South Africa's Bontebok National Park

Useful Information

History

Thousands of years ago, as was customary for the historic Khoi-khoi people of Southern Africa, nomadic communities settled close to life-giving waters. The Breede River was a perfect location for the Hessequa herders of sheep and cattle, and Bontebok National Park lies where two Hessequa captains and their people lived. The arrival of European settlers soon after their arrival at the Cape of Good Hope proved disastrous—disease, addiction, and rivalry reduced the community to a fraction of its once powerful clan. The park works hard to protect its cultural history as well.

Agriculture is prevalent in the Overberg; the mineral-rich lands have been used as grazing since people arrived. The arrival of European farmers and their guns spelled doom for wildlife. Bontebok were hunted until the species neared extinction. After the scale of destruction became clear, local landowners set up private reserves. In 1931, with just 17 bontebok left, the national park was established; today these beautiful antelope are seen in healthy numbers throughout the park.

Wildlife

As the name indicates, the park is best known for bontebok that roam the region. Many other plains game join these magnificent antelope 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 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 blue crane, secretarybird, malachite and pearl-breasted swallow, to name a few. The river valley also hosts water thick-knee and makes a perfect home for the Cape clawless otter. The region is also home to various reptiles, including 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.

Vegetation & Terrain

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. Despite an initially muted palette, closer inspection reveals a remarkable assortment of fauna and flora. A medley of multicolored wildflowers and the famous protea can be seen seasonally. With over ~500 plant species and many threatened taxa, conservation focus is not limited to animals alone.

Nestled between the Langeberg Mountains and the Western Cape coastline, a couple of kilometers from Swellendam, the park and its rolling hills are a testament to dedicated conservation efforts. Unusually for a national park, Bontebok was physically moved from its original site once it was discovered that the initial location was unsuitable—today’s setting along the Breede River better supports the habitat needs of bontebok and renosterveld.

Activities

Bontebok National Park is extremely popular among hikers. Signed routes range from 1.6 km to 5.5 km and are easy to moderate in difficulty. Game viewing and bird watching are rewarding year-round, with spring often exceptional when antelope rear young, flowers bloom, and migratory birds arrive. Mountain biking on designated routes is a great way to see more of the park.

Water-based activities are available in the area, including canoeing, fishing, water-based birdwatching, and non-motorized boating. A picnic near the river or a local ‘braai’ at a designated area is a perfect way to relax while taking in the surroundings. Swimming in the river is allowed at your own risk. If you’d like to participate in a specific activity, please contact us so we can arrange the necessary equipment.