Lit by the sun, the distinctive white blaze on the faces of a herd of bontebok almost seeems to glow as they graze contentendly. Some Cape moutain zebra saunter past, rudely interrupting a stately secretary birds earnest reverie. Carp and large-mouth bass break the surface of the gently flowing Breede River, producing ever-increasing concentric ripples. Large herds of bontebok usedto traverse the wide coastal plains of south-western Cape. Today, they are limitedto a handful of sanctuaries, such as the 3 500-ha Bontebok National Park where afew hundred of these beautiful animals can be found. Here they are joind by the grey rhebok, Cape grysbok, red hartebeest, caracal, mongoose and other species of antelope, as well as a rich diversity of birdlife. All flourish in the temperate climate with rains falling mainly during early summer and winter.

Facilities and Activities

Six-berth chalavans, fitted with basic kitchen equipment and sharing communal facilities are availabel in the park, as well as fuel and basic commodities. Visit nearby Swellendam for fresh produce. Caravan and camping sites are located close to the peacful Breede River and day visitors can relax at several picnic spots.

How to get there

The Bontebok National Park, an ideal stopover on the way to the Garden Route (N2), is situated some 240 km from Cape Town and about 6 km south from the picturesque town of Swellendam with its small airport.