Bontebok National Park - SANParks

08/10/2026

Empowerment of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in Swellendam at a Business Compliance Workshop

SANParks’ Bontebok National Park partnered with the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA) to host a Business Compliance Workshop in Swellendam. The workshop provided Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from the area with skills and tools required to operate compliant and sustainable businesses.

Focused of the workshop included the importance of business compliance as a requirement to enable access to procurement opportunities within government institutions and public entities such as SANParks.

Key institutions involved in the business compliance ecosystem, including the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), South African Revenue Service (SARS) and National Treasury, participated in the workshop and provided practical guidance to local businesses. SEDFA and the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) also presented available funding and business support opportunities.

The workshop was attended by 38 MSMEs from Swellendam, reflecting the strong interest among local entrepreneurs in accessing markets and growing their businesses.

The ultimate goal of these interventions is to create a stronger pipeline of local, compliant and market-ready MSMEs that can participate in economic opportunities within and around national parks. SANParks seeks to see more procurement and enterprise development opportunities within parks such as Bontebok National Park benefiting local businesses and contributing to inclusive local economic development.

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Issued by: South African National Parks (SANParks)

02/10/2026

Come and visit the SANParks exhibition stand at the Hermanus Whale Festival's Eco-Marine Village this weekend!

Stop by our stand to learn more about SANParks, explore South Africa's incredible national parks, and discover the exciting experiences and conservation initiatives we have to offer. We look forward to meeting you!

24/09/2026

Happy Heritage Day!

Together, let's honour, protect, and preserve the heritage that connects us all.

07/09/2026

SA National Parks Week is here! 🇿🇦

From 7 to 13 September 2026, South Africans with a valid ID can enjoy free entry to participating national parks across the country.

Take this opportunity to reconnect with nature, explore South Africa's rich biodiversity, and experience the beauty of our natural heritage. Whether you're a hiking enthusiast, birdwatcher, wildlife lover, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, there's something for everyone.

📍 Check your park's participation dates here: https://shorturl.at/oeg1D

📸 Share your favourite moments and adventures using

06/09/2026

1 DAY LEFT.

Free access starts tomorrow. Don't miss it.

Check your park's participation dates and join the celebration of our natural and cultural heritage: https://shorturl.at/oeg1D

05/09/2026

2 DAYS TO GO.

Free access. Once a year. Don't miss this one.

Check your park's participation dates and join the celebration of our natural and cultural heritage: https://shorturl.at/oeg1D

04/09/2026

01/09/2026

6 Days To Go
Discover the natural and cultural heritage that belongs to all South Africans.

Things to do in Bontebok National Park:
Get close to nature and look out for the park’s namesake bontebok. Visitors can enjoy the park’s hiking and cycling routes, except for the Bushbuck and Ou Tuin trails, which remain closed following the flooding incident in May 2026. Fishing along the Breede River and relaxing in the park’s scenic surroundings are also popular activities.

Check your park's specific free access dates and entry conditions before travelling. sanparks.org/events/sa-national-parks-week-2026

SA National Parks Week offers free access to most of the 21 national parks for day visitors. This initiative aims to encourage South Africans to explore their natural heritage and foster a sense of ownership.

01/09/2026

13/05/2026

Media Release: WEATHER IMPACTS AFFECT A NUMBER OF PARKS IN THE CAPE REGION
13 May 2026

Severe weather conditions experienced across the Western Cape over recent days have resulted in flooding, infrastructure damage, electricity outages and temporary closures across a number of SANParks-managed parks in the Cape region, including Agulhas, Bontebok, Table Mountain, Tankwa Karoo and West Coast National Parks.

The South African Weather Service has further warned of continued cold, wet and windy conditions across parts of the province in the coming days.

At Table Mountain National Park, most visitor areas remain open, including Signal Hill, Lion’s Head, Deer Park, Newlands Picnic Site and hiking trails in Newlands, Tokai Picnic Site, Cecilia and Constantia Nek. At Silvermine, Gate 1 is partially open following damage to ablution facilities and water tanks caused by strong winds. The Elephants Eye Trail from the Silvermine dam remains closed due to falling trees. The Tokai Arboretum also remains closed due to falling branches and blocked access routes. Rangers continue with clean-up operations and infrastructure assessments.
Bontebok National Park is temporarily closed following severe flooding along the Breede River, with chalets at Lang Elsie’s Kraal Rest Camp under water and several hiking trails affected.
West Coast National Park remains open despite infrastructure damage to the Abrahamskraal and Van Breda accommodation facilities caused by wind speeds of up to 90km/h recorded on 11 May 2026.

Agulhas National Park and the wider Cape Agulhas municipal area continue to experience electricity outages following the severe weather, affecting communication systems and operations. Rising water levels have also been reported along the R319 between Bredasdorp and Struisbaai.

At Tankwa Karoo National Park, all access roads remain open although extremely wet conditions persist throughout the park.

Visitors and hikers are urged to exercise caution, avoid flooded or unsafe areas, adhere to temporary closures and monitor weather forecasts before visiting parks or undertaking hiking activities.

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Issued by: South African National Parks (SANParks)