The Bontebok National Park is found in the region that has a rich bounty of sanctuaries including the ruggedly beautiful Tsitsikama National park. The Bontebok National park is the traditional home of the bontebok where the once threatened animal is increasing dramatically in numbers. Among other buck that the visitor can see is the Grey Rhebok, Cape grysbok, steenbok and grey duiker. 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 to this transitional fynbos region.
The Breede River flows through a part of the park and carp have been introduced. Bontebok gather at the Bontebok National park’s watering places early in the morning and, unlike other species, remain in the vicinity of the water until about 3p.m. when they move back towards the areas in which they spend the night.
Special attractions of the Bontebok National Park are the beautiful profusion of flowers. Erica, gladiolus, protea and mesembryanthemum are among the more than 470 species of plant within the park. Along the Breede River are some beautiful indigenous tree species, including sweet thorn, Breede River yellow wood, boekenhout, wild olive and milk wood. Fishing in the Bontebok National Park has a high rating among anglers. Anglers must be in possession of a valid angling permit. Game viewing from your own vehicle can be done. Two short nature trails, starting and ending in the restcamp area are another of the Bontebok National park’s activities. Bathing in the Breede River is also permitted - only in the immediate vicinity of the camp sites. |
