About Bontebok National Park
Bontebok National Park Flora & Fauna
The Bontebok National Park is known popularly to shelter and conserve the world’s richest ecosystem of the rare Renosterveld, a type of fynbos vegetation. In addition to Renosterveld, the national park is also home to over 650 species of other indigenous plants. Of these, around 29 species are globally threatened and 23 are conservation concerns. Some of the commonly spotted species of plants inside the Bontebok National Park include Breede River Yellowwood, Black Wattle, Western Coastal Wattle, Sweet Thorn, Golden Wreath Wattle, Cape Rattlepod, Jackaltail Ganna, Fringe Capegorse, Bottlebrush Capegorse, Black Capegorse, Braless Capegorse, Cute Capegorse, Dune Tortoise Berry, and many more.
As its name suggests, the Bontebok National Park is home to a myriad of bonteboks, one of Africa’s rare antelopes. The national park also houses other species of wildlife that can be spotted on a game viewing drive. Commonly seen creatures inside the national park include Stanley’s bustard, African clawless otter, steenbok, Cape Mountain Zebra, Grey Rhebok, Red Hartebeest, Duiker, angulate tortoises, and Cape Grysbok. The park has more than 200 species of colorful, fascinating birds including Blue cranes, malachite sunbirds, mousebirds, Cape weavers, fiscal shrikes, crowned plovers, harriers, Cape francolins, hadedas, khorasan, Denham’s bustard, Klaas’s cuckoo, southern black korhaan, lesser double collared sunbird, water thick-knee, and swee waxbill.
Things to Do at Bontebok National Park
If you are visiting the Bontebok National Park, you will definitely want to enjoy a game viewing drive, one of the prime attractions of the national park. There are two game drive loops here that offer spectacular views of the picturesque Breede River as well as the serene countryside. During your game drive, you can spot a number of fascinating animals including Bonteboks, red hartebeest, steenbok, Cape clawless otter, Cape mountain zebra, and gray rhebok.
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Birding happens to be one of the most popular activities in the Bontebok National Park, thanks to the more than 200 species of fascinating birds that reside here. On your bird watching tour, you can spot a wide array of colorful birds, including but not limited to blue cranes, Denham’s bustard, Klaas’s cuckoo, southern black korhaan, lesser double collared sunbird, water thick-knee, and swee waxbill. You may also spot some fiery-necked nightjars in the evening.
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There are many campsites in the Bontebok National Park that provide you a luxurious stay in the lap of nature. Or you can park your caravan here or pitch your own tent for shade and privacy. If you are going camping between the months of November and April, you can choose the Riverside Campsite.
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If you are visiting the Bontebok National Park with your loved ones, take some time to unwind and relax at the postcard-perfect Die Stroom. You can also enjoy a picnic lunch on the lush green grass, under the shady trees. If you want to cool yourself off, you can go for a refreshing swim in the serene Breede River.
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If you are a nature lover, you are likely to want to take a nature walk inside the Bontebok National Park and explore its natural splendors. The national park has a total of 4 walking trails - the 1.6 kilometers long Acacia Trail, the 5.4 kilometers long Bushbuck Trail, the 1.9 kilometers long Aloe Hill Trail, and the 6.3 kilometers long Termite Trail. You are recommended to carry your camera on this walking tour to click some excellent nature photographs.
One of the most recommended things to do at Bontebok National Park for plant lovers is exploring the native flora. You can see umpteen species of plant life, including but not limited to restios, proteas, ericas, aloes, and renosterveld plants. Though the spring season is the best time of the year to observe the maximum flower blooms and plants.
Plan Your Visit to Bontebok National Park
How to Reach
- By Car
The Bontebok National Park is located at a distance of 540 km from Port Elizabeth, 240 km from Cape Town, and 6 km from Swellendam. You can drive through the N2 highway to reach the national park.
- By Air
The closest airport to the Bontebok National Park is the Swellengrebel Airport. Once you reach here, you can hire a car and reach the national park.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Bontebok National Park is during the spring season between the months of September and November and during the autumn season from the months of March and May. These are the perfect times of the year to see multi-coloured flowers and young antelopes and go for enjoyable activities like birding, fishing, and mountain biking.
Binoculars
A light-weight, waterproof rain jacket
Hiking boots
Quick-dry shorts and lightweight long-sleeve shirts
Sunscreen with good SPF
A large reusable water bottle
Camera
A personal medical kit
Cash
Important documents like passport, tickets, visas, travel insurance, and emergency contact information
Carry some dry foods and plenty of water as you will have to do a lot of walking and would need to re-energize yourself.
Wear a sturdy pair of shoes that is suitable for all kinds of terrains.
To avoid disappointment, remember to book your visit in advance as the national park remains booked almost throughout the year.
Carry a sunscreen as you would want to keep yourself from getting sun tanned due to the long day of activities in the national park.
FAQ's of Bontebok National Park
What activities can we do at Bontebok National Park camps?
- Picnicking and barbeque
- Short hiking trips
- Bird watching
- Nature trails
- Photography
- Camping
- Game drives
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Swimming
- Fishing
How many days do you need in Bontebok National Park?
2 days are enough to explore the Bontebok National Park. On your two days trip to the national park, you can engage in all the fun activities at the national park and also enjoy camping overnight.
What is the best time of year to visit the Bontebok National Park?
The best time to visit the Bontebok National Park is during the spring season between the months of September and November and during the autumn season between the months of March and May. These are the perfect times of the year to see multi-coloured flowers and young antelopes and go for enjoyable activities like birding, fishing, and mountain biking.
What facilities will I get in Bontebok National Park camps?
- Swimming pool
- Heater
- Air-conditioning
- Towels and linens
- Lagoon view rooms
- Fireplace
- Garden
- En-suite bathrooms
- Tea and coffee marker
- Dining area
- Fully-functional open kitchen
- Fireplace
- Play area and indoor games
- Braai facilities
- Viewing deck
- Balcony/patio
Which are the best places to visit in Bontebok National Park?
- Breede River
- Bontebok NP
- Die Stroom