Under the shade of the Langeberg Mountains lies the Bontebok National Park. This Cape Floral Sanctuary has been declared a world heritage site. It proudly boasts impressive biodiversity, ranging from endangered coastal Renosterveld to the bontebok itself (brought back from near extinction to a thriving indigenous population), this
SANPark also offers an impressive population of over 200 bird species.
Surrounded by the cascading Langeberg Mountains, Bontebok Park is set above the banks of the tranquil Breede River - just above the incredibly picturesque Breede River Valley. Situated in one of the richest floral kingdoms in the world, the Cape Floral Kingdom, the serene open spaces of the park offer a reprieve from modern life with their breathtaking views of Cape flora and indigenous wildlife. Owing to extraordinarily high diversity and endemism, the Cape Floral Kingdom has been named a UNESCO biodiversity hotspot, together with the Karoo Succulent, and the park is home to some 470 species of plants.
Along with achievements in biodiversity, Bontebok Park boasts milestones in conservation that include bringing the colourful Bontebok antelope from a group totaling 17 to a thriving population of around 3000. The park also offers visitors the chance to see some of the incredible 200 species of endemic and migratory birds that reside here. Denham’s (Stanley’s) Bustard can be regularly seen along with the Blue Crane, several species of water-bird, as well as flycatcher and sunbird species. Red Hartebeest, Grey Rhebok, Steenbok and Grysbok are some of the commonly spotted antelope species which roam alongside the 22 endangered Cape Mountain Zebra. Shy nocturnal species like Caracal, Bat-Eared Fox, Cape Fox and Aardwolf can be seen from open safari vehicles on night drives.
The park is an ideal stopover on the Garden Route, situated just six kilometers from the idyllic town of Swellendam. A place of charming beauty with an incredible array of indigenous life, Bontebok National Park offers a serene getaway in South Africa’s exceptional wilderness.