Bontebok National Park

Description

Bontebok National Park forms part of the Cape Floral Kingdom and has been heralded as a World Heritage Site. The Langeberg Mountains provide a picturesque backdrop for this park of simplistic beauty and peaceful charm, where something is always in bloom.

Although it is the smallest of South Africa’s national parks, Bontebok National Park plays a significant role in biodiversity conservation. The park was proclaimed in 1931 to protect the last 30 bontebok left in the wild. Numbers diminished to a mere 17, but through effective management, the park is proud to affirm that the present world population is around 3,000. The park has plenty to offer nature lovers, from diverse indigenous wildlife to over 200 remarkable species of bird, and rare flora such as the endangered coastal Renosterveld fynbos.

Forming a tranquil western border to the park, The Breede River offers scenery, bird watching, fishing, and a refreshing swimming spot for guests. Visitors can also enjoy various hiking and cycling trails, as well as a cultural experience where they can learn about the life of the Khoisan people.

Bontebok is an excellent base to explore the many attractions in the surrounding region. These include the hot springs in Montagu; the wine routes and buildings of Swellendam, Robertson, Montagu, Ashton, and Bonnievale; and the 6-day hiking trail that winds through the Langeberg Mountains in Marloth Nature Reserve.

Activities & facilities

• Birding
• Self-drive game viewing
• Hiking trails
• Canoeing and kayaking (with own equipment)
• Biking and mountain biking
• Picnic and braai sites with ablution facilities
• A shop with basic commodities and curios