unspoiled , a unique vegetation type restricted to the Western Cape. It is notable for its high density of and , which bloom to spectacular effect in winter and spring. The wide and pretty Breede River flows along the park’s southern boundary, while the peaks of the Langeberg Mountains loom on the northern horizon.
Activities
You can see plenty of wildlife on a excursion along the well-maintained roads. A choice of four circular walking trails, ranging from 1.6km/1mi to 6km/3.7mi, is especially recommended for keen bird-watchers. Swimming is permitted in the Breede River. Other activities include and cycling (there’s a 12.3km/7.6mi mountain-bike trail), but you need your own gear for these. Make time to check out nearby Swellendam, South Africa’s third-oldest town.
Weather & Climate
Bontebok NP experiences a distinct summer and winter, which fall at opposite times of the year to the same seasons in the northern hemisphere. Summer (October to April) is characterized by long warm-to-hot days, pleasantly cool evenings and dry weather. Winter (May to September) is usually pleasant by day and cold at night, but it’s when the bulk of the rain falls, so persistently damp days are a possibility.
Best Time To Visit Bontebok NP
In terms of wildlife viewing, it doesn’t greatly matter when you visit Bontebok NP. Climatically, however, the best time to be there is summer (October to April). This is the warmest and driest season, and best for bird watching due to the seasonal presence of . Spring and early summer are best for wildflowers, which can be very impressive.
How To Get to Bontebok NP
Bontebok NP lies on the southern outskirts of Swellendam, a large and well-equipped town on the N2 between Cape Town and the Garden Route. Roughly 215km/134mi (3 hours’ drive*) east of Cape Town and 220km/137mi (2½ hours’ drive*) west of George (the largest town on the Garden Route), the park is easily visited as a day or overnight stop en route between the two.
*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.
Health & Safety
Please read our malaria and vaccinations page for South Africa and our general ‘Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions’ for more info: