Bontebok National Park - SANParks

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.

Ends

Issued by: South African National Parks (SANParks)

13/05/2026

⚠️Bontebok National Park Closed⚠️

Following the inclement weather experienced across the province, 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.

15/04/2026

NOTICE: Control ecological burns in Bontebok National Park

Please be advised that Bontebok National Park, with the support of the Table Mountain National Park Fire Management team, is currently undertaking ecological burns in the Park as part of their scheduled veld management.

These activities will continue throughout the current week.

10/04/2026

Just 4 days to go! A landmark tourism development at Africa’s southernmost point is complete and ready for handover, unlocking new opportunities for visitors and the local community.

07/04/2026

We're excited for this one 🙌
The Agulhas Lighthouse Precinct handover coming soon...

This new addition strengthens the region’s offering, showcasing heritage, conservation, and visitor experience.

The Agulhas Lighthouse Precinct is ready to welcome visitors - marking an exciting milestone in preserving heritage, tourism, and community connection.

11/03/2026

Friendly Reminder

☀️ HEAT WAVE WARNING – CAPE REGION NATIONAL PARKS

The South African Weather Service has issued a Heat Wave Advisory for parts of the Western Cape from 9–13 March 2026, with very hot to extremely hot temperatures expected (36°C – 42°C in some areas).

Visitors to Cape Region National Parks, namely Agulhas, Bontebok, Table Mountain, Tankwa-Karoo and West Coast National Park, are urged to take extra precautions when visiting outdoor areas during this period.

🔥 Stay Safe During the Heat Wave
• Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated
• Avoid strenuous activities during peak heat (12:00–15:00)
• Wear light, loose clothing and sun protection
• Take frequent breaks in shaded or cool areas
• Look out for vulnerable individuals, including children and the elderly
• Never leave children or animals in parked vehicles
⚠️ Hot, dry conditions can also increase fire risk in natural areas, so visitors are urged to follow all park regulations and avoid open flames. Report fires immediately.

We encourage visitors to plan activities earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon and remain weather-aware.

For updates, follow official channels from the South African Weather Service.

09/03/2026

☀️ HEAT WAVE WARNING – CAPE REGION NATIONAL PARKS

The South African Weather Service has issued a Heat Wave Advisory for parts of the Western Cape from 9–13 March 2026, with very hot to extremely hot temperatures expected (36°C – 42°C in some areas).

Visitors to Cape Region National Parks, namely Agulhas, Bontebok, Table Mountain, Tankwa-Karoo and West Coast National Park, are urged to take extra precautions when visiting outdoor areas during this period.

🔥 Stay Safe During the Heat Wave
• Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated
• Avoid strenuous activities during peak heat (12:00–15:00)
• Wear light, loose clothing and sun protection
• Take frequent breaks in shaded or cool areas
• Look out for vulnerable individuals, including children and the elderly
• Never leave children or animals in parked vehicles
⚠️ Hot, dry conditions can also increase fire risk in natural areas, so visitors are urged to follow all park regulations and avoid open flames. Report fires immediately.

We encourage visitors to plan activities earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon and remain weather-aware.

For updates, follow official channels from the South African Weather Service.

19/02/2026

The Kids in Parks Programme has kicked off at Bontebok National Park!

The South African National Parks (SANParks) Kids in Parks Programme is an environmental education initiative designed to connect young learners with nature. The programme gives children the opportunity to explore national parks, learn about biodiversity and conservation, develop leadership skills, and understand the importance of protecting our natural heritage, all while having fun in the outdoors.

We were excited to welcome our first group, VRT Pitt Primary School, with 29 learners and 2 educators joining us in the Park.

Some of the activities included a scenic trail walk and bushbuck spotting from the start of the trails to Die Stroom, leadership and educational games, nteractive sessions on recycling and pollution and so much more.

A special thank you to our stakeholders from Community Action Partnership (CAP) for joining us and assisting with the fun and educational activities throughout the day. Your support helps make learning in nature even more impactful!

09/02/2026

CAP Disability Group Enjoys Educational Visit to Bontebok National Park

Bontebok National Park recently welcomed members of the Community Action Partnership (CAP) Disability Group for a day of learning and meaningful engagement with nature. CAP is a non-governmental organization based in the Western Cape that focuses on creating opportunities for growth and development in rural communities through learning, teaching, and impactful engagement with society. The visit reflected CAP’s commitment to inclusive education and community empowerment, while aligning with the park’s mandate to promote environmental awareness.

The purpose of the visit was to provide participants with a deeper understanding of Bontebok National Park’s rich natural and cultural heritage. The BNP team delivered informative presentations on the park’s biodiversity, introducing participants to the diverse plant and animal species found within the park and explaining their importance within the broader ecosystem. The team also shared insights into the park’s history, offering context on the conservation efforts that have shaped the area over time.

To enhance the learning experience, CAP facilitators coordinated a series of interactive educational games and activities. These sessions were designed to make learning accessible, engaging, and enjoyable, encouraging active participation and reinforcing key environmental concepts through hands-on interaction. The collaborative approach helped create a supportive learning environment where participants could explore new ideas at their own pace.

Beyond the educational component, the visit provided a valuable opportunity for the CAP Disability Group to connect with nature in a safe and welcoming setting. The visit was a rewarding experience that highlighted the importance of partnerships between conservation institutions and community-based organizations. By combining CAP’s community-focused mission with Bontebok National Park’s conservation expertise, the event demonstrated how inclusive, experiential learning can inspire environmental awareness and strengthen community connections.

06/02/2026

Re-establishing partnerships for conservation

SANParks today hosted the first sitting of the re-established Bontebok National Park and Marloth Advisory Forum at Bontebok National Park.

The forum provides an important platform for collaboration between the park, local communities, and stakeholders, supporting conservation, tourism, and improved visitor experience in line with the Protected Areas Act.

We look forward to continued constructive engagement for the benefit of Bontebok National Park and the greater Swellendam community.